How to Make Scones (basic scone recipe)
User Reviews
5
How to Make Scones (basic scone recipe)
Description
The recipe relies on cold butter, which is worked into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, preserving the butter's integrity to create a flaky texture. Eggs and heavy cream are combined and stirred in to form a soft dough, which is gently kneaded and shaped into an 8-inch circle. The dough is cut into eight wedges, placed on a baking sheet, brushed with milk, and baked until golden.
This method produces scones with a tender crumb and lightly crisp edges. Optional mix-ins such as dried fruit or cheese can be added before kneading to customize flavor. The gentle handling of dough prevents toughness and preserves lightness.
These scones can be enjoyed plain or with accompaniments like jam or clotted cream and are suitable for breakfast or teatime.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup butter cold, cut into pieces, unsalted
- 2 large egg beaten
- ¾ cup heavy whipping cream
- milk to brush on scones
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or a fork, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. (If adding cheese or herbs, they can be added at this point).
- In a separate bowl combine eggs and heavy cream. Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. (If adding fruit or berries, they can be added at this point). Knead gently by pressing and folding for about 10-12 strokes to form a dough.
- Gently pat the dough into an 8-inch circle. With a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 even wedges.
- Transfer the wedges to an ungreased baking sheet, placing them approximately 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with milk.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from the baking sheet and transfer to a wire rack to cool.
Notes
- Use cold butter to maintain flakiness and prevent dense scones.
- Cut butter into flour using a pastry cutter or fork for even distribution.
- Knead gently and shape dough quickly to avoid melting butter with hands' warmth.
- Lightly flour when patting out dough, or work on parchment to reduce added flour and density.
- Add dried fruit, cheese, citrus zest, vanilla, or fresh/frozen fruit to vary flavor as desired.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8scones
Amount Per Serving
Calories 313 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 313 | 16% |
| Carbohydrates | 35g | 12% |
| Protein | 6g | 12% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 86mg | 29% |
| Sodium | 161mg | 7% |
| Potassium | 686mg | 15% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
| Vitamin A | 624IU | 12% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 289mg | 29% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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