Description
Golden, buttery Classic English Scones rise to perfection with their delicate crumb and rich heritage. Serve these tender treats alongside clotted cream and jam for an authentic British tea-time experience that will transport you directly to the countryside.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) whole milk, plus extra for brushing
- ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream or plain yogurt
Fat Ingredient:
- 6 tablespoons (85 grams) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Optional Add-in:
- ½ cup currants, raisins, or sultanas
Instructions
- Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to a crisp 425F (220C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for optimal scone performance.
- Create a powdery foundation by combining flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a spacious mixing bowl, whisking them together to ensure even distribution.
- Introduce cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and delicately massage with fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture transforms into a texture resembling coarse, sandy crumbs.
- Craft a liquid blend by whisking milk, cream, and egg in a separate vessel, then gently integrate into the flour mixture. If desired, carefully fold in dried fruit to enhance flavor complexity.
- Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly dusted surface and tenderly knead 2-3 times, just enough to coalesce the ingredients without compromising the scones’ potential for lightness.
- Shape the dough into a robust 1-inch thick round, then utilize a precise 2½-inch circular cutter to extract perfectly formed scones. Apply downward pressure without twisting to maintain structural integrity.
- Arrange the cut scones on the prepared baking sheet and delicately brush their surfaces with a thin layer of milk or cream to achieve a golden, appetizing finish.
- Slide the scones into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, watching for a rich, amber coloration and substantial rise.
- Allow the scones a brief moment to cool, then serve while still warm, accompanied by luxurious clotted cream, soft butter, and vibrant jam for a quintessential British teatime experience.
Notes
- Flour Flexibility: Swap all-purpose flour with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for different dietary needs without compromising the tender texture.
- Butter Temperature Trick: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to ensure flaky, light scones with perfect layered consistency.
- Handling Technique: Minimal mixing prevents tough scones – stop stirring the moment ingredients combine to maintain a delicate, soft crumb.
- Flavor Customization: Experiment with sweet or savory additions like herbs, cheese, chocolate chips, or dried fruits to transform the classic recipe into unique variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: English
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg