Raisin Tea Biscuits

⅔ cup raisins

1 cup hot water

3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour

3 tablespoons white sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¾ cup cold butter, cut into pieces

1 cup milk

1 egg

1 tablespoon water

Preheat an oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Soak raisins in water for 10 minutes; drain and set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl. Cut in the butter with a knife or pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir milk into the flour mixture until moistened. Add the drained raisins. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat or roll the dough out into a 3/4 to 1-inch thick round. Cut dough with a biscuit cutter and place onto the prepared baking sheet. Beat the egg with 1 tablespoon water in a small bowl. Brush egg mixture on each biscuit.

Bake in the preheated oven until golden brown, about 15 minutes.