
English Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ½ call-purpose flour
- ¼ tspsalt
- 3 ½ tspbaking powder
- 3 tbspgranulated sugar
- 6 tbspunsalted butter
cold and cut into cubes
- ¾ cmilk
- 1 tsplemon juice
- 1 tspvanilla extract
- 1 largeegg
beaten for egg wash
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat and put it in the oven while it is preheating.
- 2
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. Add the butter and use a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingers to work it in until the mixture looks like fine crumbs.
- 3
Heat up the milk on the stove or the microwave until warm, but not hot. Add the vanilla and lemon juice, then set aside for a moment.
- 4
Add the milk mixture to the dry mixture and combine them quickly with a fork.
- 5
Pour the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Sprinkle the dough with flour, then fold the dough over a few times until smooth. Don't overwork the dough. Pat into a round disc about 1.5-inch (4cm) high.
- 6
Use a 2-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out scones. Press scraps together into a round and repeat until all the dough is used. You should get 6–8 scones.
- 7
Brush the tops of the scones with egg wash, then carefully place them onto the hot baking sheet.
- 8
Bake for 10–15 mins until golden on top. Serve topped with jam and clotted cream.

English Scones Recipe
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About this Recipe
The Easiest English Scones Recipe for a Perfect Afternoon Tea
Craving a taste of British elegance without the fuss? This easy English Scones Recipe delivers light, fluffy, and perfectly golden scones in under 30 minutes! Whether you're planning an impromptu afternoon tea party or simply desire a quick, delightful treat, these homemade scones are surprisingly simple to make and always impress.
What makes this particular English Scones recipe truly special is its incredible ease and speed. With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of baking, you'll have warm, fragrant scones ready to enjoy. We've optimized this recipe to ensure a consistently tender crumb and a beautiful rise, making it perfect for novice bakers and seasoned pros alike. Plus, the ability to make these in advance and freeze them means you're always ready for guests!
Keys to Fluffy, Tender Scones
Achieving those coveted fluffy scones is simpler than you think. The secret lies in a few key steps:
- Cold Butter: Using very cold butter, cut into small cubes, is crucial. As it melts during baking, it creates pockets of steam, resulting in a light, airy texture.
- Gentle Handling: Avoid overworking the dough. Mix just until combined to prevent gluten development, which can lead to tough scones.
- No Twisting: When cutting your scones, press straight down and lift the cutter straight up. Twisting seals the edges and can hinder their rise.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
Serve your warm, classic English scones the traditional way with a dollop of clotted cream and your favorite strawberry jam. For a zesty twist, try lemon curd or fresh berries. You can also customize your quick scones by adding a handful of dried cranberries, raisins, or even a tablespoon of citrus zest (lemon or orange) to the dry ingredients for an extra burst of flavor. However you enjoy them, these delightful treats are sure to become a beloved staple in your kitchen!