Scones

There’s something magical about enjoying fresh-baked Scones on a leisurely weekend morning, don’t you think? The aroma wafting through the kitchen immediately transports me back to my childhood, where we would gather around the table with family, excited to dive into warm, flaky pastries. Let me tell you, baking scones isn’t just about the end result; it’s about the process, the anticipation, and the joy of sharing something delicious. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea or a delightful fruit preserve, scones are the perfect companion. I remember the first time I tried making them; I was a bit nervous but completely enchanted by how simple and rewarding it was. Now, I can’t help but whip them up whenever I want to impress guests or treat myself. So, let’s explore the art of making perfect scones together!

Ingredient List for Scones

When it comes to making scones, each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The combination of basic pantry staples creates a delightful pastry that can be enjoyed in numerous ways.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of your scones, providing structure.
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar – Adds sweetness and helps create a lovely golden crust.
• 1 Tbsp baking powder – The leavening agent that makes your scones light and fluffy.
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt – Enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced – Provides richness and flakiness; make sure it’s cold for best results!
• 1 large egg, cold, lightly beaten – Helps bind the ingredients together.
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold, plus 2 Tbsp to brush the tops – Keeps the scones moist and gives them a tender crumb.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• 1 Tbsp coarse or raw sugar to sprinkle on top – For that extra crunch and sweetness.
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar – Used in the glaze for drizzling over the cooled scones.
• 1 to 1 1/2 Tbsp milk – Adjusts the glaze to the desired consistency.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For the glaze, enhancing the overall flavor.

The Process for Making Scones

Making scones is a delightful process that transforms simple ingredients into a beautiful treat. The steps are straightforward, and with each one, you’ll see how everything comes together. Let’s dive into the steps to create these delicious pastries!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your scones bake evenly and don’t stick.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisking helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps and everything is well combined.
3. Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential to creating flaky layers in your scones.
4. If you choose to add any flavor ingredients, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips, gently stir them in at this stage. Before moving on, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the liquid ingredients. This helps to keep the butter cold for flakier scones.
5. In a separate small bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a fork until everything is well blended.
6. Now, pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture and fold it together gently with a spatula just until it is moistened. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a bit of dry mixture visible to ensure tender scones.
7. If your dough feels too dry, add another tablespoon of cream. Conversely, if it’s too moist, sprinkle in a little more flour. This step is all about achieving the right consistency.
8. Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and gently work it into a ball. Flatten the dough into about a 1-inch thick and 7-inch wide disk. Cut the disk into 8 equal wedges, making sure to cut straight down without sawing.
9. Arrange the wedges on your lined baking sheet, keeping at least 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with the reserved heavy whipping cream and generously sprinkle with coarse sugar.
10. Refrigerate the cut scones for 15 minutes before baking. This helps retain their shape while baking.
11. Bake your scones for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and they’re baked through in the center. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
12. For the glaze, in a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp of milk, and another vanilla extract. Stir until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
13. Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon. Enjoy your freshly baked scones with your favorite beverages!

Recipe Tips about Scones

Making scones at home can be a rewarding experience, but like any baking endeavor, a few tips can make all the difference. Here are some ideas to ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time.

• Storage: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Freezing: You can freeze unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Pairing: Scones are delicious with clotted cream and jam or fresh fruit. They also pair well with afternoon tea.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with different mix-ins, such as dried cranberries, blueberries, or even chocolate chips to customize your scones.
• Serving Warm: For the best experience, serve your scones warm, straight from the oven or lightly reheated.
• Glazing: Drizzle the glaze over the scones only after they have cooled to avoid melting away.

Pairing Suggestions for Scones

When it comes to enjoying scones, the options are endless, making them a versatile treat for any occasion. Here are some delightful pairing suggestions:

• Traditional Tea: Serve scones with a steaming cup of tea for a classic pairing that never goes out of style.
• Fruit Preserves: Raspberry or strawberry jam complements the buttery flavor of scones beautifully.
• Clotted Cream: For an authentic experience, add a dollop of clotted cream on top of your scone.
• Seasonal Fruits: Fresh fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries are perfect accompaniments, adding freshness and color.
• Brunch Events: Incorporate scones in your brunch spreads alongside fresh salads and fruit salads.
• Gift Ideas: Package scones in a lovely box and give them as a thoughtful gift for friends or family.

FAQ

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like the charm of freshly baked scones. They bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, their delightful flavor will surely impress. I encourage you to try making scones at home; the process is simple, and the reward is absolutely delicious!

Scones

The perfect treat for any occasion, these scones are flaky, buttery, and utterly irresistible. Experience the delight of freshly baked scones paired with your favorite preserves or a hot cup of tea. Make these scones tonight for a comforting dessert!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 33 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 8 scones

Calories 250 kcal

Equipment

• Whisk
• Blender
• Oven
• Chef's Knife
• Cutting Board
• Mixing Bowl
• Wooden Spoon
• Baking Sheet

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 Tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold, diced 1 stick
• 1 large egg, cold, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream, cold plus 2 Tbsp to brush the tops
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 Tbsp coarse/ raw sugar to sprinkle the top or sub with granulated sugar
• 2/3 cup powdered sugar
• 1 to 1 1/2 Tbsp milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that your scones bake evenly and don’t stick.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt. Whisking helps to aerate the dry ingredients, ensuring there are no lumps and everything is well combined.
• Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is essential to creating flaky layers in your scones.
• If you choose to add any flavor ingredients, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips, gently stir them in at this stage. Before moving on, place the bowl in the refrigerator to chill while you prepare the liquid ingredients. This helps to keep the butter cold for flakier scones.
• In a separate small bowl, combine the heavy whipping cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat with a fork until everything is well blended.
• Now, pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture and fold it together gently with a spatula just until it is moistened. Be careful not to over-mix; you want a bit of dry mixture visible to ensure tender scones.
• If your dough feels too dry, add another tablespoon of cream. Conversely, if it's too moist, sprinkle in a little more flour. This step is all about achieving the right consistency.
• Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface and gently work it into a ball. Flatten the dough into about a 1-inch thick and 7-inch wide disk. Cut the disk into 8 equal wedges, making sure to cut straight down without sawing.
• Arrange the wedges on your lined baking sheet, keeping at least 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with the reserved heavy whipping cream and generously sprinkle with coarse sugar.
• Refrigerate the cut scones for 15 minutes before baking. This helps retain their shape while baking.
• Bake your scones for 18 to 22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and they’re baked through in the center. Remove them from the oven and let them cool completely on a wire rack.
• For the glaze, in a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, 1 Tbsp of milk, and another vanilla extract. Stir until you achieve a smooth, drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.
• Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon. Enjoy your freshly baked scones with your favorite beverages!

Notes

• Tip 1: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They can also be refrigerated for up to a week.
• Tip 2: You can freeze unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transferring them to an airtight container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Tip 3: Scones are delicious with clotted cream and jam or fresh fruit. They also pair well with afternoon tea.
• Tip 4: Experiment with different mix-ins, such as dried cranberries, blueberries, or even chocolate chips to customize your scones.
• Tip 5: For the best experience, serve your scones warm, straight from the oven or lightly reheated.

Keyword best scone recipe, easy scone recipe, how to make scones, scone baking tips

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Meet Lydia James

I’m Lydia! I love the challenge of experimenting with new ingredients and finding creative, delicious ways to use up leftovers. My goal is to make your weeknight cooking feel stress-free, exciting, and full of flavor. I loved the creative process behind this dish, and I really hope it becomes a new favorite in your weekly rotation. I can't wait to hear what you think!