About the Recipe
These classic scones are a delightful treat, perfect for a cozy morning breakfast or a relaxing afternoon tea. With a buttery and tender crumb, they are lightly sweetened and incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of toppings like clotted cream, jam, or even a simple drizzle of honey. This basic scone recipe is easy to whip up and can be customized with your favorite add-ins such as dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts for a personalized touch. Whether enjoyed freshly baked or toasted, these scones are sure to become a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
Ingredients
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
1/2 cup (120ml) milk (you can also use buttermilk for a richer flavor)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Additional milk for brushing
Preparation
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk or stir with a spoon until well combined.
Cut in Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract (if using) until well combined.
Form Dough:
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients. Pour the wet ingredients into the well.
Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until a soft dough forms.
Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
Shape Scones:
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch (2.5cm) thick.
Use a floured round cutter (about 2 to 3 inches in diameter) to cut out scones from the dough.
You can also use a sharp knife to cut the dough into wedges if you prefer triangular-shaped scones.
Bake Scones:
Place the shaped scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them brown during baking.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a scone; it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve:
Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Serve the scones warm or at room temperature with clotted cream, jam, or your favorite toppings. Enjoy!
These basic scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Feel free to customize them by adding dried fruits, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
"When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, Then your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. " - Mathew 6:3-4