Perfect Scones

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Perfect Scones

Perfect scones are a delightful way to elevate your breakfast or tea time. Fluffy, buttery, and freshly baked, they offer a warm, comforting experience that’s reminiscent of cozy afternoons spent with family and friends. Making scones can be as simple as following this step-by-step recipe, ensuring you create just the right texture and flavor to please any crowd. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, these scones will fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas and memories of joyful gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are countless reasons to love this Perfect Scones recipe. First, it uses minimal ingredients, making it easy to whip up without a trip to the store. Moreover, the prep time is quick, allowing you to have fresh scones on the table in no time. These scones are incredibly versatile—add chocolate chips for a sweet treat, or fold in fresh berries for a fruity twist. Finally, they are a definite crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunches or afternoon teas. Once you taste their buttery goodness, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones; use high-quality flour for the best texture.
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to complement your flavor choices.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors, balancing the sweetness beautifully.
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your scones that lovely rise.
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, frozen: Freezing the butter helps achieve the tender, flaky texture we all love.
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or buttermilk: Provides richness and moisture, making each bite creamy.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and gives the scones a lovely structure.
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract: Adds a warm, inviting aroma.
• 1 to 1.5 cups optional add-ins: Consider chocolate chips, fresh berries, or chopped nuts for extra flavor and texture.
• Optional: Coarse sugar for topping: Creates a delightful sweet crunch on the surface.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prep the Dry Ingredients
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until combined. This dry mixture will form the base of your scone dough.

2. Incorporate the Butter
   Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until it resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is crucial for flaky scones!

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture over the dry ingredients, ensuring even distribution.

4. Combine the Mixtures
   Gently mix the ingredients until they are just combined and the dry ingredients are slightly moist. If you’re adding any mix-ins, fold them in at this point.

5. Knead the Dough
   On a floured surface, form the dough into a ball, adjusting the texture with extra flour or cream as needed. Aim for a soft dough that holds together well.

6. Shape the Scones
   Flatten the dough into an 8-inch disc, then cut it into 8 wedges (like cutting a pizza). If you prefer drop scones, simply drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet.

7. Prepare for Baking
   For an elegant finish, brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a delightful crunch. Refrigerate the scones for 15 minutes to help them retain their shape.

8. Preheat & Bake
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the scones for 18-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen beautifully.

9. Cool Before Serving
   Once out of the oven, allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This waiting time will make them even better!

Tips & Tricks

• Butter Grating: For the best results, keep the butter in the freezer until you’re ready to use it. This helps create a flaky texture in the finished scone.
• Avoid Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough. Gentle handling will keep the scones light and airy.
• Flavor Variations: Experiment with flavors by adding zest from citrus fruits, spices like cinnamon, or even a dash of almond extract for a unique twist.
• Serving Warm: Scones are best served warm, so consider serving them straight from the oven to your guests.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Enjoy your Perfect Scones alongside a cup of afternoon tea or a fresh brew of coffee. They are ideal for brunch gatherings or decadent breakfasts. Consider accompanying them with a spread of butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam for a luxurious touch. Fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries also make a refreshing addition to your plate.

Nutritional Information

A serving of scone (1 scone) typically contains about 200-250 calories, depending on the size and ingredients used.

• Calories: ~225
• Total Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 30mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 3g

While scones are a treat, consider enjoying them in moderation, balancing your meals throughout the day.

Storing Tips & Variations

To store leftover scones, let them cool completely and place them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 2-3 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones before baking. Once formed, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer bag, and they’ll be ready to bake straight from the freezer—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time. For variations, try substituting half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber, or mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots for a fruity twist.

Conclusion

There you have it! Perfect Scones are just a recipe away, promising warmth, comfort, and that delightful homemade touch. Whether for a special occasion or a simple treat, these scones are sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try them out and make this recipe your own. We’d love to hear your thoughts and variations in the comments!

FAQs

1. Can I make these scones ahead of time?
   Absolutely! You can prepare the scone dough and refrigerate it overnight or freeze before baking. This makes it convenient for busy mornings or special occasions.

2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
   Buttermilk is a great substitute for heavy cream. You can also use milk with a bit of melted butter mixed in for added richness.

3. Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
   Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious!

4. How do I know when the scones are done?
   Your scones are done when they are golden brown on the tops and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

5. What kind of mix-ins work best with these scones?
   Your options are endless! Chocolate chips, fresh berries, nuts, or even citrus zest all work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with flavors!

Perfect Scones

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Fluffy, buttery scones that are perfect for breakfast or tea time, easy to make, and sure to delight any crowd.

• Author: catherine
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, frozen
• 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream or buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 1 to 1.5 cups optional add-ins (chocolate chips, fresh berries, nuts)
• Coarse sugar for topping (optional)

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Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until combined.
2. Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture and combine until it resembles pea-sized crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract, then pour over the dry ingredients.
4. Gently mix until just combined and slightly moist. Fold in any mix-ins.
5. Form the dough into a ball on a floured surface, adjust texture with extra flour or cream as needed.
6. Flatten the dough into an 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges.
7. Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar, refrigerate for 15 minutes.
8. Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and bake for 18-25 minutes until golden brown.
9. Cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Keep the butter in the freezer until ready to use for best results. Avoid overmixing to keep scones light and airy. Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or jam.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 225
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 31g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

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