Scone

Prep: 20 mins Cook: 15 mins – 20 mins Difficulty: Medium Serves: 6
kcal fat saturates carbs
492 23g 14g 64g
sugars fibre protein salt
24g 2.4g 9g 0.34g

About Scone

Welcome to our exploration into the divine world of the UK’s popular comfort food: the Scone! This delicious treat with its golden, crusty exterior and a heart as soft as a pillow, is a staple in many traditional British tea-times.

What’s Inside a Scone?

You may be surprised to learn that the ingredients boasting behind the delightful texture and tantalizing taste of Scones aren’t incredibly exotic. They’re quite regular names that can be found in most household pantries, but the magic lives in how they all come together. A delectable whisper of vanilla, a subtle touch of sweetness from sugar, dashes of baking powder for that desired lift, and the essential all-purpose flour that binds everything together.

But wait, there’s more! To give it extra richness and tenderness, we also add unsalted butter (make sure it’s nicely chilled), and then mix in whole milk which unveils a wonderful, moist and light bread-like texture. An egg joins the party to act as a binding agent, giving that firm, yet soft consistency. And let’s not forget the optional addition of dried cranberries or raisins that add a fruity, chewy charm to each bite.

Unfolding the Scone Saga

The Scone may often invite comparisons with other similar types of bread, particularly the American biscuit. However, while they might share some similarities in ingredients and appearance, a seasoned food lover knows the difference that lies in the taste and the tradition.

The Scone carries with itself a slice of British history and culture and will forever be associated with delightful afternoon tea times across the British Isles. The classic combination of scones with clotted cream and jam is to Britain what coffee and croissants are to France – classic, comforting and timeless!

A baked scone

With its unmatched versatility, the Scone is also the perfect accompaniment to a number of savoury dishes. Their slightly sweet and crumbly texture makes them a perfect match with strong cheddar cheese, or delightfully contrasted with spreads like pesto or sundried tomato.

So whether you enjoy these delightful bites during a traditional tea-time, as an alternative to the usual toast for breakfast, or as a satisfying snack throughout the day, Scones have a comforting and familiar charm that is hard not to fall in love with. So let’s get the oven pre-heated and introduce you to the joy of preparing and savouring your very own Scones!

What You’ll Need

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into chunks and chilled
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins (optional)
ALLERGENS: Gluten, Milk, Egg

Method

Step One

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly dust it with flour.

Step Two

In a large mixing bowl, combine the 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 5 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step Three

Add the 3/4 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut or rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step Four

In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1 cup of whole milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure they are fully combined.

Step Five

Pour the liquid mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky. If you’re including dried cranberries or raisins, fold them in at this stage.

Step Six

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a rectangle. Cut into 8 wedges (or as desired).

Step Seven

Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of room between each one for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

Step Eight

Remove the baked scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature.

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