Scones are a quintessential part of British tea culture, loved for their light and flaky texture.
Whether served with clotted cream and jam or enjoyed plain, scones make for a delightful treat at any time of day.
This recipe will guide you through the steps to create perfect scones every time.
With a few simple ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy fresh, homemade scones that are sure to impress.
Classic Scones
Light, flaky, and perfectly delicious, these homemade scones are the ultimate treat for any occasion! ☕
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 ½ sticks unsalted butter, cold
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Coarse sugar
Instructions
1. Gather Ingredients and Preheat Oven: Collect all your ingredients and preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well blended.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. If adding mix-ins, fold them in gently at this stage.
6. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
7. Cut Scones: Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
8. Brush with Cream: Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream to give them a shiny, golden finish.
9. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
10. Cool: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for Best Results
- Cold Butter: Ensure to use cold butter when making scones. This helps create air pockets during baking and gives a flaky texture.
- Do Not Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones tender.
- Add-ins: Customize your scones with mix-ins such as dried cranberries, blueberries, chocolate chips, or nuts.
FAQs
Q1: Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may vary. Whole wheat flour will make the scones denser, while a gluten-free blend should provide similar results to all-purpose flour.
Q2: Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and cut the scones in advance. Place them on a baking sheet and freeze. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Q3: How do I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones for up to 3 months.
Q4: Can I add fresh fruit to the scones?
Yes, you can add fresh fruit such as blueberries or raspberries. Be sure to pat the fruit dry to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Q5: How do I achieve the best rise in my scones?
Ensure your baking powder is fresh and do not overwork the dough. Keeping the ingredients cold also helps achieve a better rise.
