These classic British scones turn out wonderfully soft and fluffy and taste especially delicious topped with jam and clotted cream! They require just a few basic ingredients and are ready in 30 minutes!
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Classic British Scone Recipe
If you’re in search of a classic British scone recipe, you’ve come to the right place!
A classic British scone is the perfect snack, served with jam and clotted cream, and preferably alongside a lovely cup of tea.
These ones are light, tall, tender, and flaky. They are soft and fluffy on the inside with a slighly crisp exterior. The recipe calls for just a small amount of sugar. Traditional British scones typically don’t contain much sugar. The butter content isn’t high either, but they still have a buttery texture and flavor.
Scones are a classic in the UK and traditionally served during afternoon tea. Scones are also part of cream tea, a simpler version of afternoon tea consisting only of tea served with scones, jam, and clotted cream. Scones are also enjoyed with morning tea, for breakfast, brunch, or as a quick snack.
Classic British scones are made using baking powder as the leavening agent, not yeast. This recipe is super simple and easy to whip up and you’ll actually be surprised by how quickly they come together. You can have them on the table in just 30 minutes! They’re perfect for serving to guests.
The scones taste best fresh, when they’re still warm, or at least the day of baking. It doesn’t get any better than a freshly baked scone, topped with jam and clotted cream!
This recipe yields about a dozen scones if you use a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter. Straight-edged cookie cutters tend to work better than fluted ones because they cut more cleanly and thus give a more even rise.
To serve, split in half by hand and top with strawberry jam and a generous dollop of clotted cream. Obviously, you can also spread the clotted cream first and then top with the jam.
Ingredients to Make Classic British Scones
Let’s go over what you’ll need to make these classic British scones! It’s just a few basic ingredients you likely already have in your pantry!
To make these classic British scones you’ll just need 6 basic ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, sugar, and milk.
Jam and clotted cream go on top. Strawberry jam is most traditional, but you can use any other jam you prefer. Instead of clotted cream, you can try unsalted or salted butter, whipped cream, mascarpone cheese, or crème fraîche.
How to Make Classic British Scones
Now that you know the ingredients, let’s cover how to make these classic British scones! It’s easy, I promise!
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (highly recommended!) or a fork until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Or rub in the butter using your fingertips. Stir in the sugar.
Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and add in the milk. Stir with a fork or a spatula until just incorporated and a soft dough forms.
Transfer to a lightly floured surface and fold over 2-3 times until the dough comes together. Pat into a round about 1 1/2-inch (a little under 4 cm) thick. Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out scones, dipping your cookie cutter in flour prior to each cut. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more until the dough is used up.
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the extra milk.
Bake the scones for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on the tops and bottoms. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then serve with jam and clotted cream.
Ready for teatime? If you make this recipe, I’d love to know how it turned out! Please let me know by giving it a star rating and leaving a comment below. Or snap a photo and tag @teatimeontheporch on Instagram so I can see it! I’d love to see your classic British scones!
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Classic British Scones
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups (344 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons (84 g) unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 3 tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup (180 ml) whole milk, plus little extra for brushing
- Jam and clotted cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter with a pastry cutter (highly recommended!) or a fork until the mixture looks like fine crumbs. Or rub in the butter using your fingertips. Stir in the sugar.
- Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, and add in the milk. Stir with a fork or a spatula until just incorporated.
- Transfer to a lightly floured surface and fold over 2-3 times until the dough comes together. Pat into a round about 1 1/2-inch (a little under 4 cm) thick. Using a 2-inch (5 cm) round cookie cutter, cut out scones, dipping your cookie cutter in flour prior to each cut. Re-roll the scraps and cut out more until the dough is used up.
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with the extra milk.
- Bake the scones for about 15 minutes, or until lightly golden brown on the tops and bottoms. Let cool on the baking sheet for 15 minutes, then serve with jam and clotted cream.
Notes
Did You Make This Recipe?
I’d love to know how it turned out! Please leave a comment below. Or snap a photo and tag @teatimeontheporch on Instagram so I can see it!
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