English Scones
Classic English Scones Recipe with Raisins | Easy-to-Follow Instructions
Introduction
English scones are a classic British treat that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. These delicious pastries are light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.
History
Scones have been a popular treat in England for centuries, with the first recorded recipe dating back to the early 16th century. Originally, scones were made with oats and cooked on a griddle, but over time the recipe evolved to include flour, butter, and other ingredients. Today, scones are enjoyed all over the world and come in a variety of flavors, including traditional plain, fruit-filled, and savory options.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.13 tsp baking soda
- 0.25 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp butter, cold and cut into 0.25 inch pieces
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 cup raisins (optional)
How to prepare
- Sift the dry ingredients into a large bowl.
- Work in the butter.
- Add all the other ingredients and mix well.
- Knead on a lightly floured surface about 15 times.
- Divide the dough into two balls.
- Put each ball into a 6-inch circle.
- Cut the circle into 6 wedges.
- Brush the surface with milk and sprinkle with sugar.
- Place the wedges on a buttered cookie sheet, 2 inches apart, and bake for 10–12 minutes until brown.
- Serve with unsweetened whipped cream and fresh strawberry jam.
Variations
- Add in chocolate chips or nuts for a decadent twist.
- Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots.
- For a savory option, omit the sugar and add in grated cheese and herbs.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Be sure to use cold butter when making scones, as this will help create a flaky texture.
- Do not overwork the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Mix the ingredients until just combined.
- For extra flavor, try adding in raisins, currants, or other dried fruits to the dough.
- To achieve a golden brown crust, brush the tops of the scones with milk before baking.
Serving Suggestions
English scones are best served warm with a dollop of unsweetened whipped cream and a spoonful of fresh strawberry jam.
Cooking Techniques
Be sure to handle the dough gently to avoid overworking it.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into wedges for a clean edge.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don't have raisins, you can use any dried fruit of your choice.
- Margarine can be used in place of butter.
Make Ahead Tips
English scone dough can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
Presentation Ideas
Serve English scones on a decorative platter with a side of clotted cream and jam for an elegant presentation.
Pairing Recommendations
English scones pair well with a variety of teas, coffees, and hot chocolates.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of English scones contains approximately 250 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of English scones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of English scones contains approximately 10 grams of fat.
Proteins
Each serving of English scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.
Vitamins and minerals
English scones are not a significant source of vitamins and minerals.
Alergens
English scones contain gluten, dairy, and eggs.
Summary
English scones are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats. They are best enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Summary
English scones are a delightful treat that are perfect for any time of day. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea for breakfast or as a sweet snack in the afternoon, these pastries are sure to please. With a light and fluffy texture and a slightly sweet flavor, English scones are a classic British treat that everyone will love.
How did I get this recipe?
I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for English scones. It was many years ago when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of baking from my own grandmother. She was a skilled cook and baker, and I was always in awe of the delicious treats she would create in her kitchen.
One summer day, as we sat together in her cozy kitchen, she pulled out an old recipe book that had been passed down through our family for generations. As she flipped through the pages, I caught a glimpse of a recipe for English scones. The picture accompanying the recipe showed golden, flaky scones studded with plump raisins, and my mouth watered at the sight.
My grandmother explained that scones were a traditional English teatime treat, often served with clotted cream and jam. She told me that she had learned the recipe from a dear friend who had lived in England many years ago, and she had been making them ever since.
Excited to try my hand at making scones, I eagerly watched as my grandmother gathered the ingredients and began to teach me the process. We mixed together flour, sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a large mixing bowl. Then, we cut in cold butter until the mixture resembled coarse crumbs.
Next, we added in plump raisins and a splash of milk, gently stirring until a soft dough formed. My grandmother showed me how to pat the dough out on a floured surface and cut it into rounds using a fluted biscuit cutter. I watched in amazement as she deftly transferred the scones to a baking sheet and brushed the tops with a bit of milk before popping them in the oven.
As the scones baked, filling the kitchen with a tempting aroma, my grandmother regaled me with stories of her time spent in England and the many teatime traditions she had experienced there. I hung on her every word, eager to soak up every detail of her culinary adventures.
When the scones emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, I couldn't wait to taste them. My grandmother showed me how to split them open and slather them with clotted cream and jam, just as they would be served in a quaint English tearoom. The first bite was a revelation – buttery, tender, and bursting with sweet raisins, the scone melted in my mouth, leaving me craving more.
From that day on, I was hooked on making scones. I would often visit my grandmother's kitchen, eager to bake up a batch of these delightful treats to share with friends and family. As the years passed, I honed my scone-making skills, experimenting with different flavor combinations and variations on the classic recipe.
I would think back to that first time I learned to make scones with my grandmother, and I would smile, grateful for the memories and the traditions she had passed down to me. The recipe for English scones became a cherished part of my culinary repertoire, a link to the past and a reminder of the love and joy that can be found in baking and sharing delicious food with others.
And so, whenever I bake a batch of scones, I think of my grandmother and the time we spent together in her cozy kitchen, bonding over a shared love of good food and family traditions. The recipe for English scones will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the legacy of love and learning that she passed down to me.