There's nothing quite like a warm English tea scone, fresh out of the oven and served with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of sweet jam. Whether you're hosting a fancy afternoon tea party or just want a cozy treat with your cuppa, this recipe will give you perfect scones every time.
Ingredients
To make 8-10 scones, you will need: - 2 cups of all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup of granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon of baking powder - 1/4 teaspoon of salt - 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup of milk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract - Optional: raisins, currants, or other dried fruit
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. 3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. 4. If you're using dried fruit, add it to the bowl now and mix it in. 5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. 6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix or the scones will be tough. 7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. 8. Use a floured biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out 8-10 scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. 9. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk for a golden finish. 10. Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and cooked through. Remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
- For a classic touch, add a handful of raisins or currants to the dough before baking. - You can also add chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or citrus zest for a different flavor. - Serve your scones warm with clotted cream, jam, or honey for a sweet treat. - If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for longer storage. - To reheat your scones, wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or until warm.
Conclusion
Now you know how to make delicious English tea scones from scratch! This recipe is easy to customize and perfect for sharing with friends and family. Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or as a special snack with your favorite tea. Happy baking!