The Ritz of London’s Afternoon Tea Scones
User Reviews
4.9
The Ritz of London’s Afternoon Tea Scones
Description
This scone recipe uses a combination of leavening agents including baking powder, cream of tartar, and baking soda combined with a small amount of butter worked into the flour for a flaky texture. The dough is rolled to a half-inch thickness and cut into rounds without twisting to maintain an even rise and shape during baking. Baking at a relatively high temperature produces a golden exterior while keeping the interior soft.
The scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm, providing a soft crumb that breaks apart easily by hand as expected for an afternoon tea treat. They work well with clotted cream, jam, or butter to complete the traditional experience.
If you have leftover scones, warming them briefly in an oven or toaster oven helps restore their softness and prevents them from crumbling when broken open.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour plus more for dusting
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt or slightly less
- 3 tablespoons butter cut into small pieces, plus more for greasing pan, unsalted
- ⅔ cup whole milk 160 ml or buttermilk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220 C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, baking soda, and salt. Work in the butter with the fingertips until the mixture has the consistency of large, flaky crumbs. Make a well in the center, and add milk. Stir using a spatula until the dough is soft.
- On a floured surface, roll out the dough to a ½-inch (1.25 cm) thickness. Use a pastry cutter 2 to 2 ½ inches (5 to 6.5 cm) in diameter or a water glass, press out rounds. (Do not twist when pressing out, or the scones are likely to bake unevenly).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter or line with parchment paper. Arrange the rounds on the sheet. Lightly dust their faces with flour.
- Bake until they have risen and turned golden, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from the oven. Serve warm.
Notes
- Best eaten the same day they are baked to preserve texture and flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven or toaster oven for 4–5 minutes to refresh softness and crumb.
- Do not cut scones with a knife when fresh, as they should easily break apart by hand for proper afternoon tea etiquette.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 12scones
Amount Per Serving
Calories 101 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1scone | |
| Calories | 101kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 2g | 4% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 125mg | 5% |
| Potassium | 42mg | 1% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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