Traditional English Scones

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 18 min
🍽 Serves: 8
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These traditional English scones are a delightful treat perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy morning breakfast. With their golden crust and fluffy interior, they’re the epitome of classic British baking, offering a simple yet satisfying indulgence.

Ingredients for Traditional English Scones

All-purpose flour forms the base of the scone, providing structure. Its subtle flavor is a blank canvas for the other ingredients. Granulated sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering the other flavors. Baking powder is your leavening agent, lifting the dough to that perfect scone height. A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor, balancing the sweetness. Unsalted butter, kept chilled, helps create the flaky layers by melding with the flour. Whole milk adds moisture, while binding the ingredients together. The egg contributes richness and aids in the scone’s rise. Finally, a dash of vanilla extract gives a subtle aroma that complements the buttery flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Keep your butter as cold as possible to achieve the best flakiness.
  • If you don’t have a round cutter, a drinking glass can work in a pinch.
  • For a shinier finish, brush the tops with a little milk before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Traditional English scones truly shine when paired with clotted cream and a good jam, such as strawberry or raspberry. For a savory twist, serve them with a slice of sharp cheddar and a dollop of chutney. They’re also delightful with a pot of Earl Grey or your favorite herbal tea.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour?
You can, but you’ll need to adjust the baking powder and salt since self-rising flour already contains leavening agents.
Can these scones be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Just shape the scones, freeze on a tray, and store in a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Traditional English Scones Recipe Walkthrough

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly distributed.

Add in the chilled, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be gentle here—those little lumps of butter are what make the scones flaky.

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir it gently, just until it starts to come together. You don't want to overmix, or you'll end up with tough scones.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it all together. Pat the dough into a circle about an inch thick. Use a round cutter to cut out your scones, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure a clean edge.

Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 15 to 18 minutes, keeping an eye out for a lovely golden brown color. Once baked, let them cool just a bit before serving. They’re best enjoyed warm.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • The perfect balance of tender and flaky texture.
  • Requires just a handful of pantry staples.
  • Quick to prepare, making them ideal for spur-of-the-moment baking.
  • Versatile enough to enjoy with various toppings.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
2/3 cup whole milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined and a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead to bring it together.
7. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut out scones using a round cutter.
8. Place scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
9. Allow to cool slightly before serving warm, with clotted cream and jam.

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