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Perfect Homemade Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 143 reviews

This recipe guides you through making perfect scones that are tender, crumbly, and delightfully golden. With a simple mixture of flour, sugar, butter, cream, and eggs, you can customize them by adding your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts. The scones are baked to a golden brown and have a tender crumb that is perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a delicious snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

Fat and Liquid Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or buttermilk (plus 2 Tbsp for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

Add-Ins (Optional)

  • 1 to 1 and 1/2 cups add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, nuts, or fruit

Topping (Optional)

  • Coarse sugar for topping

Instructions

  1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
  2. Incorporate Butter: Grate the frozen unsalted butter using a box grater and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to combine until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Place the mixture in the refrigerator or freezer while preparing wet ingredients.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Drizzle the wet ingredients over the flour and butter mixture. Add your chosen add-ins (like chocolate chips or berries) and gently mix until the dough appears moistened but not overworked.
  5. Shape the Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently work the dough into a ball; it will be sticky. Add a bit more flour if too sticky, or a tablespoon or two of cream if too dry. Press into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges for triangle scones. Alternatively, make two 5-inch discs for smaller scones or scoop drop scones onto baking sheets.
  6. Brush and Sprinkle: Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. For extra crunch, sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  7. Chill the Dough: Place scones on a plate or lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to firm up before baking.
  8. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for perfectly risen scones.
  9. Prepare Baking Sheets: Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. Space scones 2-3 inches apart on the sheets once chilled.
  10. Bake the Scones: Bake for 18-26 minutes until scones turn golden brown around edges and top. Larger scones will need closer to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and cool for a few minutes before serving.
  11. Storage: Store leftover scones at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • Use frozen butter grated to create flaky layers in the scones; do not use melted or softened butter.
  • Scones can be customized with a variety of add-ins such as dried fruit, fresh berries, nuts, or chocolate chips.
  • Brushing with cream and sprinkling coarse sugar before baking adds a crunchy, sweet topping.
  • If dough is too sticky to handle, add more flour sparingly to avoid tough scones.
  • For smaller or drop scones, adjust baking time accordingly, checking for golden edges and cooked centers.
  • Refrigerating the dough before baking helps achieve better rise and texture.
  • Serve scones fresh with jams, clotted cream, or butter for the best experience.

Keywords: scones, classic scones, breakfast scones, easy scones recipe, tea time treats, baking scones, homemade scones, buttery scones

Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/perfect-homemade-scones-recipe/