Deliciously Fluffy Scottish Scones for Breakfast Glory
Welcome to my Scottish Scones Recipe, where I reveal the secrets to creating fluffy and buttery traditional Scottish scones that are perfect for any occasion. If you have been contemplating on what to serve at your next high tea or brunch gathering, these scones will undoubtedly elevate your spread and impress your guests.
I have spent years perfecting this recipe from my granny’s Scottish scone recipe, ensuring foolproof results and mouthfuls of delightful goodness. Whether you are an experienced baker, or just starting your journey in the kitchen, this recipe is easy-to-follow and the ingredients are readily available.
With just a handful of ingredients including seedless raisins, currants, and unsifted all-purpose flour, you can make a batch of Scottish scones that will melt in your mouth. As you read through this article, I will guide you through the ingredient list, recipe how-to, serving suggestions, tips for perfect results and substitutions to suit different dietary needs.
So put on some bagpipes and let’s get started with this Scottish Scone Recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re looking for a traditional Scottish bake to impress your guests, look no further than this Scottish Scones recipe. I promise you won’t be disappointed! The rich history behind Scottish scones dates back centuries and is still going strong today, especially during afternoon tea time.
The ingredients in this recipe come together in perfect harmony to create fluffy, crumbly, and utterly delicious scones with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture. Seedless raisins or currants are mixed in for a sweet surprise while the combination of unsifted all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt gives them the perfect rise and a soft interior that will make you crave for more.
You’ll love how versatile these scones are as they can be served any time of day – from breakfast to dessert or even alongside tea, lunch or dinner. Whether you’re serving them up with lashings of butter and jam or opting for savoury alternatives like cheese and chive or potato scones with your full Scottish breakfast, these scones are sure to please everyone’s taste buds.
So, try out this Scottish Scone recipe and enjoy the taste of Scotland that you can effortlessly recreate at home. You’ll love how easy it is to impress your guests with a plateful of these freshly baked treasures!
Ingredient List
To create a delicious batch of Scottish Scones, we must gather all the necessary ingredients in advance. For this traditional Scottish scone recipe, we will need:
- 2 cups of unsifted all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of shortening
- 3/4 cup of seedless raisins or currants
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup of milk
- 1 tablespoon of vinegar
Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients to ensure the best results.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the how-to of making the traditional Scottish scones!
Preparing the Dough
- First, preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F).
- In a large bowl, mix together two cups of unsifted all-purpose flour, one tablespoon of baking powder, three tablespoons of sugar, and half a teaspoon of salt.
- Add in half a cup of cold butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Mix in half a cup of seedless raisins or currants.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of milk and one tablespoon of vinegar. Let sit for a couple of minutes until it curdles slightly.
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture and stir until it forms a rough dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it lightly until it comes together.
Shaping and Baking
- Flatten out the dough with your hands or use a rolling pin to flatten it into a circle about one inch thick.
- Use a cookie cutter or an upside-down glass to cut out six to eight circles from the dough, depending on how big you want your scones to be.
- Place the scones on an ungreased baking sheet and brush them with a bit of milk to help them brown in the oven.
- Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.
- Remove from oven and let cool on baking sheet for two minutes before transferring them to wire racks.
Serving Suggestions
These Scottish scones are best served fresh out of the oven while still warm, slathered with some butter, honey, or fruit jam. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a cozy and traditional British high tea experience.
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to Scottish scones, there are several ways to put your own spin on this classic recipe. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
1. Vegan Scones: To make these scones vegan-friendly, simply replace the milk with your favorite non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy milk, and use vegetable shortening instead of butter or lard.
2. Gluten-Free Scones: For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, substitute in gluten-free flour for the all-purpose flour. You can also use a blend of rice flour, potato flour, and tapioca flour or pre-made gluten-free flour mix.
3. Potato Scones (or Tattie Scones): A popular variation from Scotland uses mashed potatoes as a base for the dough instead of traditional ingredients like all-purpose flour. To make potato scones, mash 1 cup cooked Russet or Yukon Gold potatoes, then combine them with 1 cup self-raising flour, 1/4 tsp salt, and enough milk to make a soft dough. Roll out and cut into circles before cooking on a griddle or in a frying pan.
4. Oatmeal Scones: For a heartier texture and nutty flavor, you can add in 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the original recipe. Just be sure to adjust the amount of liquid (milk) accordingly if the dough becomes too dry.
5. Cheese Scones: Add some savory goodness to your scones by mixing shredded cheddar cheese into the dough. You can also add garlic powder, dried herbs (such as thyme or rosemary), and minced onions for additional flavor.
Experimenting with substitutions and variations is part of the fun of baking! Don’t be afraid to get creative and try something new with this traditional Scottish scone recipe.
Serving and Pairing
One of the best things about Scottish scones is that they can be enjoyed in a number of different ways. Whether you’re hosting a formal tea party, enjoying an afternoon snack, or simply having a cozy breakfast at home, these scones are sure to please.
If you’re serving these scones for a classic high tea event, try pairing them with some clotted cream and jam for the perfect traditional presentation. You can also opt for butter or honey if that’s more to your liking. And if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, you can even sprinkle some powdered sugar on top for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a slightly different take, try serving your scones with fresh fruits like raspberries or blueberries, which compliment the buttery flavor of the scones perfectly. You can also pair them with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy winter treat.
If you’re feeling experimental, why not try adding some cheese or bacon bits into the batter? The savory flavors create an interesting contrast to the sweet scone base while maintaining its fluffiness.
Whatever way you decide to enjoy these Scottish scones, they will no doubt become one of your go-to recipes!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
The Scottish scone recipe can be made ahead of time and stored for later use. The scones can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days before serving. If you plan on storing the scones for longer than two days, it is advised to store them in the refrigerator or the freezer. In order to ensure that the scones maintain their freshness, let them cool down completely before storing.
When it’s time to reheat your scones, you have a few different options. The simplest method is to place them into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and heat them for 5-10 minutes until they are warmed up. Another option is to pop them into a toaster or toaster oven until they are crispy and hot.
If you decide to freeze your scone dough instead of baking them right away, be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Frozen scone dough can be stored up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to bake them, remove the dough from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 30 minutes before proceeding with baking instructions.
By following these simple make-ahead, storing and reheating tips, you’ll be able to enjoy delicious freshly-baked Scottish scones anytime.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you are equipped with the Scottish scones recipe, there are some tips to help you create your perfect batch of these traditional treats. While scone-making may appear simple, the smallest mistake can affect its signature fluffy texture and delicious taste, so here are my tips on how to avoid that.
Tip #1: Keep Your Ingredients Cold
The key to a perfectly textured scone is to make sure your ingredients stay cold before use. This includes butter and shortening, which should be cut into small cubes and chilled beforehand. In addition, putting the mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before beginning will prevent the mixture from becoming too warm during preparation.
Tip #2: Don’t Overwork Your Dough
Overworking the dough causes the gluten to develop too much, leading to tough, dry scones. To avoid this, mix the ingredients until just combined and then knead very gently on a floured surface. If you need to re-roll your dough after cutting your scones out, do it quickly and try not to over-handle it.
Tip #3: Use Seedless Fruits
When adding dried fruits such as raisins or currants to your dough, be sure to use seedless varieties. This will ensure that you do not accidentally bite down on any pits while enjoying your freshly baked scones.
Tip #4: Brush Them With Milk
To achieve a perfectly golden exterior on your scones, brush them with milk before baking. This adds moisture and creates a beautiful crust that makes them more appetizing than ever.
Tip #5: Bake On High Temperature
Baking scones at high heat (around 425°F) is crucial for getting those light and fluffy results. It also produces crisp edges — one of the best elements of a perfect scottish scone.
By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make foolproof Scottish scones that are perfect for your next high tea or snack.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Scottish Scones recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves exploring unique and traditional cuisines. With its fluffy texture, sweet flavor, and ease in preparation, this recipe is perfect for beginners and experts alike. Whether you are hosting a high tea party or simply crave a warm and comforting breakfast, this Scottish Scones recipe won’t disappoint.
In addition to its delicious taste and straightforward recipe, this dish has many variations that cater to different preferences or dietary needs. You can switch up the flavor profile by using seedless raisins or currants, or you can even try making vegan or gluten-free scones by substituting key ingredients.
Overall, this recipe is both versatile and foolproof when following its instructions and tips correctly. So why not take some time to experiment with the recipe and discover your favorite variation? Trust me; it’s worth it!
Finally, I hope these detailed instructions and recommendations have helped you cook the perfect Scottish Scones. Remember to enjoy your creation with a cup of tea or coffee for a truly authentic experience. Now go ahead and impress your guests or indulge yourself in the classic taste of Scotland!
Scottish Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/3 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup seedless raisins (optional) or 1/2 cup currants (optional)
- 1 egg yolks, beaten or 2 -3 tablespoons milk
- sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 F (230 C).
- Stir the vinegar into the milk, and set aside.
- Combine the flour, sugar, salt, and baking soda in a mixing bowl, and stir well to blend. Cut in the shortening unti lthe mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the raisins, currents, or other dried fruit.
- Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients alla t once and stir it with a fork until all ingredients are moistened.
- Turn the mixture onto a lightly floured board and knead it gently about 20 times.
- Place the dough on an ungreased cookie sheet. Pat or roll the dough out to a 1/2 inch (12 mm) thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges but do not separate.
- Brush the unbaked scones with the egg yolk or extra milk and sprinkle sugar on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until done.
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.