Description
Traditional English scones are a classic British treat, perfect for afternoon tea. Light and fluffy with a golden crust, these scones are simple to make using basic ingredients like self-raising flour, butter, sugar, and milk. Served warm with clotted cream and jam, they offer a delightful balance of soft interior and slightly crisp exterior.
Ingredients
Scone Dough
- 225 g self-raising flour (1 2/3 cups)
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 40 g cold butter (2 tbsp)
- 1.5 tbsp sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 150 ml milk (3/4 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) to ensure it’s hot enough for the scones to rise properly.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: Sift the self-raising flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl to combine and aerate them.
- Add Butter: Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour quickly and gently until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs with no large lumps remaining.
- Mix in Sugar and Salt: Stir the sugar and a pinch of salt into the flour and butter mixture evenly.
- Add Milk Gradually: Using a knife, gradually stir in the milk little by little to form a sticky dough without overmixing.
- Form Dough: When the dough starts to come together, flour your hands lightly and gently bring the dough into a cohesive ball without kneading too much.
- Roll Out Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Using a floured rolling pin, roll the dough out gently to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thickness for fluffy scones.
- Cut Scones: Use a round cookie cutter to cut out scone shapes. Place the cut scones onto a baking sheet lined with baking paper.
- Re-roll Dough: Gather the remaining dough scraps, gently bring them together and roll out again to cut additional scones. Repeat until all dough is used.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes or until they turn lightly golden brown on top and are cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow to cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a traditional British experience.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure a light and flaky texture.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep scones tender.
- For even rising, avoid twisting the cutter when cutting shapes.
- Serve freshly baked scones warm for best taste.
- Traditional accompaniments include clotted cream and strawberry jam.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
