Easy British Scones: A Simple Recipe for Perfect Homemade Breakfast Treats

Classic British Scones: A Buttery Breakfast Delight

Delicious, buttery scones are the perfect addition to any breakfast table or afternoon tea. These tender, flaky treats have been a staple of British cuisine for centuries, and today I’m sharing my favorite recipe that promises perfect results every time.

Why You’ll Love These Homemade Scones

There’s something magical about pulling warm scones from the oven on a lazy weekend morning. The buttery aroma fills your kitchen, promising a treat that’s:

• Quick to prepare – ready in just 35 minutes from start to finish
• Versatile – perfect with jam, clotted cream, or on their own
• Tender and flaky – with a perfect golden crust
• Simple ingredients – using pantry staples you likely already have

Whether you’re hosting brunch or simply treating yourself, these traditional scones deliver authentic British flavor with every bite.

Perfect Scones: Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• ½ cup dried fruit like raisins or currants (optional)

How to Make Perfect Scones Every Time

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
3. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter still visible. Tip: Cold butter is crucial for flaky scones!
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream and egg until smooth.
5. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. If using vanilla or dried fruit, add them now.
6. Stir gently with a fork just until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
7. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 4-5 times to bring it together. The key is minimal handling for tender scones.
8. Pat the dough into a 7-inch circle about 3/4-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges.
9. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each scone.
10. For an extra golden top, brush with a little milk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
11. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the scones are golden brown on the edges and firm to the touch.
12. Allow to cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack.

Serving Suggestions for Your Freshly Baked Scones

Traditional British scones are best enjoyed slightly warm, split in half, and served with:

• Clotted cream and strawberry jam – the classic Devonshire or Cornish cream tea experience
• Butter and honey – for a simpler but equally delicious option
• Lemon curd – for a tangy alternative
• Whipped cream and fresh berries – for a more modern twist

Pair with a cup of strong English breakfast tea for the full experience!

Expert Tips for Perfect Scones

After baking hundreds of scones, I’ve learned a few crucial tips:

• Keep everything cold – Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts in the oven, giving your scones that perfect flaky texture. Some bakers even freeze their butter and grate it into the flour!
• Handle minimally – The more you work the dough, the tougher your scones will be.
• Don’t twist your cutter – If using a round cutter instead of cutting wedges, press straight down without twisting to allow maximum rise.
• Rest the dough – For even better results, you can refrigerate the shaped scones for 15-20 minutes before baking.
• Serve fresh – Scones are at their absolute best within hours of baking.

Storage and Make-Ahead Options

While scones are best enjoyed fresh, you have options:

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
• Freezing baked scones: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
• Freezing unbaked scones: Freeze cut scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding 3-5 minutes to the baking time.

Variations: Making These Scones Your Own

The beauty of scones is their adaptability. Try these delicious variations:

• Citrus scones: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon or orange zest to the dry ingredients
• Chocolate chip: Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
• Savory scones: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 1 cup shredded cheese and 2 tablespoons chopped chives
• Cinnamon: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the dry ingredients
• Glazed: Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream and drizzle over cooled scones

These classic British scones are a timeless treat that brings a touch of elegance to any breakfast or tea time. Simple to make but impressive to serve, they’re sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

Recipe inspired by AllRecipes