Description
These simple homemade scones are perfect for any occasion, offering a tender, flaky texture with a buttery flavor. Easily customizable with dried fruits or chocolate chips, these scones bake up golden brown and delicious, ideal for breakfast, tea time, or a delightful snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (Spoon into measuring cup and level off for best results.)
- 2 tablespoons Baking Powder (Ensure baking powder is fresh for optimal results.)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (Enhances flavor.)
- 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (Adjust based on preference for sweetness.)
Wet Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (Cold and cubed for best texture.)
- 0.75 cup Milk (Use whole or low-fat milk as preferred.)
Optional Add-ins
- 0.5 cup Dried Fruit or Chocolate Chips (Fold into dough for added flavor.)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk them together until fully blended for an even distribution of leavening and flavor.
- Incorporate Butter: Add cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture and work it in using your fingers or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving the flaky texture typical of scones.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in the milk, gently mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: If desired, fold in dried fruit or chocolate chips evenly into the dough to add bursts of flavor and texture.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle approximately 1 inch thick, ready to be portioned.
- Cut Scones: Cut the dough circle into wedges or use a round cutter to shape scones, then arrange them on the prepared baking sheet evenly spaced.
- Optional Glaze: Brush the tops with milk or a beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish after baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Cool: Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack to set before serving.
- Serve: Enjoy the scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings such as butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Notes
- Use cold butter and handle the dough gently to ensure flaky scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid dense scones.
- Fresh baking powder is key for proper rise.
- Optional add-ins like dried fruits or chocolate chips can be varied to your preference.
- Brush with egg wash for a golden, shiny top or milk for a more subtle finish.
- Scones are best enjoyed the day they are baked but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
