Delicious and Nutritious Wholemeal Scones Recipe
Welcome to the world of traditional Scottish cuisine! If you’re looking for a recipe that is not only delicious but also has a long history of being a staple in Scottish households, look no further than this Traditional Scottish Wholemeal Scones Recipe.
Scones are a beloved food item in Scotland and have been enjoyed for centuries as an essential part of breakfast, afternoon tea or even as a quick snack. The traditional recipe for authentic Scottish scones uses minimal ingredients yet yields perfectly crumbly and golden brown scones every time.
In this article, we’ll show you how easy it is to create these delicious yet healthier wholemeal scones that are perfect for any time of day. This recipe uses whole wheat flour which adds a nutty flavor and a hearty texture to the scones. It’s not only delicious but also healthier than traditional recipes that use white flour.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll quickly see why scones are such an important part of Scottish cuisine. So, let’s get started on making these yummy treats that will have your family and friends coming back for more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of traditional Scottish recipes, then this recipe for wholemeal scones is one you won’t want to miss. But even if you’ve never tasted a Scottish scone before, you’ll still love this recipe for its easy, delicious and healthier take on the classic scone.
These wholemeal scones are made with a mix of white and whole wheat flour, making them healthier than traditional scones without sacrificing their irresistible golden brown crust and fluffy interior. Plus, this recipe uses minimal butter or margarine, making it a great option for those who want to cut back on their fat intake.
But just because they’re healthier doesn’t mean these scones aren’t tasty. Their nutty flavor pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee, and they’re versatile enough to be served with sweet toppings like jam or honey, or savory ones like cheese or butter.
The recipe shows how to make them easy and delicious with just a few simple steps. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can whip up a batch of fresh scones in no time.
So give these wholemeal Scottish scones a try and we guarantee they’ll become your new go-to recipe for any occasion!
Ingredient List
Here is the ingredient list for Traditional Scottish Wholemeal Scones Recipe:
- 6 ounces (175g / 1½ US cups) white flour
- 6 ounces (175g / 1½ US cups) whole wheat flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 4 tablespoons cold butter or margarine
- 1 tablespoon golden syrup or treacle (Scottish black molasses)
- 300ml (1¼ US cups) milk (soured with a squeeze of lemon or vinegar)
- Handful of coarse Scottish bran
- A little extra milk to glaze
These scones use minimal ingredients and are healthier than traditional Scottish bran scones. Instead of using white flour, we will use wholemeal flour, which doesn’t compromise on flavor but adds more fiber to your diet. They are also perfect for vegans as there are no eggs!
The Recipe How-To
After assembling the proper ingredients, it’s time to get down to the actual process of making these Traditional Scottish Wholemeal Scones. The recipe is relatively simple, with only a few steps to follow, but attention to detail is important in ensuring the best results.
Step One: Preheat Your Oven
The first step is to preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan-assisted ovens) or gas mark 7. This will ensure that your scones bake evenly and develop that beautifully golden brown crust you’re after.
Step Two: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Mix together the wholemeal flour, white flour, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step Three: Add Your Butter
Next, cut your cold butter into small cubes, and add them into the mixing bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles breadcrumbs or small pebbles. If you prefer a healthier option, you can use margarine instead of butter.
Step Four: Add Liquid Ingredients
Now it’s time to add the liquid ingredients. Start by creating a well in your flour and butter mixture and adding the milk along with 1 tablespoon of golden syrup. Mix gently with a spoon until just combined.
Step Five: Knead and Roll
Onto a floured surface, turn out your dough mixture and bring it together into a rough ball. Dust some extra flour onto your hands if needed as you knead it very briefly – just enough so that all of the ingredients come together nicely without overworking it. Pat out the dough to roughly 2cm thickness.
Step Six: Cut Out Scones
Using a floured cutter, cut out scones from the dough, placing them on a lined baking tray with a little space between each one.
Step Seven: Bake
Place the tray in your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and serve hot with a spread of butter and jam.
These traditional Scottish wholemeal scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. However, they can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to three days. When you are ready to indulge, reheat them at 150°C for 10 minutes for that just-baked taste.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about this traditional Scottish wholemeal scone recipe is its versatility. With simple ingredient swaps, you can create a variety of delicious scones that cater to your personal taste preferences.
Substitutions:
– Flour: While the recipe calls for a blend of white and whole wheat flour, you can easily use all-purpose flour or self-raising flour instead. If you prefer a denser texture, use wholemeal flour instead of white.
– Butter: If you want to make the scones vegan, swap the butter for margarine or another non-dairy spread.
– Golden syrup: Scotts may argue with me on this one, but if you cannot find golden syrup, you can swap it for honey or maple syrup without losing too much from the traditional recipe.
Variations:
– Cheese scones: Add grated cheddar cheese and paprika for a savory twist on this classic.
– Griddle scones: Instead of baking in the oven, cook your scones on a skillet or griddle. This will give your scones a lightly fried exterior that’s perfect with some butter.
– Helensburgh Toffee Scones: Incorporate pieces of toffee into the dough with dried apricots for an extra treat in every bite
– Oat Scones: Use oat flour instead of all-purpose flour and fold in oats into the mix to make heartier and earthier pucks. Add nuts of your choice if like
– Currant Scones: Mix dried currants into the dough along with zest off an orange
– Scottish Bran Scones: Swap out half cup of whole wheat flour with bran flakes and add 1 tablespoon of molasses to get that popular Scottish bran scone taste
– Potato Scones: Cook mashed potato until dry squeeze through cheesecloth until completely dried out. Mix in butter salt pepper and 2 tablespoons of milk to make a hearty dough
– Vegan Scones: Use any plant milk of your choice and dairy free butter in proportions as mentioned in the recipe.
Get creative with your ingredients and adjust the recipe to suit your taste preferences. The possibilities are endless!
Serving and Pairing
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones, especially when served with a cup of tea or coffee. Traditional Scottish wholemeal scones are no different. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch or an afternoon tea with friends.
To serve wholemeal scones, cut them into halves or quarters and spread some butter or margarine on each piece. For a more indulgent treat, try some Scottish treacle, honey or jam instead. Served warm, these scones have a lovely crumbly texture and a slightly nutty flavor that pairs well with sweet or savory toppings.
When it comes to pairing wholemeal scones with beverages, you can’t go wrong with a pot of hot tea or coffee. Sweetened with a dash of milk, they make for a perfect accompaniment to the earthy flavors of the whole meal flour. For something more refreshing, try serving them along with iced tea or lemonade on a summer day.
For an authentic Scottish experience, pair your scones with some delicious Scottish breakfast staples such as eggs, bacon, and black pudding. Or create a traditional Scottish high tea spread with assorted finger sandwiches, fruit salad, biscuits and of course cheesy griddle scones.
Overall this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways; whether savory or sweet, warm or cold, formal or casual. No matter how you choose to serve them, these delightful whole meal scones are sure to satisfy your taste buds while transporting you to the land of Loch Ness monsters and highland bagpipes
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
These Scottish wholemeal scones are best when served fresh, but they can be made ahead and stored for later. To make ahead, prepare the dough as instructed and cut them into desired shapes, then wrap tightly with plastic wrap and store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
If you’ve already baked the scones, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature. If stored longer than that, they will lose their texture and flavor. To reheat them, place them on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes until golden brown.
These scones can also be frozen for longer storage. To freeze, bake as directed and let them cool completely before wrapping each one individually with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store them in freezer bags for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen scones, remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw on the counter overnight before heating them in the oven just like fresh scones.
Remember that reheating these scones too long or too hot can make them dry out, so be careful not to overdo it. That said, this recipe shows how easy it is to keep these delicious healthy Scottish wholemeal scones around whenever you need a quick snack or breakfast made with minimal fuss.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let’s talk about some tips that will help you get the perfect traditional Scottish wholemeal scones. With just a little bit of extra knowledge and effort, you can make your scones better and more delicious.
Firstly, ensure all your ingredients are at room temperature before you begin to mix them. This is especially true for butter or margarine. Cold butter will result in hard-to-mix dough that will crumble and fail to roll properly.
When mixing the dough, avoid overworking it. Overworking the dough activates gluten in the flour, which will result in tough and dense scones instead of light and fluffy ones. Therefore, handle the dough gently and as little as possible.
When cutting out your scone shapes from the rolled dough, use a sharp-edged cutter with a firm press straight down through the dough. Avoid twisting the cutter as you cut because it can cause uneven rising and prevent your scones from evenly cooking.
If you want to add some fruit to your scones, be sure not to use fruits that are too wet or juicy. This can result in soggy scones or even ruin them completely. Instead, use dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for added flavor and texture.
Lastly, when baking your scones, keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning or burning. Most recipes suggest baking for 15-20 minutes until golden brown, but depending on your oven, altitude or weather conditions that time may vary. So stay vigilant and regularly check how well they’re cooking to ensure they come out perfectly every time.
Follow these tips whenever you whip up a batch of these delicious traditional Scottish wholemeal scones so that every bite feels like heaven on earth.
FAQ
Before we conclude, let’s address some common questions about this traditional Scottish wholemeal scones recipe. The following FAQs will help you ensure perfect results when making these delicious and healthy scones at home.
What is the secret to making good scones?
As a chef specializing in British cuisine, I have found that using cold or even frozen butter will result in a better rise in your scones. It’s important to mix the dough just enough until it comes together. To achieve the lightest texture, use pastry flour. After shaping your scones, it’s recommended to chill them before baking for best results. These tips will give your scones the perfect texture and rise.
How were scones traditionally made?
The more traditional scones were initially crafted with oats and flattened into a single larger circle cut into six or four pieces. These triangular wedges would be cooked on a griddle oven through an open fire. Nonetheless, the contemporary versions of scones are prepared utilizing flour and baked in conventional ovens.
Which flour is better for scones?
When preparing scones, the type of flour you use affects the texture of the final product. For scones with a higher rise and a firmer shape, it’s best to use all-purpose flour. On the other hand, if you prefer a more delicate, cake-like scone that doesn’t rise as much, cake flour is a great substitution. Just make sure to reduce the amount of liquid in the recipe by 1 to 2 tablespoons, only adding enough to bring the dough together.
Why would it be healthier to use wholemeal flour when making scones?
When making scones, incorporating wholemeal flour can be beneficial to enhance the fiber content. Our suggested method is to replace half of the all-purpose flour with wholemeal flour if you’re unsure of the taste.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, traditional Scottish wholemeal scones are an absolute delight, perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and require minimal ingredients while still being incredibly delicious and healthier than their white flour counterparts. I highly recommend using wholemeal flour to create a more wholesome and hearty scone with a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with butter or jam. These scones can be made ahead of time, stored, and reheated, making them an excellent addition to any busy kitchen. Furthermore, this recipe shows you just how easy it is to make these scrumptious treats a bit healthier without sacrificing taste or texture. Whether you’re enjoying these scones for breakfast or as an afternoon snack, they are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling satisfied. So what are you waiting for? Get baking and indulge in the deliciousness of traditional Scottish wholemeal scones.
Traditional Scottish Wholemeal Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 ounces whole wheat flour (175g or 1 1/2 US cups)
- 6 ounces white flour (175g or 1 1/2 US cups)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 ounces butter (60g or half stick) or 2 ounces margarine (60g or half stick)
- 2 teaspoons golden syrup, warmed
- approximately quarter pint milk (5 fl.oz. or 150ml or generous US half cup)
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Mix the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl and then rub in the fat until it becomes like coarse breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the melted syrup and then add enough milk to make a soft dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and roll until quite thin. Using a cutter, cut into rounds of about 1½ inches (3.8cm) in diameter.
- Place the rounds on a floured baking sheet and cook in a pre-heated oven at 190C/375F/Gas Mark 5 for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve hot, spread with butter.
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
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.