Soft scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or tea time. They’re surprisingly easy to make at home and can be customized with various add-ins like fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips. Here’s a basic recipe for soft, tender scones that you can adapt to your taste.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup of dried fruit (like raisins or cranberries), chocolate chips, or nuts
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prep Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter:
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The pieces of butter should be about the size of peas.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. If you’re including any optional add-ins, fold them into the wet ingredients.
- Form the Dough:
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a fork or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be sticky and a bit shaggy.
- Shape and Cut Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times, then pat it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or dough cutter, cut the disk into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each one. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream; this helps them to brown nicely.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips:
- Keeping Ingredients Cold: For the flakiest scones, make sure your butter and cream are very cold. This helps create those lovely, tender layers.
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with different add-ins or toppings. Lemon zest, orange zest, and spices like cinnamon or nutmeg can also add a lovely flavor to your scones.
- Storing: Scones are best enjoyed the day they are made, but you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Enjoy your homemade soft scones, a versatile and delightful treat that’s sure to impress!