What exactly are scones?

Scones are baked pastries from Scotland. They're made with flour, butter, and milk. Unlike biscuits, they have a unique texture. In the US, they're sweeter and more like cake.

How do you pronounce "scone" correctly?

There's a debate on how to say "scone". Some say "scohn", others "scoan". Both are okay, depending on where you're from.

What's the difference between British and American scones?

British scones are lighter and less sweet. They're often eaten with clotted cream and jam. American scones are denser and sweeter, with many flavors like blueberry or chocolate.

Can I make scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can make scone dough ahead. Refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Or freeze it for 3 months, baking it straight from the freezer.

What are the best flour types for making scones?

All-purpose flour is good for most scones. For a lighter texture, try pastry flour or a mix of all-purpose and cake flour. Some like self-rising flour for extra softness.

How do I get a perfect scone texture?

Keep the dough cold and handle it little. Use cold butter and don't overmix. This makes the scones flaky and tender.

What are some popular scone variations?

You can find many scone types, like blueberry, lemon, or chocolate chip. Cheese, sourdough, and buttermilk scones are also popular. Just add different ingredients to the basic recipe.

How should I serve scones?

Serve British-style with clotted cream and jam. Enjoy with black tea or Earl Grey. For an American twist, try them with butter or spreads.

How long do scones stay fresh?

Eat scones the day they're baked for the best taste. Store them in an airtight container for 1-2 days. Freeze for longer storage and reheat to refresh.

Can I make gluten-free or vegan scones?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour and plant-based butter for gluten-free scones. For vegan scones, replace dairy with almond, oat, or soy milk and use egg substitutes like flax eggs or applesauce.

Classic Homemade Scones: A Tea-Time Treat You’ll Love

Name: Classic Homemade Scones
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-485279H52M20S
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour; ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; ½ cup (75g) fresh or dried fruit (e.g., blueberries, raisins, cranberries); ½ cup (90g) chocolate chips; Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy twist

Description

These Classic Homemade Scones are buttery, flaky, and perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Serve them warm with clotted cream, jam, or a pat of butter for a delicious treat!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
½ cup (120ml) heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

½ cup (75g) fresh or dried fruit (e.g., blueberries, raisins, cranberries)
½ cup (90g) chocolate chips
Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy twist

Instructions

Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Form the Dough:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently with a spatula. If using add-ins (fruit, chocolate, or zest), fold them in now. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape the Scones:
Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough. Gently knead 3-4 times to bring it together. Pat it into a 1-inch thick disc, then cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for traditional scones.
Bake:
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden.
Cool & Serve:
Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy warm with jam, butter, or clotted cream!

Notes

Use Cold Butter for Flaky Texture:Cold butter is key to achieving flaky and tender scones. If your butter softens while mixing, pop the dough into the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking.
Don’t Overwork the Dough:Overmixing can lead to dense scones. Mix the dough until just combined, and gently knead only a few times to bring it together.
Chill the Dough for Best Results: For extra flaky scones, refrigerate the shaped scones for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps solidify the butter, preventing spread and creating layers.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: Scones
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 8 scones
Calories: ~250 kcal per scone
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 200 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: #HomemadeScones #ClassicScones #BakingFromScratch #AfternoonTea #EasyBaking