Who doesn’t love a good scone? I have memories of visiting my grandmother in England as a child, and she always had batches of biscuits. Is there a place to buy freshly baked scones? I can’t get enough of the smell. It’s enough to make my mouth water! These aren’t your dry, crumbly scones that taste like cardboard. What are some of the best clotted creams to serve with jam? What is the best British scones recipe? What’s better than a muffin? Is it easier to make a cake?
What is a British spy?
British scone is a type of Quick Bread, similar to an American biscuit but slightly sweeter. Often served with clotted cream and jam. Think of it as a cross between biscuit and sweet roll, but not quite as rich as either. What is essentially a dough that’s baked until golden brown and fluffy? What is the origin of the word “scone”? Scottish Stone of Scone, where kings were crowned. No matter where the name comes from, one thing’s for sure: they’re absolutely delicious!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best British scones recipes? What are some of my favorites?
- Flavor Explosion:The buttery, slightly sweet flavor is incredible on its own, but when paired with clotted cream and apricots. What’s the best thing about jam, it’ Every bite is like a party in your mouth.
- Easy Peasy:Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This recipe is surprisingly simple. Even if you’re a beginner baker, you can nail this. What I love about this is that it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Budget FriendlyAll you need is a few basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. No fancy, expensive ingredients required!
- Versatile DelightCan you serve these scones for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even as a dessert? What are some good side dishes to serve with soup?
If you like biscuits or sweet rolls, you’re going to love these scones. And unlike some recipes that require a ton of kneading or rising time, this one is quick, easy, and delicious. Which software is the best for delivering amazing results every time? What is my go-to recipe when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want to spend hours in a hurry.
How do I make a British Scones?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make British scones? What’s the best way to combine dry ingredients, cut in the butter, add the wet ingredients and mix gently. How do you shape dough and bake? What is the best way to make a scones? This recipe is special because it uses a combination of butter and heavy cream, which gives the recipe its flavor. What makes scones so tender and moist? I’ve included a little secret ingredient (a pinch of baking soda! ) that helps them rise beautifully.
Ingredients
For the Scones: Is it
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: I always use unbleached flour for the best flavor and texture.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Feel free to adjust this to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet scone, you can reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: This is what gives the scones their lift, so make sure it’s fresh!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: My secret ingredient for extra fluffy scones!
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes: It’s crucial that the butter is cold! How do you create little pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in flaky texture?
- 3/4 cup heavy cream: This adds richness and moisture to the scones. I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier!
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten: For brushing the tops of the scones before baking.
Optional additions:
- 1/2 cup raisins, currants, or dried cranberries: Adds a touch of sweetness and chewiness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brightens up the flavor of the scones.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. How do you clean a scones? Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the scones in, as this will help them rise.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and baking soda. Set aside. Whisking ensures that everything is evenly distributed, which is important for the texture of the food. I always give it a good whisk for about 30 seconds to make sure there are no clumps.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles Sour Cream. The butter should be in small pieces, about the size of peas. This is the most important step for creating flaky scones, so don’t skip it! Is it possible to use a food processor for this step?
Step 4: Add the Cream
The heavy cream should be incorporated into a bowl and stirred. Do not overmix! The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky. Overmixing will develop gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. I usually use a wooden spoon for this step and stir just until everything comes together.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into an inch thick circle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or sharp knife to cut out the scones. If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, you can simply cut the circle into wedges. Place the scones on a baking sheet, about 1 inch apart.
Step 6: Brush with Egg
Brush the tops of scones with the lightly beaten egg. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. Is it safe to sprinkle them with sugar?
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as they can brown quickly. If they start to get too dark, you can tent them with foil.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the scones cool on a wire rack for about 5 minutes before serving. What are the best side dishes to serve warm with clotted cream and jam?
What should I serve it with?
British Scones are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many different ways.
- For Breakfast:Pair them with a cup of strong black coffee or latte. What are some of the best side dishes to serve with fresh fruit?
- For Brunch:Serve them as part of a larger brunch spread, along with eggs, bacon, and mimosas! I love to create a little scone bar with different jams, creams and toppings.
- For Afternoon Tea: WhatWhat is the best way to enjoy a scones? Serve with clotted cream, jam, and a pot of Earl Grey tea. Don’t forget the cucumber sandwiches!
- As Dessert: Warm scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream make a simple yet satisfying dessert. A drizzle of chocolate sauce or a sprinkle of nuts would also be a nice touch.
My family loves to eat these scones with homemade strawberry jam and Devonshire clotted cream. It’s a little taste of England right here in my own kitchen!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your British Scones
- Keep Everything Cold: This is the key to flaky scones. Make sure your butter, cream, and even your flour are cold. I sometimes put my flour in the freezer for 30 minutes before using it.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which results in tough scones. Mix just until the dough comes together. It’s okay if there are still some streaks of flour.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Be gentle when patting out the dough and cutting out the scones. Avoid pressing down too hard, as this will compress the dough and prevent it from rising properly.
- Use a Sharp Cutter: A sharp biscuit cutter will create clean edges, which will help the scones rise evenly. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this will seal the edges and prevent them from rising.
- Bake at the Right Temperature: Baking the scones at a high temperature (400°F) will help them rise quickly and create a golden-brown crust.
- Don’t Overbake: Overbaking will result in dry, crumbly scones. Bake until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
I’ve learned these tips the hard way, after many batches of dry, tough scones. Trust me, following these guidelines will make all the difference! I once tried using melted butter instead of cold butter, and the scones turned out flat and greasy. Never again!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Room Temperature: Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They are best enjoyed fresh, but they will still be delicious the next day.
- Refrigerator Storage: Store the scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freezer Instructions: Freeze the scones in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or reheat them directly from frozen.
I usually bake a big batch of scones on the weekend and freeze them for a quick and easy breakfast during the week. I’ve found that they taste best when reheated in the oven, but the microwave works in a pinch!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this British scones recipe a try. It’s one of those recipes that I’ve made countless times, and it never fails to impress. The combination of the soft, fluffy texture and the buttery, slightly sweet flavor is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s so easy to make! If you’re looking for a comforting and delicious treat, this is it. If you enjoy this recipe, you might also like my recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins or my Blueberry Scones. Both are equally delicious and easy to make! Happy baking! Can’t wait to hear how yours turns out!
British Scones Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons Baking powder
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 4 tablespoons Cold unsalted butter Cut into small pieces
- 1 cup Milk Plus more for brushing
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat to a 1-inch thickness.
- Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter to cut out scones.
- Place scones onto a baking sheet and brush with milk.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.