Raisin Scones

Flavorful Raisin Scones Recipe from United Kingdom

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Raisin scones are a classic baked treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea. These scones are light, flaky, and bursting with sweet raisins in every bite.

History

Scones originated in Scotland and are a traditional part of afternoon tea. The addition of raisins to scones is a popular variation that adds a touch of sweetness to the buttery pastry.

Ingredients

2 cups flour
2 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp ground nutmeg
0.5 cup butter, cut up
1 cup raisins
0.75 cup buttermilk
1 lightly beaten egg white

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles large crumbs.
Stir in the raisins and buttermilk.
On a floured surface, shape the dough into a ball and knead for a couple of minutes.
Roll out the dough to a thickness of 0.75 inches.
Cut out triangles measuring 3 inches each and place them on a greased baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the triangles with egg whites.
Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
This recipe yields 12 scones.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for extra flavor.
Swap out the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture to ensure a flaky texture.

- Do not overwork the dough, as this can result in tough scones.

- Brushing the tops of the scones with egg whites before baking will give them a shiny, golden finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve raisin scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam for a traditional British treat.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and flaky scones is to handle the dough as little as possible and to use cold ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for raisin scones ahead of time and freeze it. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve raisin scones on a pretty platter with a pot of tea for an elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Raisin scones pair well with a variety of teas, from black to herbal blends.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover raisin scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of raisin scones contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of raisin scones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of raisin scones contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of raisin scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Raisin scones are a good source of iron, which is important for healthy blood circulation.

Alergens

Raisin scones contain wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Raisin scones are a delicious treat that are relatively high in carbohydrates and fats, but also provide a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Raisin scones are a delightful baked treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With a flaky texture and sweet raisins in every bite, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be cherished. It was a sunny afternoon in the late 1950s, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy countryside cottage. As soon as I arrived, I was enveloped in the warm, welcoming aroma of freshly baked scones. Margaret greeted me with a smile and a steaming cup of tea, and we settled down at her kitchen table to catch up on each other's lives.

As we chatted, Margaret began to tell me about the recipe she was using for her scones. She explained that it was an old family recipe that had been passed down through the generations, and that it was a well-guarded secret among her relatives. Intrigued, I asked her if she would be willing to share it with me, and to my delight, she agreed.

Margaret rummaged through her collection of handwritten recipe cards until she found the one she was looking for. She handed it to me with a smile, and I eagerly scanned the ingredients and instructions. The recipe was simple yet elegant, calling for flour, butter, sugar, raisins, and a few other pantry staples. As I read through the steps, Margaret shared with me the tips and tricks she had learned over the years to make the perfect scones – from how to properly cut in the butter to ensure flakiness, to the importance of not overmixing the dough.

I was grateful for Margaret's generosity in sharing her family recipe with me, and I couldn't wait to try it out for myself. When I returned home that evening, I immediately set to work in my own kitchen, gathering the ingredients and following the recipe to a tee. The smell of the scones baking in the oven filled my home with a comforting warmth, and I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment as I took them out and placed them on a cooling rack.

When the scones had cooled slightly, I poured myself a cup of tea and sat down at the kitchen table to enjoy one. The scone was light and fluffy, with a delicate crumb and a hint of sweetness from the raisins. It was absolutely delicious, and I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own kitchen for years to come.

Over the following months and years, I made the raisin scones countless times, each batch better than the last as I honed my skills and experimented with different variations. I added nuts and spices, swapped out the raisins for dried cranberries or apricots, and even tried my hand at making savory scones with cheese and herbs. Each time I made a batch of scones, I thought of Margaret and the special bond we shared over this beloved recipe.

As the years went by, I shared the recipe with friends and family, passing on the tradition of making these delicious scones to the next generation. My grandchildren would often come over to my house on weekends, eager to help me in the kitchen and learn the secrets of making perfect scones. I would show them how to measure out the ingredients, mix the dough gently, and shape the scones with care. I cherished these moments spent with my grandchildren, passing down the knowledge and love that had been shared with me by Margaret so many years ago.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting scent of freshly baked scones, I am filled with gratitude for the gift of this recipe and the memories it holds. The raisin scones may be just a simple baked good, but to me, they represent a connection to the past and a bond that will never be broken. And as I take a bite of a warm, buttery scone, I am reminded once again of the moment I found this recipe – a moment that will always be cherished.