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Classic Scones – A Timeless British Treat

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Introduction

Scones are a classic British baked good, perfect for afternoon tea, brunch, or a comforting snack. With their light, flaky texture and slightly sweet flavor, they pair beautifully with strawberry jam and clotted cream.

This traditional scone recipe is simple, foolproof, and perfect for beginners, ensuring you achieve perfectly golden, soft, and fluffy scones every time. Whether you’re enjoying them with tea or as a quick breakfast treat, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Quick & Easy – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and ready in under 30 minutes.
✔ Light & Fluffy Texture – Perfectly risen scones with a soft, crumbly bite.
✔ Classic British Flavor – Just the right balance of sweetness and richness.
✔ Versatile – Serve plain or with jam, cream, honey, or butter.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Freeze and reheat for fresh scones anytime.

Ingredients Needed

For the Scones:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
  • ⅓ cup (80ml) milk

For the Glaze:

  • 1 egg yolk
  • 1 tablespoon milk

For Serving:

  • Strawberry jam
  • Clotted cream (at room temperature)

Step-by-Step Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together:
  • Flour
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  1. Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour mixture using your fingertips until the texture resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Add the Milk & Form the Dough

  1. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring continuously until a dough forms.
  2. The dough should be slightly sticky but not too wet. If too dry, add a splash of milk.
  3. Lightly flour a surface and transfer the dough. Gently knead it 2-3 times until smooth.

Step 4: Shape & Cut the Scones

  1. Roll the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
  2. Using a floured 2-inch round cookie cutter, cut out scones. Press straight down—don’t twist to ensure even rising.
  3. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.

Step 5: Glaze & Bake

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together egg yolk and 1 tbsp milk.
  2. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the egg wash for a golden finish.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and firm.

Step 6: Cool & Serve

  1. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 30 minutes.
  2. To make them softer, cover with a clean tea towel while cooling.
  3. Serve warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream for the ultimate classic experience.

Best Tips for Perfect Scones

✔ Use Cold Butter – This helps create flaky layers in the scones.
✔ Don’t Overwork the Dough – Knead just enough to bring it together; over-kneading makes them dense.
✔ Use a Sharp Cutter – Press straight down without twisting for even rising.
✔ Chill Before Baking – For extra fluffiness, refrigerate shaped scones for 10 minutes before baking.
✔ Let Them Cool Slightly – This allows the texture to fully set before serving.

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Variations & Customizations

Fruit Scones

  • Add ½ cup raisins, currants, or chopped dried fruit to the dough.

Cheese Scones

  • Reduce sugar to 2 tbsp and add ½ cup grated cheddar cheese.

Lemon or Orange Scones

  • Add 1 tbsp lemon or orange zest for a citrusy twist.

Chocolate Chip Scones

  • Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips for a sweet variation.

Serving Suggestions

🍽 With Classic Afternoon Tea – Serve with Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea.
🍽 With Butter & Honey – A simple but delicious alternative to jam.
🍽 With Lemon Curd – A tangy, creamy topping that pairs beautifully.
🍽 With Fresh Berries – Adds natural sweetness and freshness.

How to Store & Reheat

Room Temperature:

  • Store scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigeration:

  • Not recommended, as it can dry out the scones.

Freezing:

  • Wrap baked scones in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat in a preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) for 5 minutes.

Nutritional Information (Per Scone)

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 12-15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes
🍽 Servings: 8-10 scones

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories ~220 kcal
Carbohydrates ~35g
Protein ~4g
Fat ~8g
Sugar ~10g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why didn’t my scones rise?

  • The butter wasn’t cold enough. Use chilled butter to create steam while baking.
  • You twisted the cutter. Press straight down to allow even rising.
  • The oven wasn’t hot enough. Preheat to 425°F (220°C) for the best rise.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! Shape the dough into rounds and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.

3. Can I use buttermilk instead of regular milk?

Yes! Buttermilk makes scones even softer and more flavorful.

4. How do I make them extra flaky?

  • Use cold butter and chill the dough before baking.
  • Layer and fold the dough a few times before cutting for flakier layers.

5. Can I make mini scones?

Yes! Use a 1-inch cutter and reduce baking time to 8-10 minutes.

Conclusion

This Classic Scone Recipe is a timeless favorite that’s light, fluffy, and buttery, making it the perfect companion for tea time or a special breakfast treat.

With simple ingredients and easy step-by-step instructions, you can enjoy fresh, homemade scones anytime. Whether you prefer them with jam and cream or just a touch of butter, these scones will always be a crowd-pleaser!

Try this recipe today and enjoy the magic of homemade scones!