Name: Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485872H11S
Total time: PT-485872H11S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes; 2/3 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer scones); 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional); Optional mix-ins: raisins, currants, chopped dried fruit, or chocolate chips

Scones are a classic British baked treat, perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a cozy snack. They have a tender, crumbly texture with a lightly golden crust and can be enjoyed plain or with various mix-ins like raisins, currants, or even cheese. I love their simplicity and how versatile they are—whether slathered with butter, jam, or clotted cream, scones always hit the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I find this scone recipe incredibly easy to follow and yields scones that are perfectly flaky and tender every time. They bake up beautifully with a golden top and a soft interior that melts in the mouth. The dough comes together quickly, and I appreciate how adaptable the recipe is for sweet or savory variations. Whether it’s for a casual breakfast or a special tea party, these scones always impress.

Ingredients

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

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
2/3 cup milk (or heavy cream for richer scones)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Optional mix-ins: raisins, currants, chopped dried fruit, or chocolate chips

Directions

Preheat the 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, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
If using mix-ins, fold them in now.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a round about 1 inch thick.
Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut out scones and place them on the baking sheet, spacing them apart.
Brush the tops with a little milk or cream to help them brown nicely.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown on top.
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 8 medium-sized scones.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-18 minutes
Total time: Approximately 35 minutes

Variations

I like to experiment with different flavors:

Adding lemon zest and dried cranberries for a citrusy twist.
Incorporating shredded cheddar and chopped chives for savory scones.
Swapping regular sugar for brown sugar or honey for a deeper sweetness.
Mixing in cinnamon and raisins for a classic raisin scone.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, I freeze them wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When reheating, I thaw frozen scones at room temperature and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to bring back their fresh-baked texture.

FAQs

What makes scones different from biscuits?

Scones are typically sweeter and denser than American-style biscuits. They also often include eggs and sometimes sugar, while biscuits tend to be flakier and less sweet.

Can I make scones dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute milk with almond, soy, or oat milk and use dairy-free butter or coconut oil to make scones suitable for dairy-free diets.

How do I keep scones moist and tender?

Using cold butter and not overmixing the dough helps keep scones tender. Also, brushing the tops with cream before baking adds moisture and a nice golden crust.

Can I freeze scone dough?

Absolutely. I wrap the dough tightly and freeze it before baking. When ready, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.

What can I serve with scones?

Classic accompaniments include butter, clotted cream, and jam. For savory scones, I enjoy them with cream cheese or a savory spread like herb butter.

Conclusion

Scones are one of those comforting baked goods that I find endlessly satisfying to make and eat. This recipe is straightforward, versatile, and consistently delivers scones that are flaky, tender, and full of flavor. Whether I’m serving them with tea, breakfast, or as a snack, scones always bring a touch of warmth and delight. Give this recipe a try—I think you’ll love how simple and rewarding homemade scones can be.