Description
This basic scones recipe provides a versatile and delicious foundation for making sweet or savory scones. With a tender crumb and golden crust, these scones are easy to customize by adding your favorite mix-ins like dried fruit, fresh berries, chocolate chips, citrus zest, or nuts. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack, they are quick to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup dried fruit
- Fresh berries
- Chocolate chips
- Citrus zest
- Nuts
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the scones bake evenly without sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step creates the flaky texture.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth and combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the scones tender.
- Add Mix-ins: If using any optional mix-ins such as berries, nuts, or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough now to distribute evenly without crushing.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly just until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disc for even baking.
- Cut Scones: Cut the disc into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper for uniform portions.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet spaced apart. Brush the tops lightly with a little heavy cream to promote browning.
- Bake: Bake the scones for 16 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- This recipe serves as a perfect base for both sweet and savory scones depending on your choice of mix-ins.
- For a savory variation, omit the sugar and vanilla extract and add ingredients such as shredded cheese, chopped fresh herbs, or cooked bacon.
- Keep the butter cold and avoid overworking the dough to ensure flaky, tender scones.
- Brush with cream before baking to achieve a beautifully golden crust.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
