Scones

Scones

Here's your basic "start here" scone recipe. While this simple vanilla scone is delicious as is, it's also the perfect vehicle for your favorite add-ins; we happen to love dried cranberries and walnuts. Though chocolate chips are tempting, too!

Ingredients

  • king arthur unbleached all-purpose flour
    2 ¾ c
  • granulated sugar
    ⅓ c
  • table salt
    ¾ tsp
  • baking powder
    1 tbsp
  • unsalted butter

    cold

    8 tbsp
  • to 2 cups chopped dried fruit

    chocolate or other flavored chips, nuts, [product-link]jammy bits[/product-link]*, or a combination, optional

    1 c
  • eggs
    2 large
  • king arthur pure vanilla extract

    or the flavoring of your choice

    2 tsp
  • half-and-half or milk
    ½ c
  • milk
    2 tsp
  • coarse sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar

    optional

    2 tbsp

Directions

  1. 1

    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

  2. 2

    Work in the butter just until the mixture is unevenly crumbly; it's OK for some larger chunks of butter to remain unincorporated.

  3. 3

    Stir in the fruit, chips, and/or nuts, if you're using them.

  4. 4

    In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla or other flavor, and half-and-half or milk. Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients.

  5. 5

    Using a bowl scraper or a large spoon, stir the dough ingredients until all is moistened and holds together.

  6. 6

    Line a baking sheet with parchment; if you don't have parchment, just use it without greasing it. Sprinkle a bit of flour atop the parchment or pan.

  7. 7

    Scrape the dough onto the floured parchment or pan, and divide it in half. Round each half into a 5" circle (if you haven't incorporated any add-ins); or a 6" circle (if you've added fruit, nuts, etc.). The circles should be about 3/4" thick.

  8. 8

    Using a knife or bench knife that you've run under cold water, slice each circle into 6 wedges.

  9. 9

    Brush each circle with milk, and sprinkle with coarse white sparkling sugar or cinnamon sugar.

  10. 10

    Carefully pull the wedges away from the center to separate them just a bit; there should be about 1/2" space between them, at their outer edges.

  11. 11

    For best texture and highest rise, place the pan of scones in the freezer for 30 minutes, uncovered. Chilling the scones relaxes the gluten in the flour, which makes the scones more tender and allows them to rise higher. It also chills the fat, which will make the scones a bit flakier. While the scones are chilling, preheat the oven to 425°F with a rack in the upper third.

  12. 12

    Bake the scones in the upper part of your oven for 18 to 23 minutes, or until they're a light golden brown. When you pull one away from the others, it should look baked all the way through; the edge shouldn't look wet or unbaked.

  13. 13

    Remove the scones from the oven, and cool briefly on the pan. Serve warm. They're delicious as is, but add butter and/or jam, if you like.

  14. 14

    When the scones are completely cool, wrap them in plastic and store at room temperature for up to several days. To reheat room-temperature scones, place on a baking sheet, tent lightly with foil, and warm in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10 minutes.

Scones

Scones

4.7(377)210 cal

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4.7(377 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving the warm, buttery aroma of fresh-baked goods to start your day? This 'start here' scone recipe is your perfect introduction to creating delicious, flaky scones, ideal for a memorable breakfast or a leisurely brunch. You'll love how effortlessly these come together.

This basic scone recipe is designed to be incredibly forgiving and versatile, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Its simple vanilla base creates a delightful canvas, ensuring a consistently buttery and tender crumb every single time. It's truly a quick and easy way to enjoy homemade goodness.

You can expect a truly delicious scone with a perfectly balanced texture – golden on the outside, with a wonderfully soft, fluffy interior that practically melts in your mouth. The subtle hint of King Arthur Pure Vanilla Extract shines through, providing a comforting, classic flavor profile that is never overwhelming. These scones offer that quintessential buttery richness that makes them utterly irresistible and far superior to anything store-bought.

This versatile scone recipe truly shines with your personal touch, allowing you to tailor it to your cravings. Feel free to stir in your favorite additions like chopped dried cranberries and walnuts for a classic, wholesome pairing. For something a little sweeter and indulgent, chocolate chips are always a tempting choice. You can also explore other flavored chips, a mix of dried fruits, or even specialized 'jammy bits' to create unique flavor combinations every time you bake.

These buttery scones are an absolute delight for any breakfast or brunch spread, transforming an ordinary morning into something special. Serve them warm alongside a cup of coffee or tea, perhaps with a dollop of clotted cream or your favorite fruit jam for an extra special treat that will impress guests.

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