Scones Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Scones are a classic baked good with a tender, crumbly texture and a lightly sweet flavor, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea time. Whether enjoyed plain or studded with fruits like raisins or blueberries, they’re incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with clotted cream, jam, or butter. Easy to prepare and quick to bake, these scones bring a cozy, homemade touch to any occasion.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose floursugarbaking powderbaking sodasaltunsalted butter (cold and cubed)buttermilk (or substitute with milk and lemon juice)eggvanilla extractoptional add-ins: dried fruits, chocolate chips, fresh berries

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Do not overmix.

If using add-ins, fold them in at this stage.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.

Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for traditional shapes.

Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and optionally brush the tops with a bit of buttermilk or egg wash for a golden finish.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden.

Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 8 scones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Cooling time: 5 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

Add lemon zest and poppy seeds for a citrusy twist.

Use heavy cream instead of buttermilk for a richer scone.

Make savory scones by omitting sugar and adding cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon.

Top with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk for a sweet finish.

storage/reheating

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or microwave briefly.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and let sit for 5 minutes.

Why is my scone dough sticky?
It’s okay if it’s a bit sticky; just use floured hands and surface to shape it. Avoid overworking.

How do I get flaky scones?
Use very cold butter and don’t overmix the dough.

Can I make scone dough ahead of time?
Yes, refrigerate the dough for up to 24 hours before baking.

What’s the best way to serve scones?
Serve warm with butter, jam, clotted cream, or a drizzle of glaze.

Do I need a mixer?
No, scones are best made by hand to avoid overmixing.

Can I add fresh fruit?
Yes, gently fold in fresh berries but be cautious of adding too much moisture.

Why didn’t my scones rise?
Check your leavening agents are fresh and don’t overmix the dough.

Can I make mini scones?
Yes, just cut the dough into smaller pieces and reduce the baking time slightly.

Are scones the same as biscuits?
They’re similar, but scones tend to be sweeter and richer due to eggs and cream.

Conclusion

Scones are a comforting, customizable treat that can be tailored to suit any taste or occasion. Their buttery crumb and golden exterior make them a beloved addition to breakfast tables and afternoon teas alike. Once you master the basic recipe, the possibilities for delicious variations are endless.

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