Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Scones are simple to make yet feel delightfully special. The dough comes together quickly, and the result is golden, slightly crisp on the outside, and soft inside. You can customize them with endless add-ins — berries, chocolate chips, cheese, or herbs — and they taste fantastic warm or at room temperature.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Sugar (for sweet scones)
• Butter (cold and cubed)
• Milk or heavy cream
• Egg
• Optional add-ins: raisins, berries, chocolate chips, cheese, or herbs

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   • Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix the dry ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Cut in the butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add wet ingredients:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together milk (or cream) and egg. Pour into the flour mixture and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Do not overmix.
5. Shape the scones:
   • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
   • Pat it into a circle about ¾ inch thick and cut into wedges or rounds.
6. Bake:
   • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little milk or egg wash for a golden finish.
   • Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Cool and serve:
   • Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with butter, jam, or clotted cream.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 scones. Preparation takes around 10 minutes, and baking takes 15–18 minutes. The total time is approximately 25–30 minutes.

Variations

• Classic Cream Scones: Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer flavor.
• Fruit Scones: Add fresh or dried berries such as blueberries, cranberries, or raisins.
• Chocolate Chip Scones: Stir in chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
• Savory Scones: Omit the sugar and mix in shredded cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon.
• Glazed Scones: Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze once cooled.

Storage/Reheating

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 10–15 seconds. Scones also freeze beautifully — wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months, then thaw at room temperature or reheat before serving.

FAQs

1. What’s the secret to light, flaky scones?

Use cold butter and handle the dough as little as possible to prevent overworking it.

2. Can I make scone dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate overnight before baking.

3. Should I use milk or cream?

Either works, but cream gives a richer, more tender result.

4. Can I freeze unbaked scones?

Yes, freeze them on a tray until solid, then transfer to a bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

5. Why are my scones dense?

Overmixing the dough or adding too much liquid can make them heavy. Mix just until combined.

6. Can I make scones without eggs?

Yes, replace the egg with a few extra tablespoons of milk or cream.

7. What’s the difference between British and American scones?

British scones are less sweet and typically served with clotted cream and jam, while American scones are richer and often glazed.

8. Can I make gluten-free scones?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking powder is gluten-free.

9. How do I get a golden crust on top?

Brush with milk, cream, or an egg wash before baking.

10. What should I serve with scones?

They’re perfect with tea or coffee, alongside butter, jam, clotted cream, or lemon curd.

Conclusion

Scones are the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence — golden on the outside, tender inside, and endlessly customizable. Whether you make them sweet or savory, they’re a wonderful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Once you master this easy recipe, you’ll find yourself baking these delightful pastries again and again.

Scones

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Scones are buttery, tender pastries that are crisp on the outside and soft within. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, they can be customized with sweet or savory add-ins and taste best served warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Total Time: 28 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Pastry
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2–4 tablespoons sugar (optional, for sweet scones)
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 2/3 cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup raisins, berries, chocolate chips, cheese, or herbs

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar (if using).
3. Add the cold, cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk or cream and the egg. Pour into the flour mixture and stir gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
5. Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead lightly a few times, then pat into a 3/4-inch-thick circle. Cut into wedges or rounds.
6. Place scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush tops with milk or an egg wash for shine.
7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Use very cold butter for the best flaky texture.
• Do not overmix — stop as soon as the dough comes together.
• Brush with milk or egg wash for a golden crust.
• Scones can be frozen baked or unbaked for later use.
• Serve with clotted cream, butter, or jam for a traditional touch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 240
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 55mg