Perfectly Fluffy British Cream Scones Recipe
Dear foodies,
Have you ever indulged in the creamy goodness of a freshly baked scone? If so, then you understand why they are such an essential element of British cuisine. The sweet aroma, soft but crumbly texture, and buttery flavor can transport anyone to the tea rooms of Queen Elizabeth with just one bite.
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I am delighted to share my favorite British Cream Scones Recipe with you. This recipe utilizes simple ingredients that come together to produce outstanding results. With this recipe, you can easily make traditional English-style scones at home quickly and easily.
In this article, I will guide you through each stage of making the perfect scones – from selecting the freshest ingredients to preparing and serving these delicacies for your friends and family.
So, whether you’re entertaining your guests or craving something buttery and fluffy to indulge by yourself, look no further because this easy British Cream Scones recipe is perfect for every occasion. Get ready to elevate your afternoon tea or high tea with these delectable treats.
Join me on this culinary journey as we learn how to make the most flavorful clotted cream and English-style British scones that will leave everyone asking for more.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Name]
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you craving a delicious and comforting treat that transports you straight to the heart of England? Look no further than my favorite British Cream Scones recipe. This classic delicacy originated in England in the 16th century and has since been enjoyed by generations of Brits, including none other than Queen Elizabeth herself.
But what makes this particular recipe so special? For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients you likely already have on hand – flour, butter, sugar, heavy cream, salt, and baking powder. And yet, despite its simplicity, the resulting scones are light, fluffy and perfectly crumbly every time.
This recipe also offers incredible versatility when it comes to serving and pairing. Spread on some clotted cream and jam for a traditional cream tea experience or enjoy them plain for a quick and satisfying breakfast. They pair perfectly with a cup of English breakfast tea or even a glass of bubbly for a celebratory high tea.
Plus, with endless possibilities for variations such as adding currants or using sour cream instead of heavy cream, this recipe can easily be adapted to suit your personal taste preferences.
So what are you waiting for? Whip up a batch of these scrumptious British Cream Scones today and transport your taste buds across the pond for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into the ingredients, let’s talk about the most important thing when it comes to making scones: they must be fluffy! For this reason, you will need all-purpose flour as it is higher in gluten and helps the dough to rise. You’ll also need baking powder for the same reason. You don’t want your scones to end up like hockey pucks, do you?
Now on to the rest of the ingredients. Here is what you will need:
– 2 cups of all-purpose flour
– 3 teaspoons of baking powder
– 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon of salt
– 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter
– 1 egg
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
Feel free to add some currants or other dried fruits, or even some chocolate chips if you want a sweeter touch.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we know the why and what behind this recipe, it’s time to move on to the how. Follow these simple steps to make my favorite British Cream Scones Recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Cut 4 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter into small chunks and work them into the dry mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Use either a pastry cutter or your fingers to do this.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Next, whisk together 1 egg and 3/4 cup of heavy cream in a separate bowl. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and stir just until everything is combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough as this will lead to tough scones.
Note: Don’t worry if the dough seems a little crumbly at first. As you continue to mix it, you’ll notice it coming together nicely.
Step 5: Knead the Dough
Use your hands to gently knead the dough a few times on a floured surface until it comes together nicely. Again, be mindful not to overwork it.
Step 6: Form the Scones
Pat or roll out the dough into a circle that’s about 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick. Using a floured biscuit cutter, cut out the scones and transfer them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Note: If you don’t have a biscuit cutter, a round glass or jar works just as well.
Step 7: Bake the Scones
Bake the scones in your preheated oven for 13-15 minutes or until they’re light golden brown on top.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these delicious British Cream Scones warm with some jam and clotted cream, and enjoy! These scones are perfect for afternoon tea or even as a breakfast treat.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to put a unique twist on your traditional scones recipe, there are many substitutions and variations to try. For instance, instead of using heavy cream, you could replace it with sour cream, plain yogurt or whipping cream. Each of these substitutes will give your scones a delicious tangy flavor.
If you prefer sweeter scones, you can add raisins, dried cranberries, or currants to the ingredients before baking. Alternatively, if you prefer savory scones, you can add bacon bits, grated cheese, or herbs such as rosemary and thyme.
While the classic British scone typically uses clotted cream and jam as toppings, there are many other variations that can elevate the taste experience. You can try using honey and lemon zest; whipped butter with lemon curd or orange marmalade; or diced strawberries with whipped cream.
For a healthier version, consider using self-raising flour instead of all-purpose flour. Self-raising flour has added baking powder and salt which can make your scones fluffier and lighter. Using cornmeal or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour also adds an interesting texture and flavor element to the mix.
In conclusion, making substitutions and variations to this English Scones recipe is a great way to put your own spin on it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your perfect batch of British Scones!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you’ve made these delightful scones, it’s time to enjoy them! My favorite way to enjoy scones is with warm clotted cream and your favorite jam – just like Queen Elizabeth. However, there are many other ways that you can serve and pair these British cream scones for a delicious tea-time treat.
If you’re looking to keep things simple, spread some butter or your preferred jam on top of your cream scone. Alternatively, if you want to get a bit more creative, try serving them with blueberry compote or lemon curd. You could also add fresh fruit on the side.
Scones are also great with something savory. Serve them with slices of smoked salmon, cucumber, or your choice of cheese for a flavor-packed savory snack, perfect for any time of day.
When it comes to pairing these British cream scones, my go-to is a classic British tea like Earl Grey or Darjeeling. These teas complement the flavors of the scones perfectly and create a nice balance in the mouthfeel department. That being said, feel free to pair them with your favorite hot beverage like coffee or hot chocolate.
Finally, don’t forget to invite some friends over and enjoy these delicious scones together! They are perfect for your next tea party or family gathering.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The good news is that you can absolutely make these British cream scones ahead of time! It’s always helpful to have a recipe on hand that allows you to plan ahead and prep in advance. Whether it’s for a special occasion or just for some morning indulgence, having these scones ready-to-go will make your life easier.
To prepare these scones ahead of time, follow the recipe instructions up until the point of baking them. Once you’ve cut the dough into rounds, simply place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and freeze them for about 30 minutes. This will help them hold their shape when stored in the freezer. After that, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to one month.
When you’re ready to bake them, simply preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and place them on a lined baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes until they are golden brown and baked through.
If you need to store your baked scones, simply place them in an airtight container once cooled completely. They can be stored at room temperature for up to two days, and in the fridge for up to five days. To reheat, warm them up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds or wrap them with foil and bake in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for about five minutes.
One final tip: try not to store your scones together with anything moist as they will quickly lose their crispy texture. Pair them with some delicious clotted cream or fresh jam on top and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making the perfect cream scones can be a challenge, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to achieving a flawless result that will impress even Queen Elizabeth. First and foremost, it is important to have all of your ingredients prepped and ready before beginning. This will make the process smoother and help ensure accuracy when measuring out ingredients.
One important tip for making the perfect cream scones is to use cold butter. It may be tempting to use room temperature butter for ease of mixing, but using cold butter will result in flakier, more tender scones. Cut the butter into small pieces and mix it in quickly with the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Another key tip to remember is to not overwork the dough. Overworking can lead to tough, dense scones instead of light and fluffy ones. Be gentle when folding in the liquid ingredients and stop as soon as everything is just combined.
When shaping the dough into disks for cutting, don’t handle it too much or press down too hard. A light touch is best here as this will help ensure they rise evenly in the oven.
Finally, when baking the scones, make sure your oven temperature is correct and set at 425°F. Too low a temperature may result in soggy scones, while too high may lead to burnt edges on the outside and an undercooked center. Bake them until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make perfect British cream scones every time!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information to make British cream scones, you might still have some questions lingering in your mind. In this section, I will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this recipe so that you can make the perfect batch of fluffy and delicious scones every time. So, let’s dive into some common queries and their respective answers.
What is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite scone?
One recipe for Queen Elizabeth II’s favored drop scones has been shared by Buckingham Palace, and it appears to be relatively uncomplicated. With the use of some basic ingredients like butter, sugar, eggs, milk, baking soda, cream of tartar, and flour, you can create about sixteen delicious scones.
What is the secret to making good scones?
Making the perfect scone can be a delicate process. To ensure a fluffy texture and optimal rise, it’s important to start with cold butter, and mixing the dough just until it comes together. To achieve the lightest possible scone, use pastry flour in your recipe. Once the dough is formed into scone shapes, it’s recommended to chill them before baking. These techniques will help you create the perfect scone every time.
What is the difference between British and American scones?
When it comes to baked goods, the British scone is a sweet treat that is often enjoyed with a dollop of clotted cream and jam. On the other hand, American biscuits are usually served as a savory accompaniment to dishes like chicken and gravy. Additionally, British scones tend to use milk in their recipe rather than cream or buttermilk.
What are British scones called in America?
While Americans have their own version of biscuits, they differ greatly from the crumbly cakes known as scones in the UK. These beloved pastries are typically enjoyed with a spread of butter or jam, sometimes accompanied by clotted cream, and always enjoyed alongside a hot cup of tea.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this recipe for British Cream Scones is not only versatile and easy to make, but it also provides a traditional and classic taste of British cuisine. Whether served for breakfast or as an afternoon tea snack, these scones are sure to impress and satisfy those with a sweet tooth. So why not channel your inner Queen Elizabeth and make a batch of these delicious scones at home? Its ingredients such as heavy cream and all-purpose flour are easily accessible, and the recipe itself is simple to follow with room for variations and substitutions.
As I sign off, I encourage you to put on a pot of tea, whip up some clotted cream, gather your loved ones together and bond over fluffy and buttery bites of these delicious scones. Bon appétit!
My Favorite British Cream Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F
- Stir flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Stir in any additions.
- Pour in 1 1/4 cups cream and stir to incorporate all the flour mixture. If you can't incorporate all the flour in 10-15 strokes, drizzle in a bit more cream ( about 1 T extra).
- Turn the dough out on a floured surface and knead gently once or twice to bring together.
- Pat into a half-inch-thick round and cut into wedges with a floured knife, or cut with a floured biscuit cutter.
- (This will make 8 or so 3-inch round scones or around 15 2-inch round.) Place on a baking sheet and bake until just golden and firm on top, about 15 minutes depending on size.
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.