When it comes to indulging in something sweet yet simple, few things can top the classic charm of scones. 🍓 Whether you're organizing a cozy afternoon tea or just craving a delightful pastry, scones with cream and jam are a universally beloved treat. Here, we'll explore five different recipes for cream and jam scones, each with its unique twist, to elevate your baking game and delight your taste buds!
Traditional English Cream and Jam Scones
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Traditional%20English%20Scones" alt="Traditional English Scones"> </div>
Scones have a long history in English cuisine, traditionally served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Here’s how you can make the perfect batch:
Ingredients:
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g butter, cut into cubes
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 175ml milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Squeeze of lemon juice
- Cream and jam, to serve
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 220°C.
- Mix dry ingredients: sift flour and baking powder into a bowl, then add sugar.
- Rub in Butter: Add butter, and using your fingertips, rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.
- Add wet ingredients: Mix milk, vanilla, and lemon juice together. Gradually add this to the flour mixture until you have a soft dough (you might not need all the milk).
- Knead gently: Lightly dust your surface with flour, turn out the dough, and gently knead until smooth. Roll to about 2-3cm thick.
- Cut out scones: Use a 5cm cutter to stamp out scones, re-kneading and re-rolling scraps as necessary.
- Bake: Place scones on a baking sheet, brush with milk, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Cool slightly, then split open and serve with clotted cream and your favorite jam.
<p class="pro-note">🍴 Note: To achieve the best scones, don't over-knead the dough; this can make them tough. Keep the ingredients cold for flakier scones.</p>
Lavender Infused Scones
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Lavender%20Scones" alt="Lavender Infused Scones"> </div>
For a floral twist on traditional scones, lavender provides an aromatic flavor that pairs wonderfully with cream:
Ingredients:
- Same as Traditional English scones, plus:
- 2 tbsp dried culinary lavender
- Zest of one lemon
Instructions:
Follow the basic scone recipe, adding the lavender and lemon zest to the dry ingredients before mixing in the butter.
<p class="pro-note">🌼 Note: Use dried culinary lavender to avoid overpowering the scones with an overly strong scent.</p>
Chocolate Chunk Scones
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Chocolate%20Chunk%20Scones" alt="Chocolate Chunk Scones"> </div>
For chocolate lovers, these scones introduce a sweet and rich element:
Ingredients:
- Basic scone ingredients, plus:
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped into chunks
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
Instructions:
Mix cocoa with the flour. Fold in the chocolate chunks after adding the butter.
<p class="pro-note">🍫 Note: Dark chocolate pairs well with the sweetness of cream and jam, balancing the flavors beautifully.</p>
Savory Scones with Cheese and Herbs
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Savory%20Scones" alt="Savory Scones"> </div>
If you prefer a savory treat, these scones offer a different texture and taste experience:
Ingredients:
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g butter
- 100g grated cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
- 175ml milk
Instructions:
- Mix: Combine flour, baking powder, and herbs. Rub in butter, then mix in cheese.
- Form dough: Gradually add milk to form a dough, then proceed as per the traditional recipe.
<p class="pro-note">🧀 Note: Serve these scones with a good butter or cream cheese spread for an indulgent treat.</p>
Citrus Zest Scones
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Citrus%20Scones" alt="Citrus Zest Scones"> </div>
For a zesty variation, citrus zest adds a fresh note to scones:
Ingredients:
- Traditional scone recipe, plus:
- Zest of one orange or lemon
Instructions:
Incorporate the zest into the dry mixture before adding the butter.
<p class="pro-note">🍊 Note: Citrus zest enhances the flavor without making the scones overly sweet, perfect for a more nuanced taste.</p>
In closing, experimenting with different scone recipes can transform a simple bake into a delightful culinary journey. Whether you stick to the traditional cream and jam scone or venture into the realms of lavender, chocolate, cheese, or citrus zest, each batch offers a new way to enjoy this beloved treat. These variations provide not just a delightful indulgence but also a celebration of flavors that can be tailored to any taste or occasion.
The versatility of scones means they can be sweet or savory, simple or elaborate, making them perfect for any time you fancy a bit of baking. Remember, the key to great scones is in the balance of ingredients, the quality of your components, and a bit of love in every knead and bake. 🧡
<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I freeze scone dough?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze scone dough. Cut out your scones, place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, simply place them on a baking sheet and bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long do scones last?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Scones are best eaten the day they are made, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use yogurt instead of milk in scones?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can use yogurt. For every cup of milk, you can substitute with 3/4 cup plain yogurt and 1/4 cup milk. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I substitute for self-raising flour?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Combine 1 cup of plain flour with 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder. This ratio can be scaled up for larger quantities.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>