Imagine biting into a perfectly golden, buttery scone that crumbles delicately in your mouth, topped with a dollop of rich clotted cream and sweet, vibrant jam. These classic British scones are not just a pastry - they're a culinary experience that transports you straight to a cozy English tea room. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home chef, this foolproof recipe will help you create bakery-worthy scones that will impress your family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- Jam and clotted cream for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well blended.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold butter, cubed, to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the mixture; you want to keep some small pieces of butter for a flaky texture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream and 1 large egg until fully combined. Pour this mixture into the flour and butter mixture.
- Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. If the dough appears too dry, you can add a little more cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it holds together but is not sticky.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it is smooth, being careful not to overwork it.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a floured biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out rounds of dough. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
- Gather any scraps of dough, gently re-knead, and cut out additional scones until all the dough is used.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra cream to help them brown nicely in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and have risen. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a scone; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.
- Serve the scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite jam and clotted cream. Enjoy your delicious British treat!
Tips
- Keep your ingredients cold: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky, tender scones. Work quickly to prevent the butter from warming up.
- Don't overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients come together to ensure light, tender scones.
- Use fresh baking powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh to help the scones rise properly.
- For extra richness, brush the tops with cream or an egg wash before baking.
- Serve immediately or within a few hours of baking for the best texture and flavor.
- Experiment with add-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or citrus zest to customize your scones.
- If the dough seems too dry, add cream one tablespoon at a time - humidity can affect flour absorption.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 65mg
