Flaky English Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam Recipe

Delicious and traditional English scones perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

English scones are an essential part of the classic British afternoon tea, loved for their crumbly texture and rich flavor. Originating from the United Kingdom, these delightful pastries strike the perfect balance between a biscuit and a cake. Scones are traditionally served with clotted cream and jam, making them a luxurious treat.

Preparing scones from scratch might seem daunting, but with the right recipe and techniques, you can achieve flaky, tender scones even as a novice baker. In this detailed guide, we'll walk you through every step, ensuring your baking venture ends in success.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 2/3 cup whole milk
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Clotted cream and your favorite jam for serving

Nutrition

Calories: ~250 calories

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to combine until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times just until it comes together. Pat or roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.
7. Cut Scones: Using a round biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches in diameter), cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather the scraps, re-roll, and cut out more scones.
8. Bake Scones: Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them turn golden brown. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are risen and golden.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.

Congratulations! You've now mastered the art of making traditional English scones. These scones are wonderfully flaky, tender, and immensely satisfying. Serving them with clotted cream and jam adds an authentic British touch that enhances their flavor.

Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your scone-making process is a breeze:

Tip 1: Keep the butter and milk as cold as possible. This helps to achieve the flaky texture by creating steam during baking. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can even chill the flour and mixing bowl.

Tip 2: Handle the dough gently. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and avoid excessive kneading.

Tip 3: For a richer flavor, you can add dried fruits like currants or raisins to the dough. Simply fold them in after combining the wet and dry ingredients.

These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful treat with your afternoon tea. Enjoy your homemade scones fresh out of the oven, and savor the delightful combination of flaky pastry with rich clotted cream and your favorite jam. Happy baking!