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
- 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.
- Prepare Baking Sheets: Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set them aside for later use.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk the lemon juice, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract together until well combined.
- 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.
- Roll Out Dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out into a circle approximately 1 inch thick.
- 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.
- Re-roll Dough: Gather leftover dough scraps, gently re-roll, and cut additional scones until all dough is used.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Place the cut scones on the prepared baking sheets, spacing them apart to allow room for rising.
- 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.
- Rest Dough: Let the scones rest at room temperature for 12-15 minutes to allow slight rising before baking.
- 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.
- Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack to cool slightly.
- 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