Scones are a delightful treat that brings a touch of elegance and indulgence to any afternoon tea or breakfast spread. With their buttery, flaky texture and endless flavour possibilities, homemade scones are a true delight to savour. If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at baking these delectable goodies, fear not! In this article, we’ll guide you through a simple and rewarding process on how to make scones from scratch.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 2/3 cup cold heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: dried fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest
Step 1: Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. The dry ingredients should be well combined before adding the cold butter.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 4: Add Optional Add-ins If you wish to add any optional ingredients such as dried fruits, chocolate chips, nuts, or citrus zest, gently fold them into the mixture at this stage.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, large egg, and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Incorporate Wet Ingredients Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and butter. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy but not sticky.
Step 7: Shape the Scones Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, pat the dough into a circle or rectangle, about 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick. If preferred, you can use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough evenly.
Step 8: Cut the Scones Using a sharp knife or a floured cookie cutter, cut the dough into individual scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
Step 9: Brush with Cream (Optional) For an extra golden finish, you can brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking.
Step 10: Bake the Scones Bake the scones in the preheated oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top. Keep a close eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Step 11: Cool and Serve Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve the scones warm, either on their own or with your favourite jams, clotted cream, or butter.
Conclusion: Making scones from scratch is a delightful and rewarding baking experience. With this step-by-step guide, you can create perfectly flaky and delicious scones to enjoy with your afternoon tea, breakfast, or as a delightful treat at any time of the day. Get creative with different flavour combinations and enjoy the delightful indulgence of homemade scones that will surely impress family and friends. Happy baking!