Delicious Scottish Raisin Scones Recipe with a Twist
As I sit down to write this recipe for Scottish raisin griddle scones, the memories of my trip to the Scottish Highlands come flooding back to me. The lush green hills, crisp air, and warm hospitality left an indelible impression on me. One thing that particularly stood out was the Scottish cuisine, with its unique recipes and flavors that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage.
It was during my visit that I discovered the delightfully fluffy and raisin-studded griddle scones. These little treats are cooked on a hot griddle or girdle, giving them their distinctive texture and flavor. They are made with simple, wholesome ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, salt, cream of tartar, baking powder, buttermilk and dark raisins.
There’s something quintessentially British about a proper scone – they’re a classic British baked good that is steeped in tradition. Queen Elizabeth herself reportedly loves scones (who doesn’t?), so if it’s good enough for royalty then it’s good enough for us!
In this recipe article, I am going to share with you one of the best griddle scone recipes I’ve ever come across. This Scottish raisin griddle scone recipe is deliciously moist with a lovely balance of sweetness from the sugar and raisins. They are easy to make with just a few common ingredients that you probably already have on hand. So let’s get started and bake up some truly scrumptious Scottish girdle scones together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
For anyone who appreciates classic British treats, this Scottish Raisin Griddle Scone recipe is an absolute must-try. Not only are these scones incredibly easy to make, but they’re also downright delicious. Made with dark raisins, these scones are the perfect balance between sweet and savory – making them suitable for any meal of the day.
But what sets these scones apart from other British classics such as singing hinnies and oatmeal scones is that they’re made on a griddle which gives them a crispy exterior and fluffy interior. And let’s be real; there’s nothing better than biting into a freshly made scone that has a perfect balance of texture and taste.
What I love about this recipe is that it calls for simple ingredients typically found in any kitchen. Flour, butter or margarine, sugar, salt, baking powder, cream of tartar, buttermilk, and dark raisins all magically come together in harmony to create one of the best griddle scone recipes you’ll ever taste.
These scones are versatile too. Whether you enjoy them on their own or topped with whipped cream and honey or your favorite jam, feel free to indulge yourself in these delightful treats in whatever way suits you best. Trust me; Queen Elizabeth herself would approve.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-make recipe for traditional Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones with a modern twist, this recipe is perfect for you!
Ingredient List
To make these traditional Scottish raisin griddle scones recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- Flour: 2 cups all-purpose flour or self-raising flour.
- Baking Powder: 4 teaspoons baking powder or cream of tartar and baking soda.
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon salt or 3 teaspoons if using unsalted butter/margarine.
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons caster sugar or granulated sugar.
- Butter/Margarine: 1/4 cup (4 ounces) cold butter/margarine or equal parts cold butter and margarine, cut into small pieces.
- Dark Raisin: 1/2 cup dark raisins, plumped in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Buttermilk: 3/4 cup buttermilk, plus extra for brushing.
Note: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a good substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar to regular milk and letting it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
Ingredient Variations
This recipe is quite versatile, so feel free to experiment with different variations of ingredients. Here are some suggestions:
- Singing hinnies: These scones can be made with oatmeal for a hearty flavor.
- Cheese scones: Add grated cheese to the mixture to give the scones an extra savory flavor.
- Fruit scones: Instead of raisins, add your choice of dried fruits like cranberries, apricots or cherries.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have gathered all the , let’s proceed with the cooking process.
Step 1: Prepare the Scone Dough
Begin by combining 2 cups of self-raising flour, 4 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt in a large mixing bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of [sugar], and stir well to distribute evenly.
Next, cut up 4 ounces of cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry mixture. Use your hands to [rub butter] into the flour until you have a mixture that resembles coarse sand.
Tip: Work quickly and gently to keep the butter from melting.
After that, pour in â…” cup of buttermilk and mix with a fork until dough forms.
Tip: If you don’t have any buttermilk available, you can easily make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, then fill it with whole milk until you reach 1 cup. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.
Step 2: Knead the Dough and Add Raisins
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface and place the dough on top. Knead [the scone dough] for about 1-2 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Flatten the dough with your palm into a round shape approximately ¾ inch thickness.
Sprinkle on top of the flattened dough with [dark raisin], press down lightly on the dough so that they stick to it uniformly.
Step 3: Cook the Griddle Scones
Heat up a non-stick pan or skillet over medium-high heat (you can also use a cast-iron frying pan) for at least 5 minutes before cooking to guarantee an evenly heated pan.
Using a cookie cutter or cup, cut out circles from [the scone dough]. Place each scone on the heated pan, and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Transfer scones to a wire rack to cool for a while.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy Your Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones
Plate your freshly cooked [Scottish raisin griddle scones] and serve warm. You can add some whipped butter or marmalade on the side to enjoy alongside your scones.
Enjoy and reminisce Queen Elizabeth’s personal favorite!
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about baking is the opportunity to play around with ingredients and make the recipe truly your own. Here are some suggestions for substitutions and variations you can try with this Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones recipe.
– Swap out the dark raisins for other dried fruits, such as cranberries, apricots or cherries. You could even mix and match different fruits for a unique twist.
– Use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option. Just make sure it’s soft enough to rub into the flour mixture.
– To make this recipe vegan, substitute the buttermilk with non-dairy milk and add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to create a similar tangy flavor.
– Experiment with different types of flour. While self-raising flour works best for griddle scones, you can substitute 1 cup of it with all-purpose flour mixed with 1 teaspoon of baking powder if you don’t have any on hand.
– Add extra flavors to the dough by mixing in spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, or even grated orange zest.
– For a more savory option, try making cheese scones by replacing the raisins with shredded cheddar or parmesan cheese.
– If you don’t have a griddle or cast iron frying pan, you can still make delicious scones using a regular frying pan on your stove top. Just heat it up over medium heat and cook the scones on each side for a few minutes until golden brown.
No matter what substitutions or variations you choose to make, these Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones are sure to satisfy your cravings for traditional British baked goods while leaving plenty of room for creativity in the kitchen.
Serving and Pairing
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Once your Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones are perfectly cooked and golden brown, it’s time to enjoy them with some optional toppings and pairings. A warm scone with butter is a classic choice, but you can also try jam, honey, or even clotted cream.
For a savory twist, you can add some cheese on top of the scone or serve them with a hearty soup – perfect for a cold winter evening. If you want to try something unique and authentic, pair your griddle scones with a traditional Scottish breakfast including black pudding, scrambled eggs, and Haggis.
If you’ve got a sweet tooth, you can also make them into dessert by adding ice cream or drizzling some chocolate syrup on top. These raisin griddle scones go well with tea and coffee and are great for afternoon tea parties.
The possibilities are endless when it comes to serving and pairing these delicious scones. But one thing is guaranteed – these Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones will not disappoint your taste buds!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones is that they can be made ahead and stored for a later time. Just pop them in the fridge or freeze them for an easy breakfast or snack anytime.
To make ahead, prepare the scone dough as per the recipe instructions and cut them into rounds. Place them on a baking sheet dusted with flour and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to three months.
When you’re ready to bake or reheat, simply remove the scones from the fridge and let them rest at room temperature for a few minutes while preheating your griddle or frying pan. Then, cook according to the recipe instructions.
If you have leftovers, let them cool completely then store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Pro tip: To add extra freshness and flavor, try reheating your Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones on a dry frying pan over medium heat until they’re warm and slightly crispy on both sides. Serve hot with butter, jam, and a cup of tea for the perfect British breakfast experience!
Tips for Perfect Results
Preparing Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones can be tricky for some, but it need not be so. As a chef with a flair for British cuisine, let me take you through some tips and tricks to ensure that each time you make these scones, it is done to perfection.
One of the essential ingredients in this griddle scones recipe is baking powder, which acts as a rising agent. It is essential to mix the baking powder evenly with the flour, ensuring that there are no lumps-keep the mixture light and airy.
It is best to handle the mixture with care, ensuring not to knead it continuously- while scone recipes may differ, overworking the dough makes it tough and heavy.
The butter/margarine should be taken straight from the fridge- cold butter melts when heated in the oven creating pockets of air which make the scones fluffy.
When cutting out the dough into circles, avoid twisting the cutter- this will give an uneven rise during baking. A sharp cookie cutter pushed straight down does this job perfectly.
If you desire small-sized scones, use a smaller cookie cutter. This recipe uses a medium-sized cutter.
For best results, bake in batches of not more than eight on your griddle /frying pan/stove top at any given moment. An overcrowded griddle will lead to uneven heating of the scones and affect texture.
While flipping your raisin griddle scones halfway through cooking, use a flat spatula from underneath- this preserves their delicacy.
Serve warm with butter and jam or clotted cream. These easy-to-make Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones are perfect for an afternoon tea treat or a liturgy breakfast!
FAQ
Before we conclude our Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones Recipe article, let’s take a closer look at some of the frequently asked questions about this delicious scone recipe. From ingredient substitutions to storage tips, I’ll provide answers to all your burning questions to make sure you can prepare and enjoy these griddle scones with ease. So, without further ado, let’s get started with our FAQ section.
What is the secret to moist scones?
When it comes to increasing the moisture in scones, a simple solution is to incorporate more milk into the recipe. Another approach that can be taken is to mix in some buttermilk for an additional boost of moisture.
What are the two types of scones?
When it comes to scones, the British version is quite distinct from the American version. Unlike American scones which are usually dense and triangular in shape, British scones are taller and rounder. The flavour of British scones is intentionally plain as they are meant to be served with an assortment of toppings including clotted cream, butter, lemon curd, and/or preserves.
Why do you rub butter in scones?
One technique to make sure your scones rise properly is to gently mix the flour and butter by rubbing them together. By doing this, the butter will melt slowly and form steam pockets that assist in puffing up your scones. This method prevents you from overworking the dough, leading to a flaky and light texture.
What are flat scones called?
A type of scone, known as a griddle scone or girdle scone, is cooked on a griddle or frying pan instead of being baked in an oven. This variation in the cooking method differentiates it from traditional scones.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones recipe is a true winner for any British cuisine enthusiast. With its combination of traditional Scottish ingredients such as buttermilk, dark raisins and cream of tartar, and easy-to-find items like flour and sugar, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add some British flair to their breakfast or snack routine.
Not only does this recipe deliver the delicious taste of griddle scones, but it can also be easily customizable to your liking with substitutions and variations. Whether you prefer to swap margarine for butter or add in some cheese or fruit, this recipe can handle your creative impulses.
Finally, with its make-ahead capabilities, storing instructions, and valuable tips for perfect results like rubbing in cold butter and using a cast iron griddle or frying pan on the stove top, this recipe is the best griddle scones recipe you’ll find anywhere.
So put on some traditional Scottish music and start baking these Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones today. Your kitchen will be filled with the wonderful aroma of freshly baked scones, and you’ll see why these delightful treats have been enjoyed by generations of Britons. Whether you pair them with tea or a full Scottish breakfast, these griddle scones will have you singing hinnies all day long!
Scottish Raisin Griddle Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup butter or 1/3 cup margarine
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/2 cup dark raisin
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients (not sugar or raisins).
- Add the butter and cut with knives or pastry cutter until the mixture is like fine crumbs.
- Stir in sugar and raisins.
- Stir in the Buttermilk, handle gently and do not overmix.
- Knead very gently on a lightly floured surface NO MORE THAN 10 times.
- Handle as little as possible.
- Cut dough in half and shape each into a round 6 inch circle.
- Cut each circle into 6 wedges.
- Lightly grease a griddle or skillet and place over very low heat until it is hot.
- Place scones on the griddle and cook about 12 minutes until golden brown.
- underneath, flip and cook another 8-10 minutes.
- Remove from griddle and keep warm until serving.
- Serve with butter and fruit preserves, great with strawberry freezer jam.
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.