Description
This Ultimate Guide to British Scones recipe offers a classic, fluffy, and tender scone with fresh blueberries for a burst of natural sweetness. Perfect for afternoon tea or a delightful breakfast treat, these scones combine simple pantry staples with creamy texture and a golden crust achieved through baking.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Fat
- 1/2 cup cold butter
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (optional, for brushing)
Add-ins
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until thoroughly combined to create an even dry base for your scones.
- Incorporate butter: Grate the cold butter using a cheese grater or cut the butter into small pieces and use a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour mixture. Continue until the texture resembles coarse meal or fine sand. This step is crucial for creating flaky layers.
- Add wet ingredients and blueberries: Stir in the egg (if using), 1 cup of heavy cream, fresh blueberries, and vanilla extract gently until the dough just comes together, being careful not to overmix to maintain tender scones.
- Form the dough ball: Turn the sticky dough out onto a clean countertop and shape it lightly into a ball, handling it as little as possible to keep it light and airy.
- Shape and cut scones: Press the dough flat into a 2-inch thick circle. Using a butter knife, cut the dough circle into 8 evenly sized wedges, similar to slicing a pizza.
- Prepare for baking: Place the scone wedges on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush the tops with 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to help achieve a beautiful golden brown crust while baking.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake the scones for about 12-15 minutes or until the tops turn nicely browned and the scones are cooked through. Remove and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with a vegan alternative.
- For sweeter scones, consider adding an extra tablespoon of sugar or a sprinkle of sugar on top before baking.
- Fresh blueberries can be substituted with other fresh berries or dried fruits if preferred.
- Do not overwork the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
- The egg is optional but adds richness and color.
- Use cold butter straight from the fridge to achieve flaky texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Keywords: British scones, blueberry scones, baking recipe, tea time snack, easy scones, homemade scones
