Classic Scone Recipe: 5 Steps to Perfectly Flaky Joy

There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked classic scone. The perfect balance of buttery flakiness and a slight sweetness makes them an irresistible treat, whether you’re enjoying one with your morning tea or as an afternoon snack. I still remember the first time I tried a scone at a quaint little café in England. I was captivated by its golden crust and tender crumb, and I knew I had to recreate that experience at home. Trust me, once you whip up this classic scone recipe in your own kitchen, you’ll find it’s the kind of thing you’ll want to share with everyone you know. Whether you’re serving them warm with a generous smear of butter and jam or indulging in them plain, these scones are sure to bring joy to your table. So let’s dive into this delightful recipe and get ready to fill your kitchen with the heavenly aroma of baking scones!

Ingredients List

To whip up these delightful classic scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted for a light texture
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar, to give just the right amount of sweetness
• 1 tablespoon baking powder, ensuring a lovely rise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, to balance the flavors
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes for that flaky goodness
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or buttermilk, plus more for brushing on top
• 1 large egg, providing richness to the dough
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional), for a hint of warmth
• Optional: 1/2 cup add-ins (like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts) to customize your scones

How to Prepare Classic Scone Recipe

Preparing classic scones is a delightful experience, and I’m here to guide you through each step! The key is to handle the dough gently, so it remains light and fluffy. Let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones start baking right away, giving you that golden brown crust we all love. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup a breeze!

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this is the dry mix that gives your scones structure and flavor.

Now comes the fun part! Add the 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes, to your dry ingredients. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture. You want it to resemble coarse crumbs, with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. This is what creates that flaky texture!

Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or buttermilk), 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract if you’re using it. This mixture adds moisture and richness to your dough.

Slowly pour the wet ingredients into your dry mixture. Here’s a tip: stir gently! You don’t want to overmix. Just mix until the dough comes together; a few flour streaks are perfectly fine. If you’re using any optional add-ins, now’s the time to fold them in gently.

Lightly flour your countertop and turn the dough out onto it. Pat it into a 1-inch thick disc. Don’t worry too much about shaping it perfectly; the rustic look is part of the charm of classic scones!

Using a sharp knife, cut the disc into 8 wedges, or if you prefer, use a round cutter for classic shapes. Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. For that lovely sheen, brush the tops with a little extra cream or buttermilk.

Bake your scones in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown around the edges. Once they’re done, let them cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. And there you have it—beautiful, flaky classic scones ready to be enjoyed!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying classic scones, it’s nice to know what you’re indulging in! Each scone contains approximately 200 calories, with 10g of fat (including 6g of saturated fat), making them a rich treat. You’ll also find about 3g of protein and 25g of carbohydrates per serving. They do have around 5g of sugar and 150mg of sodium, so they’re best enjoyed in moderation. Keep in mind that these nutritional values are estimates, as variations in ingredients can affect the final tally. Enjoy your delightful scone experience!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This classic scone recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
• Delicious Flavor: The buttery, flaky texture combined with a hint of sweetness makes these scones a delightful treat that everyone will love.
• Versatile: You can customize your scones with various add-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts, making them suitable for any palate.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones elevate any meal and bring a touch of elegance to your table.
• Fun to Make: Baking these scones is a joy! You’ll love the process and the heavenly aroma that fills your kitchen.

Tips for Success

To ensure your classic scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First, remember that cold butter is essential for creating those flaky layers, so don’t skip this step. Cut the butter into small cubes and work quickly to keep it cold. Also, when mixing the dough, handle it gently. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that! Lastly, keep an eye on your baking time; every oven is different. You’re looking for that beautiful golden edge. Trust your instincts, and enjoy the process!

Variations

One of the best things about this classic scone recipe is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste! If you’re a fan of fruity flavors, consider adding 1/2 cup of dried cranberries or chopped apricots for a burst of sweetness. For a chocolate lover’s dream, swap in chocolate chips or even cocoa powder to the dry mix. Feeling adventurous? Try incorporating zest from an orange or lemon for a refreshing citrus note. You can also mix in chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch. The possibilities are endless!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your classic scones fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay delightful for about 2 days, but trust me, they rarely last that long! If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze them. Just wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll be good for up to 3 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat your scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5–10 minutes. This will revive their warm, flaky texture. Enjoy every bite!

FAQ Section

Q1. Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Yes, you can use milk instead of heavy cream or buttermilk. Just keep in mind that using milk may result in slightly less rich scones, but they’ll still be delicious!

Q2. How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones are ready when they’re golden brown around the edges. You can also gently press the top; it should spring back slightly. Remember, no one likes a dry scone!

Q3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Absolutely! Whole wheat flour will give your scones a nutty flavor and a denser texture. You may need to adjust the liquid a bit since whole wheat absorbs more moisture.

Q4. What are some good add-ins for classic scones?
You can get creative! Some popular choices include dried fruit like cranberries or apricots, chocolate chips, or even chopped nuts. They all add a fun twist to the classic scone recipe!

Pour plus de recettes, suivez-moi sur ma page Pinterest.

Print