English Scones Recipe

Introduction

English scones are a classic teatime treat, light and buttery with a tender crumb. Perfectly paired with jam and clotted cream, these scones bring a cozy touch to any afternoon gathering or breakfast.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for brushing the baking sheet) or parchment paper
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or 4 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch bits
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins/cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for glazing tops)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly brush with softened butter.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. Step 3: Add the cold butter bits to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.
5. Step 5: Fold in the chocolate chips or dried fruit, and orange zest if using, evenly distributing them through the dough.
6. Step 6: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick, then cut it into 8 equal wedges.
7. Step 7: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream or milk to encourage browning.
8. Step 8: Bake for 15–18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving warm.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, add lemon zest instead of orange zest.
• Swap heavy cream for buttermilk for a tangier flavor and tender texture.
• Use frozen fruit instead of dried to add moisture, but reduce the cream slightly to compensate.
• Handle the dough gently to keep your scones light and flaky.

Storage

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze in a sealed bag for up to 1 month; thaw and warm in the oven before serving. Reheat scones at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-7 minutes to refresh their crumb and warmth.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use baking soda instead of baking powder?

Baking powder is the preferred leavening agent here as it contains both acid and base needed for rise. Baking soda alone requires an acid to activate, so it’s best to stick with baking powder for these scones.

How can I make the scones dairy-free?

Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and use a dairy-free butter substitute to cut into the flour. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

English Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 284 reviews

Classic English scones with a tender crumb, lightly sweetened and flavored with vanilla, chocolate chips or dried fruit, and optional orange zest. Perfect for tea time or a cozy breakfast, these easy-to-make scones are baked to golden perfection and served warm with butter or jam.

• Author: Kai
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 30-35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar (or 4 tablespoons)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Butter

• 4 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4-inch bits
• 1 tablespoon butter, softened (for brushing the baking sheet) or parchment paper

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Add-ins

• 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins/cranberries
• Zest of 1 orange (optional)

Topping

• 1 tablespoon heavy cream or milk (for glazing tops)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or brush lightly with softened butter to prevent sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential to achieving a flaky texture.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
5. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
6. Add Flavorings: Fold in the chocolate chips or dried fruit and the orange zest if using, distributing them evenly through the dough.
7. Shape and Cut Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream or milk to encourage browning.
9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite accompaniment.

Notes

• Use cold butter to ensure flaky layers in your scones.
• Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender and light.
• Substitute dried cranberries or raisins for chocolate chips depending on your preference.
• Orange zest adds a lovely citrus aroma but is optional.
• Scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm but can be reheated in a low oven for a few minutes.

Keywords: English scones, scones recipe, British baking, tea time treats, chocolate chip scones, raisin scones, breakfast scones