Why You’ll Love This English Style Scones 🥐☕

Hello, fellow baking enthusiasts! Are you ready to indulge in the pure, unadulterated joy of a perfectly baked English scone? Forget those dry, crumbly disappointments you might have encountered in the past. This recipe is about to change your scone game forever. I’m talking fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth scones, bursting with buttery goodness, and possessing a delicate sweetness that’s utterly irresistible. Imagine the warm, slightly sweet crumb, the rich buttery flavor exploding on your tongue, paired with a steaming cup of tea or coffee – pure bliss, right?

What makes this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of ingredients, the careful attention to technique, and the sheer joy of creating something so delicious from scratch. The room temperature butter ensures a tender crumb, the baking powder provides that delightful lift, and the whole milk adds richness and moisture. It’s a recipe that’s surprisingly quick to prepare, meaning you can enjoy these delightful treats without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s the perfect recipe to share with friends and family, evoking feelings of warmth, comfort, and simple pleasures. You’ll love the ease, the taste, and the overall friendly vibe of this recipe – perfect for a cozy afternoon or a delightful brunch.

Trust me, you will not be disappointed. This recipe is your shortcut to scones that taste like they came from a charming English tea room. Get ready for a truly delightful baking experience! You’ll want to make these again and again.

What You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, readily available ingredients, which makes it even more delightful! Here’s what you’ll need:

2 cups all-purpose flour (10 ounces by weight): The foundation of our scones, providing structure and texture. Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!
4 tsp baking powder: This is the secret ingredient for those lovely fluffy scones. Don’t skimp on this one!
1/2 tsp salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1/4 cup sugar: Granulated sugar provides just the right amount of sweetness. You can adjust this to your preference.
6 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature: This is crucial! Room temperature butter ensures a tender crumb. Let it sit out for at least an hour before starting.
2/3 cup whole milk: Whole milk adds richness and moisture to the scones. Don’t substitute with anything lower in fat!
1 large egg: This binds the ingredients and adds richness. Ensure it’s at room temperature too for best results.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get baking! This recipe is easier than you think. Follow these steps carefully, and you’ll be enjoying delicious scones in no time.

Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Make sure everything is well combined. No lumps allowed!
Cut in the Butter: Add the room temperature butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The goal is to have pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the dough.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, lightly whisk together the whole milk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Don’t overmix! A few lumps are okay; overmixing will result in tough scones.
Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut out scones. Don’t twist the cutter; this seals the edges and prevents the scones from rising properly. Reroll the scraps and cut out more scones.
Bake: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra milk for a golden brown finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Cool & Enjoy: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite jam, clotted cream, or a simple pat of butter.

Tips for Success

Here are a few tips to guarantee perfectly fluffy scones every time:

Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Just mix until the ingredients are combined.
Use cold butter: While the butter should be room temperature, ensure it doesn’t get too soft. If it’s too soft, it will melt into the dough, resulting in dense scones.
Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough; this develops the gluten and makes the scones tough. Just gently pat and cut the dough.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the scones enough space to rise properly. If necessary, bake in batches.
Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the scones are cooked through. If it comes out clean, they’re ready.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique scones!

Cheese Scones: Add 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese to the dough.
Cranberry Scones: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries into the dough.
Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds.
Cinnamon Sugar Scones: Sprinkle the tops with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar before baking.
Gluten-Free Scones: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly.

Storing and Reheating

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, but this method may result in a slightly less crisp texture.

Reheating frozen scones will take a bit longer, so allow approximately 10-15 minutes in a preheated oven or longer if necessary to achieve the desired level of warmth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about making English scones:

Can I use a different type of milk? While whole milk is recommended for the richest flavor and texture, you can experiment with other types of milk like buttermilk or almond milk. However, the results may vary slightly in terms of texture and taste.
What if my butter isn’t quite room temperature? Slightly cooler butter is better than excessively soft butter. If your butter is too cold, it will be difficult to incorporate into the dough. If it’s too soft, it will melt and make the scones dense.
How do I know when the scones are done? The scones are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
Can I make these scones ahead of time? You can make the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few minutes to the baking time. You can also freeze unbaked scones, but be sure to wrap them well.
Why are my scones flat? Flat scones are often the result of not enough baking powder, overmixing the dough, or using too soft butter. Be sure to check your ingredients and technique, following the steps as instructed.

The Final Word

These fluffy, buttery English style scones are a baking triumph! The combination of the perfectly balanced ingredients and simple technique makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy afternoon tea, a weekend brunch, or simply a sweet treat, these scones will not disappoint. Their delicate sweetness, melt-in-your-mouth texture, and effortless preparation make them a must-try recipe. So, gather your ingredients, and let the baking begin! Don’t forget to leave a comment below and let me know how yours turned out. Happy baking!

English Style Scones 🥐☕

These classic English scones are light, fluffy, and perfect for a teatime treat with clotted cream and jam.

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Ingredients

* 2 cups all-purpose flour 10 ounces by weight 🍚
* 4 tsp baking powder 🥄
* 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
* 1/4 cup sugar 🍬
* 6 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature 🧈
* 2/3 cup whole milk 🥛
* 1 large egg 🥚
* 1 tbsp milk for egg wash (optional) 🥛
* Coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional) 🍬

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.
In a separate small bowl, lightly whisk together the egg and 2/3 cup of milk.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
Use a 2-inch round cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut out scones. Reroll the scraps to make more scones.
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the extra tablespoon of milk (optional) and sprinkle with coarse sugar (optional).
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
Let the scones cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

For extra fluffy scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Cold ingredients are key to achieving a tender crumb. You can substitute heavy cream for the milk for a richer flavor. Serve warm with clotted cream, jam, and a cup of tea!

Fluffy Buttery English Style Scones