Biscuits are a cultural staple in Britain, often eaten with a cup of tea. And for many of us, the biscuit isn’t simply eaten alongside a steaming hot cuppa - it’s dunked into the brew before being nibbled on. This tradition is thought by some to have originated in the 16th century when sailors would soften ‘hard tack’ biscuits by soaking them in liquid. 

Not every biscuit is able to withstand a good dunk, so it’s vital to choose wisely. Here, we list eight of the best options if you are stopping for tea and biscuits on a day out with family.  To avoid controversy they’re in no particular order!

1. Chocolate digestives

Chocolate digestives are one of the nation’s favourite dunking biscuits, despite research suggesting they aren’t cut out for it. While they do go soggy relatively quickly, the simple solution is to sandwich two together when dunking for twice the enjoyment!
 

2. Gingernuts

If you love the warming spicy notes of ginger, these are a glorious accompaniment to tea. Their crunchy texture is satisfying, but they also soften nicely when dunked and they absorb a commendable amount of your brew without crumbling. 

3. Bourbons

Chocolaty and crunchy with a smooth layer of chocolate cream sandwiched inside, the bourbon is tasty on its own, but even better dunked in milk or tea. Its structure means it doesn’t fall apart either, making it perfect for multiple dunks.

4. Malted milks

Malted milks celebrated their centenary in 2024, and there’s a good reason why they’re still enjoyed: they are a classic biscuit for dunking. There’s something about that malty flavour that really compliments a good cup of builders’ tea. 
 

5. Hobnobs

A biscuit that sometimes divides opinion when it comes to dunking, the Hobnob makes our list because not only is it delicious, it’s also robust enough to withstand a few dunks without becoming too soggy. Even better is the chocolate Hobnob, which will impart some sweetness to your tea during dunking.
 

6. Shortbread

With its buttery, crumbly texture, shortbread is a favourite among those who don’t like to leave their biscuit in the tea too long. There’s a risk of crumbs ending up in the bottom of your cup, but we feel it’s worth it for the delightful taste combination. 
 

7. Custard creams

The custard cream is a simple yet highly effective biscuit, adding sweetness to your tea after a dunk and soaking up the liquid without falling apart. It’s even a solid choice for those who prefer coffee, with the vanilla cream giving a kind of tiramisu vibe to the bitterness of the coffee.
 

8. Chocolate chip cookie

We’re not talking about the super soft, doughy cookies that you get in fancy bakeries here. The best kind of choc chip cookie for dunking is the crunchy type that has a dense texture and the ability to soak up a mouthful of tea while retaining its crumbly texture. Divine!

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