Delicious Scotch Scones Recipe for Breakfast Bliss
Ahoy there, food enthusiasts! I’m here today to share with you a recipe close to my heart – the delectable traditional Scotch Scones. If you’re looking for a recipe that can transport you straight to the heart of Scotland, then look no further! This delightful Scottish treat is a must-have in any British cuisine aficionado’s arsenal. Whether it’s savoring it with a hot cuppa tea, or indulging your fancy side by serving them to fanciful guests, Scotch Scones are perfect anytime.
Invented back in the 16th century in Scotland, this recipe has survived through ages of culinary expertise and delightfully tickled taste buds of the likes of royalty such as Queen Elizabeth herself. Imagine yourself lounging in an old but cozy café engrossed in a novel by William Shakespeare while enjoying a hot freshly-baked scone with jam and clotted cream from a local bakery; It’s no surprise that Scotch Scones are one of the most sought-after recipes in British cuisine.
So go ahead; roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients and let’s indulge in some homemade goodness that’ll soothe your soul and tantalize your taste buds! Are you ready? Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ahoy there! I am here today to share my secrets for the perfect delectable traditional Scottish scones recipe, also known as scotch scones. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, “Why should I bother with yet another scone recipe?” But let me tell you, these scotch scones will transport you straight to the cozy kitchens of Queen Elizabeth and Mary Berry themselves.
What sets this recipe apart from your average British scones is its use of buttermilk and cream of tartar, which create a tender crumb and chewy texture that will have you coming back for more.
These scotch scones can be enjoyed anytime – for breakfast, as an afternoon snack or even as a base for a light dessert. They also make a great addition to any brunch or tea party spread. Trust me when I say that your guests will thank you for the extra touch of sophistication that comes with serving these delightful treats.
So what are you waiting for? Get on board with this scotch scone recipe and embark on a journey towards sweet, buttery, and utterly delicious perfection.
Ingredient List
You’ll need the following ingredients to create delectable Scottish scones, also known as drop scones or girdle scones.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
Wet Ingredients
- 2 eggs
- ¾ cup milk
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¼ cup margarine
Additional Ingredients
- Baking soda and soda cream tartar (if needed for substituting the cream of tartar)
Before you start mixing the ingredients, ensure that they are in accurate proportion. Remember, the exact measurements of each ingredient matters when making treasured British scones.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all of your ingredients ready, it is time to start making the delicious Scotch Scones. Before we begin, make sure to preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Step 1: Sifting and Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, 1/4 tsp of salt, and 1/4 tsp of cream of tartar. Make sure to mix well.
Step 2: Incorporating Margarine
Next, add 1/4 cup of cold margarine (cut into small pieces) into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the margarine until the mixture turns into coarse crumbs.
Step 3: Adding Wet Ingredients
Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in 3/4 cup of buttermilk. Stir until just combined then knead the dough onto a lightly floured board or surface.
Step 4: Shaping the Dough
Using your hands, shape the dough into a circle or rectangle that is about ¾ inch thick. Cut out circles using a biscuit cutter or a glass rim then lay them on an ungreased baking sheet.
Step 5: Baking Time
Bake scones for 10-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool before serving.
Enjoy your freshly baked delectable traditional Scotch Scones!
Substitutions and Variations
Folks, if you are looking for a twist on the traditional scotch scones recipe, or perhaps you need to make some ingredient substitutions due to dietary restrictions or preferences, then look no further! I have some tried and tested variations and substitutions that will have you giving your taste buds a good run for their money.
First up, let’s talk about the flour. While a purpose flour works well to create the perfect texture and crumbly consistency for scotch scones, you can certainly experiment with some other flours. For example, try mixing in some whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour to create something truly unique.
If you are watching your calorie intake, swap out the butter or margarine for some healthy alternatives like coconut oil or almond butter. These options will add an extra layer of flavor that goes well with any tea or coffee.
And don’t forget about the toppings! Traditional scones call for jam and clotted cream or even honey, but why not elevate your experience by trying different toppings? How about adding cranberries or raisins? Or even add chocolate chips or diced fruits like apple?
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients as long as they complement each other well. And who knows? You might just discover a new favorite variation of the classic scotch scones recipe that has been around since Queen Elizabeth’s time.
Serving and Pairing
Well, it’s time to indulge! Let me tell you, these Scotch Scones are downright delectable straight out of the oven. They’re perfect for a classic British tea-time treat or a cozy breakfast with loved ones.
For serving, I recommend slathering them with clotted cream and jam in the traditional British way, or spreading them with butter and honey for a sweet indulgence. You can even experiment with adding other toppings like lemon curd, marmalade, or Nutella – whatever your heart desires.
As for pairing, these scones are best enjoyed with a piping hot cup of tea. Earl Grey or English Breakfast blends pair well with the buttery flavor of the scones. If you prefer coffee, try a medium roast with hints of chocolate or hazelnut.
If you’re feeling fancy, elevate your serving by using fine china dishes and silverware like Queen Elizabeth herself! It’s all about enjoying the little things in life and taking a moment to savor every bite.
These scones are also versatile enough to serve as a side dish for soups and stews, or as a dessert alongside ice cream or fresh fruit. They’re truly a delectable treat that you can enjoy any time of day.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let me give you some valuable tips on how to get the most out of your delicious traditional Scotch scones. Like most baked goods, scones are best served fresh out of the oven. However, you can still enjoy them for a while if you store them properly.
To make things more convenient for busy homemakers like me, these delectable traditional Scotch scones can be made ahead of time and stored. Once you have cooked them, allow them to cool down completely before storing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag at room temperature. They should last for up to 2-3 days.
If you anticipate keeping your scones longer than that, storing them in the freezer will keep those crumbly goodies fresh up to six months! To freeze them, wrap the cooled scones in plastic wrap then seal them in another freezer-safe bag or container. Make sure to label and date the contents!
For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) then place the frozen scones on a baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes until they are heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave your thawed scones for about 10-15 seconds before serving.
Important Tip: Please, do not reheat your scones or biscuits in the microwave straight from the freezer as they will turn chewy or tough. Allow them first to defrost a little bit in room temperature before microwaving or baking them.
There you go! Now that you know how to make-ahead, store and reheat these legendary Scottish treats, you might as well grab some tea and enjoy one without worrying about how quickly they’ll go bad!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you have all the ingredients ready and know the steps to make delectable traditional Scotch scones, here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.
Firstly, ensure that your ingredients are at room temperature. This is especially important for butter and eggs. Cold butter can lead to lumpy dough, while cold eggs can cause the mixture to curdle, creating an uneven texture in the final product.
Secondly, when measuring flour, be sure to use the spoon and level method. Simply spoon flour lightly into a measuring cup, then level it off with a knife. Avoid packing the flour down as this can result in too much flour being added and make your scones heavy.
Thirdly, don’t overwork the dough. Once it comes together into a cohesive ball, stop mixing. Overmixing can cause the gluten in the flour to develop too much, resulting in tough scones.
Fourthly, when cutting out the scone shapes using a cutter or glass, press straight down without twisting or turning. This ensures that the scones will rise evenly during baking.
Additionally, keep a close eye on the oven temperature and baking time. Overbaking will cause your scones to dry out while under-baking will result in soggy centers.
Finally, allow the scones to cool for about 5-10 minutes before serving them. This helps them set and prevents them from crumbling apart.
Follow these tips for perfect results every time you make these delectable traditional Scotch scones!
FAQ
Now that you have all the information you need to make delectable traditional Scotch Scones, you may still have some questions. In this section, we will answer some of the commonly asked questions about this recipe so that nothing stands between you and a perfect batch of these true British gems. From ingredient alternatives to troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered!
What is the secret to making good scones?
As a chef with a specialization in British cuisine, I’ve learned some great techniques for making perfect scones. One of the secrets is to use cold or even frozen butter to ensure a better rise. Another tip is not to overmix the dough. You only need to mix it until it just comes together. And for the lightest scones, use pastry flour.
After shaping your scones, it’s best to chill them before baking. This will help to prevent them from spreading too much in the oven and will also give you a better rise. By using these techniques, you’ll be able to make scones that are as light and fluffy as an English cloud.
What is Queen Elizabeth’s favorite scone?
A recipe for Queen Elizabeth II’s beloved drop scones has been shared by Buckingham Palace, and it’s a simple one. The ingredients list includes flour, sugar, butter, baking soda, cream of tartar, eggs, and milk, which make around sixteen scones.
What is the Scottish name for scones?
The terms bannock and large round cake are frequently used interchangeably in Scottish cuisine.
What are the two types of scones?
The taste of British scones is simpler and better suited to complement toppings like clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, or preserves. In contrast, American scones are usually thicker and triangular, while British scones have a taller and circular shape.
Bottom Line
: And there you have it, folks – the secret to making delectable traditional Scottish scones that even Queen Elizabeth would approve of! I hope that my detailed instructions and tips have inspired you to give this recipe a try in your own kitchen. Trust me, once you taste the warm and buttery goodness of these scones, you’ll be hooked for life.
In conclusion, while there are many variations on scones out there, nothing beats the authenticity and depth of flavor found in a true Scottish scone recipe. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests, treat your family to a cozy weekend breakfast, or simply indulge in a little bit of comfort food, these Scotch Scones are sure to satisfy. So what are you waiting for? Get baking!
Scotch Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons margarine
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- MIx together all ingredients.
- Roll into a disk and cut into 16 wedges.
- Bake at 350 for 10 to 15 min until 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.