Scones are a classic treat for tea time, known for their flaky texture and subtle sweetness. Whether served with clotted cream and jam or enjoyed plain, scones are a comforting and versatile pastry.
Making perfect scones can be a bit tricky, but with the right ingredients and technique, you can achieve a tender, flaky scone every time. In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making delicious scones that are perfect for your next afternoon tea.
What Makes the Perfect Scone?
The perfect scone has a light, flaky texture with a slightly crumbly interior. It should rise beautifully during baking, and when you break it open, it should be soft and tender.
The key to achieving the perfect scone is in the handling of the dough and the use of cold ingredients, which help create those flaky layers.
Ingredients for Making Scones
To make the perfect scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- All-purpose flour – 2 cups
- Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
- Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (cold and cubed)
- Whole milk or heavy cream – 3/4 cup
- Egg – 1 large (for brushing on top)
- Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon (optional)
- Add-ins (optional): Chocolate chips, dried fruit, or citrus zest
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Scones
Now that we have the ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making flaky, tender scones.
1. Prepare Your Equipment
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- Prepare your mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for your dry ingredients and a smaller bowl for your wet ingredients.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Cut in the Butter
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pieces, which will create the flaky texture in the scones.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients
- Pour the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract (if using) into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to dense scones.
5. Shape the Dough
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round disk about 1-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin if needed, but be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Use a sharp knife or a round cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) or cut into rounds using a biscuit cutter.
6. Brush with Egg Wash
- Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash. This gives them a golden, shiny finish once baked.
7. Bake the Scones
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
8. Cool and Serve
- Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with clotted cream, jam, or any other toppings you prefer.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Use cold butter: The key to flaky scones is cold butter. It should be worked into the flour quickly to create layers.
- Don’t overmix the dough: Overworking the dough can make the scones tough. Mix just until the dough comes together.
- Chill the dough: If you have time, chill the dough for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and results in a flakier scone.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using warm butter: Warm butter will melt into the dough, which prevents the formation of flaky layers.
- Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to dense scones. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it light and tender.
- Not using enough leavening agents: Be sure to use the correct amount of baking powder to help the scones rise properly.
Conclusion
Making the perfect scone takes practice, but with the right techniques and ingredients, anyone can create delicious, flaky scones at home.
Whether you enjoy them with jam and cream or on their own, these scones will become a go-to recipe for your next tea time or special occasion.