Classic British Scones

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup (120ml) milk 1/2 cup (120ml) milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 220 kcal / 920 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 6g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 28g, 7g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 0.6g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. 3.
   Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, mix together the milk and vanilla extract. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. 5.
   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
6. 6.
   Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 2.5 cm (1 inch). Use a round cookie cutter to cut out scones and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
7. 7.
   Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg wash.
8. 8.
   Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Butter — Make sure the butter is cold and cubed to achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
• Milk — Use whole milk for a richer flavor and texture.
• Egg — Beating the egg and using it as an egg wash gives the scones a beautiful golden color.

Tips & Tricks

• Handle the dough gently to avoid overmixing, which can result in tough scones.
• Serve the scones warm with clotted cream and your favorite jam for an authentic British experience.
• If you prefer a sweeter scone, you can add a handful of raisins or currants to the dough.
• For a variation, you can also add grated orange zest or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough for extra flavor.
• Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for future enjoyment.

Serving advice

Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. Split them in half and spread clotted cream and jam on each half. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee.

Presentation advice

Arrange the scones on a tiered serving tray or a decorative plate. Dust them with powdered sugar for an elegant touch. Serve with a side of clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea for an authentic British presentation.