Traditional English Scones Recipe for an Authentic Taste
Hey there, it’s me, your culinary companion back again with another tasty treat. Are you ready to indulge in an afternoon tea that will give you all the classic English feels? Look no further than the deliciousness of British scones. These fluffy and buttery biscuits are an essential component of any proper afternoon tea spread. Whether you’re a fan of traditional or modern scones, this recipe is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
As a chef who specializes in British cuisine, I’ve perfected the art of making classic English scones. With my secret recipe that uses simple ingredients, you’ll be able to whip up these baked delights in no time. In this article, I’ll be sharing everything from the ingredient list to tips for perfect results so that you can enjoy the taste of Britain right in your own home.
But before we dive into the recipe steps, let’s talk about what makes scones such a beloved pastry. The iconic combination of clotted cream and jam on top of a warm scone is what Queen Elizabeth herself would call “simply divine.” So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a taste of England in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a traditional, classic English scone to pair with your afternoon tea, but don’t want to venture out to the bakery or spend too much time in the kitchen? Look no further! This English Scones recipe is just what you need. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a warm scone fresh out of the oven with clotted cream and jam.
What makes this recipe so special, you ask? For starters, it’s super simple and easy to follow. With just a few ingredients (which you likely already have in your pantry), you can whip up a batch of these delicious scones in no time. Plus, the buttery, crumbly texture and taste will transport you right to the heart of England.
But what sets these scones apart from others is their versatility. You can enjoy them plain or play around with different flavor combinations – mix in some fresh berries, add chocolate chips or nuts, or even swap out the traditional clotted cream for whipped cream or butter. The possibilities are endless!
So whether you’re looking for a simple weekend morning treat or are impressing guests at your next afternoon tea party, this English Scones recipe is a must-try. Trust me – once you take that first bite, you’ll fall in love with them too!
Ingredient List
Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these classic English scones. Don’t worry, the ingredients list is simple and basic, but the results are amazing.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- ¾ cup of whole milk
- 1 egg
- For dusting: flour
That’s it! These ingredients will make about a dozen scones, depending on how big you cut them. Once you’ve got everything together and measured out, we can get started on making these delicious British treats.
The Recipe How-To
Now comes the fun part: making delicious English scones that will make Queen Elizabeth herself proud. This recipe is simple and basic, but the result is truly impressive. So roll up those sleeves, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
For this recipe, you will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup of whole milk
Step 1: Prep Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Be sure to position the rack in the middle so that the scones are cooked evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Cut in Cold Butter
Add 6 tablespoons of cubed, cold butter to the dry mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, mix the butter into the flour until crumbly.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients Separately
In a separate bowl, whisk together one egg and a half cup of whole milk.
Step 5: Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture, gently stirring with a wooden spoon until evenly combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be soft and slightly crumbly.
Step 6: Knead the Dough
Onto a floured surface or parchment paper dusted with flour, knead the dough gently until it comes together. Do not overwork it; this step should take only a minute or two.
Step 7: Cut Your Scones
Using a dusted circular cookie cutter or glass, cut your scones out of the dough. Gather scraps and re-roll the dough to make more scones until it’s all used up.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Place your scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, brush with an egg wash or milk, and sprinkle with sugar. Then, bake them for 15-20 minutes until they have turned slightly golden in color.
Remember that every oven is different, so adjust the baking time according to your oven. You will know they’re ready when they’re puffed up and golden-brown on top.
Enjoy your warm, delicious English scones straight out of the oven or let them cool down before serving at your next afternoon tea party!
Substitutions and Variations
Listen up, folks! Are you looking to get a little funky with your English scones? Well, I’m here to tell you that it’s time to get creative in the kitchen. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and try out some substitutions and variations that are totally out of the box.
First off, let’s talk flour. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. You can also use cake flour for a lighter and more delicate texture or self-raising flour if you prefer your scones to rise a bit more.
Now, let’s chat about the fat. While butter is the traditional choice for English scones, feel free to use other fats like coconut oil, lard or vegetable shortening for a unique flavor profile.
What about add-ins? Chocolate chips, dried fruits like cranberries or apricots, nuts like almonds or pecans – the possibilities are endless. Try adding one or more of these ingredients right into the dough before cutting your scones for a delicious twist on a classic treat.
If you want to take your scone game up a notch, serve them up with toppings like fresh fruit compote, lemon curd or honeyed ricotta instead of the traditional clotted cream and jam. Make sure you serve them warm because everything tastes better when it’s fresh out of the oven.
Whether you’re serving them for a fancy afternoon tea or just want a simple treat for breakfast, don’t be afraid to get creative with your English scones. Trust me when I say that Queen Elizabeth would approve of any variation as long as they’re made with love and care.
Serving and Pairing
Alright, let’s talk serving and pairing these delicious British scones! In my humble opinion, the best way to serve a freshly baked English scone is warm out of the oven with a generous dollop of clotted cream and some strawberry jam. It really doesn’t get much better than that, but there are plenty of other delicious options to consider.
For a classic afternoon tea spread fit for Queen Elizabeth herself, arrange your scones on a tiered cake stand alongside finger sandwiches, petit fours, and a pot of hot tea. You can even try some savory variations of the recipe with cheddar cheese and scallions.
However, English scones also pair well with coffee or milk for breakfast or brunch. Toast them lightly and add butter, honey or marmalade to enjoy. Don’t hesitate to try adding chocolate chips or raisins if you’re aiming for a sweeter taste.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even use your scones as the base for a unique dessert! Try layering sliced strawberries and whipped cream between two halves for a twist on a classic strawberry shortcake.
So go ahead and experiment with different serving styles and flavor combinations. The simple yet versatile nature of this British scones recipe makes it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
So, you did it! You baked a batch of perfect British scones that can rival Queen Elizabeth’s favorite afternoon tea snack. But what if you need to save some for later? Or you want to make them ahead of time for a party or picnic? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some tips on storing and reheating the scones without sacrificing their delicious taste and texture.
First, let’s talk about making ahead. If you don’t have time to bake the scones on the day you need them, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and freeze it. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date and type of scone dough, then freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight, then roll it out and cut it into scones as usual. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time if the dough is still chilled.
Next, let’s discuss storing. The best way to store freshly baked scones is in an airtight container or plastic bag at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. Avoid refrigerating scones since it can make them dry and stale faster than leaving them at room temperature. However, If you live in a hot climate, you may want to store your scones in the refrigerator for longer shelf-life.
Finally, let’s talk about reheating. There are several ways to reheat scones depending on your preference and equipment availability. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. If your scones were frozen or refrigerated, bring them back to room temperature before reheating.
-Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and warm them for 5-10 minutes until they feel heated through.
-Wrap the scones in damp kitchen paper or microwave-safe plastic wrap and microwave them for 10-15 seconds. Avoid too much heating as it will make the scone dry.
-Slice the scones in half and toast them on a pan or toaster for 1-2 minutes. Flipping it midway through ensuring even heating.
Now, you know the techniques to keep your scone fresh and still taste amazing!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have your ingredients all measured out and your oven preheated, let’s talk about some tips for achieving the perfect British scones.
Tip 1: Keep your butter cold. It is crucial to use cold butter in scone dough because it creates steam when it melts in the oven, causing the scones to rise and become tender. I recommend cutting your butter into small cubes and placing them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them.
Tip 2: Use a light hand when working with the dough. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Mix your dry ingredients together, then use a fork or pastry cutter to cut in the cold cubed butter until it’s pea-sized. Pour in your wet ingredients and mix just until the dough comes together.
Tip 3: Keep your scones uniform in size. Using a cookie cutter or biscuit cutter ensures that each scone is the same size and will bake evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving enough space between them for expansion.
Tip 4: Dust with flour before cutting. Coat your cookie cutter or biscuit cutter with flour before pressing into the dough to prevent sticking.
Tip 5: Use the right flour for traditional English scones. All-purpose flour is common, but self-raising flour yields fluffier, lighter scones. Classic recipes call for cake flour or even a mix of plain flour and self-rising flour.
Remember, practice makes perfect! Don’t be discouraged if your first batch doesn’t turn out quite right – tweak these tips as needed and keep trying until you master the art of traditional British scones.
FAQ
Before we wrap up, I wanted to address some common questions about making English scones. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, it’s always helpful to have some tips and tricks at your fingertips to ensure perfect results every time. Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about this classic British treat.
What is the difference between British and American scones?
When it comes to pastries, there are some notable differences between British scones and American biscuits. British scones are generally sweeter and richer, and are commonly paired with jam and clotted cream. Meanwhile, American biscuits are usually served as a complement to savoury dishes like chicken, soup or gravy. Additionally, British scones often incorporate milk in their dough rather than cream or buttermilk.
What is the secret to a good scone?
To achieve a more elevated texture in your scones, opt for cold or even frozen butter during preparation. Avoid excessive mixing, only combining ingredients until the dough comes together. For the lightest scones, try using pastry flour. After forming your scones, consider chilling them before baking for optimal results.
What is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite scone?
The Buckingham Palace recently revealed the recipe for Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved drop scones. The ingredients required to whip up this delectable treat include flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, cream of tartar, eggs, and milk. This recipe can create around sixteen buttery scones.
What are British scones called in America?
In the UK, there is a pastry known as a scone, which is referred to as a biscuit in the US. It’s important to note that American biscuits differ greatly from these crumbly cakes enjoyed by the British. Scones are typically served with butter, jam, and sometimes clotted cream, and are best accompanied by a warm cup of tea.
Bottom Line
my fellow culinary enthusiasts, I hope you have enjoyed my recipe for classic English scones. With just a few simple ingredients, you too can bake a batch of these delicious and traditional treats that are perfect for any afternoon tea or special occasion. The flaky texture and buttery taste of these scones will have you feeling like royalty, just like Queen Elizabeth herself!
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own scones from scratch. With the help of this recipe, you can confidently and easily whip up a batch of British scones in no time. Whether you prefer them with jam and clotted cream or simply butter and honey, these scones are sure to please.
So why not give this recipe a try? Impress your friends and family with your newfound baking skills and enjoy a taste of Britain right in the comfort of your own home. I guarantee that once you taste the warm, pillowy goodness of these scones, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Thanks for reading and happy baking!
English Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup butter, room temperature
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/4 cups milk
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Combine flour and baking powder.
- Cut in the butter until crumbly and butter is pea-sized or smaller.
- Stir in the sugar and salt.
- Stir in the milk.
- Stick the dough together and turn out on a lightly floured surface.
- Knead 4-5 times and roll out to 3/4 inch thick.
- Using a 2 inch round cookie cutter, cut out as many scones as you can. Gather the scraps and roll out again. Cut out as many scones as you can. With the remaining scraps, form a ball and gently cut an "X" on the top.
- Place all scones on an un-greased baking sheet. Brush the tops with an egg wash.
- Bake at 450F fro 8-12 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.