Imagine a warm scone, freshly baked, with its golden crust giving way to a tender, fluffy interior, generously filled with a generous dollop of clotted cream and a vibrant spread of jam. Scones, with their humble origins in Scotland, have become a staple in British afternoon tea and a beloved treat around the world. Today, we're going to explore five classic scones recipes, each with its unique twist, perfect for pairing with your favorite jams and creams.
Classic British Scone Recipe
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The quintessential British scone is all about simplicity and tradition. Here's how you can make your own:
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Ingredients:
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g butter, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 175ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- A squeeze of lemon juice
- Clotted cream and strawberry jam, for serving
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Method:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7.
- Sift the flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl. Add the butter and use your fingers to rub it into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the sugar.
- Warm the milk gently, mix in the vanilla extract, and then add the lemon juice, which will help to activate the baking powder. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and combine until you have a soft dough.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface and knead briefly. Roll to about 3cm thick.
- Cut out scones using a 5cm cutter, re-rolling the scraps until all the dough is used. Place on a baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with milk for a golden finish.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes or until well risen and lightly golden. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
<p class="pro-note">📝 Note: Traditional scones are plain, but feel free to add raisins or currants if you prefer a sweeter scone.</p>
Cheddar and Chive Scones
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For a savory twist, cheddar and chive scones pair wonderfully with a sharp cheddar or even a tangy chutney:
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Ingredients:
- 225g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 55g cold butter, cubed
- 120g grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp finely chopped chives
- 1 egg
- 120ml milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Method:
- Preheat oven to 220°C.
- Sift the flour and baking powder together. Rub in the butter until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add the cheese, chives, and seasoning.
- Beat the egg into the milk and add this to the dry mixture. Stir until combined.
- Turn onto a floured surface, knead lightly, and roll out to about 2cm thick.
- Cut with a fluted cutter, place on a baking tray, and brush with milk.
- Bake for about 12-15 minutes until golden. Serve warm with cream cheese or butter.
Lemon Blueberry Scones
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A delightful fusion of tart and sweet, these scones are perfect for lemon lovers:
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, diced
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Zest of one lemon
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- Lemon curd for serving
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Method:
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest. Cut in the butter until crumbly.
- Whisk egg with cream and fold into the flour mixture.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- Form the dough into an 8-inch circle, cut into 8 wedges. Brush with cream and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden. Serve with lemon curd or clotted cream.
<p class="pro-note">📝 Note: Toss blueberries in a bit of flour before adding to prevent them from sinking in the dough.</p>
Chocolate Chip Scones
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For the chocolate lovers, these scones are like having dessert for tea:
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Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
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Method:
- Preheat oven to 190°C.
- Whisk together dry ingredients. Work in butter until mixture is crumbly.
- Stir in chocolate chips.
- Mix cream, egg, and vanilla; add to dry ingredients.
- Shape dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake for 20-25 minutes.
Nutty Whole Wheat Scones
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A healthier take on scones, with the added goodness of whole wheat flour and nuts:
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, grated
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or sour cream
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almonds
- 1 tsp cinnamon
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Method:
- Preheat oven to 200°C. Mix dry ingredients, including nuts and oats.
- Work in grated butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
- Add buttermilk or sour cream, stir until just combined.
- Pat out dough on a floured surface, cut into shapes, and place on a baking tray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly browned. These scones go great with any nutty spread or honey.
As we indulge in the comfort of these delightful scones, whether plain with clotted cream and jam, savory with cheese and chives, or rich with chocolate chips, there's a scone for every palate. Each variation offers not only a taste of tradition but also a canvas for creativity. The magic of scones lies in their versatility and the joy they bring when shared over tea or coffee, creating moments of warmth and connection.
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How do I store scones to keep them fresh?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or frozen for up to three months. Reheat in the oven for the best texture and flavor.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I make scones without buttermilk?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with a bit of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tanginess, or use yogurt thinned with milk.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I use instead of clotted cream?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>In the absence of clotted cream, you can use whipped cream or even a rich Greek yogurt as a substitute.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Are scones suitable for vegans?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can make vegan scones by using plant-based milk, vegan butter, and egg substitutes like flaxseed meal or applesauce.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>