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British Scones Recipe


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4.1 from 62 reviews

  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

These classic British scones are tender, fluffy, and slightly sweet, perfect for an afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast. Made with simple ingredients like flour, butter, eggs, and milk, they are easy to prepare and bake to a beautiful golden brown. Serve warm with clotted cream, butter, and jam for an authentic British experience.


Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons baking powder

Wet Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (cooled and just slightly soft, cubed)
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Egg Wash

  • 1 egg
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for sprinkling)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature once your scones are ready to bake.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder to evenly distribute the leavening agent and sweetness.
  4. Add Butter: Incorporate the cubed, slightly soft unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Use your fingers or a fork to mix it in until the texture resembles coarse sand.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon juice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
  6. Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula, gently stir until the dough starts to come together. Then, use your hands to knead the dough into a smooth ball, being careful not to overwork it.
  7. Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a circle approximately 1 inch thick.
  8. Cut Scones: Using a 2 1/4-inch round cookie cutter or a similar-sized glass, cut out scones by pressing straight down without twisting. Dip the cutter in flour between each cut to prevent sticking.
  9. Re-roll Dough: Gather leftover dough scraps, gently re-roll, and cut additional scones until all dough is used.
  10. Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow room for rising.
  11. Prepare Egg Wash: Whisk together the egg and water. Lightly brush the tops of each scone with this mixture, then sprinkle with sugar for a sweet, shiny finish.
  12. Rest Dough: Let the scones rest at room temperature for 12-15 minutes to allow slight rising before baking.
  13. Bake the Scones: Place the baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake the scones for 14-15 minutes or until they have risen and are lightly golden on top.
  14. Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool slightly.
  15. Serve: Enjoy these warm British scones with clotted cream, butter, and your favorite jam, alongside a cup of tea or coffee.

Notes

  • Ensure the butter is just slightly soft but still cool to achieve the perfect crumbly texture in the scones.
  • Do not twist the cutter when cutting out scones; press straight down and pull straight up to keep edges sharp for better rise.
  • Resting the scones before baking helps with a lighter texture and better rise.
  • Use fresh baking powder for best leavening results.
  • Scones are best served fresh but can be reheated in a warm oven for a few minutes if needed.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Baked Goods
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British