Easy Scones
If you’ve ever walked into a bakery and been greeted by the warm, buttery aroma of freshly baked scones, you know just how delightful these little treats can be. With their flaky texture and endless possibilities for mix-ins, these Easy Scones are a must-try for any home baker. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this recipe is simple enough for beginners yet delicious enough to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of scones!
Why It Works Every Time
The beauty of this Easy Scones recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of the ingredients used. By incorporating cold butter, we create a flaky texture that is characteristic of perfect scones. The combination of baking powder and buttermilk provides just the right amount of lift, ensuring that your scones come out light and airy. Plus, the optional mix-ins allow for personalization, making this recipe versatile for any palate.
What Goes Into Easy Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled: This forms the base of your scones, providing structure.
- ¾ cup cane sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your scones a nice rise.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), frozen for at least 1 hour: Chilled butter is crucial for that flaky texture.
- ½ to 1 cup mix-ins (optional): Choose from berries, dried fruit, or chocolate chips for added flavor.
- ¾ cup cold buttermilk (or heavy cream): Provides moisture and richness.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional): Adds depth of flavor.
- Coarse sugar for sprinkling: A finishing touch that adds a bit of crunch.
What’s in the Gear List
- Mixing bowls: For combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: To mix the dry ingredients properly.
- Pastry cutter or grater: For cutting in the frozen butter.
- Baking sheet: Where the scones will be placed before baking.
- Parchment paper: To line the baking sheet for easy cleanup.
- Oven: Ensures even baking at the right temperature.
Easy Scones: How It’s Done
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cane sugar, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Take your frozen stick of unsalted butter and grate it into the flour mixture. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into small pieces. You want the mixture to resemble coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins
If you’re using any mix-ins, gently fold them into the flour mixture. This could be fresh berries, chocolate chips, or dried fruit—whatever you prefer!
Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk (or heavy cream), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain that tender texture.
Step 7: Shape the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round scones. Place the scones on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle
Brush the tops of the scones with additional buttermilk or cream and sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for that extra crunch.
Step 9: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Budget & Availability Swaps
- All-purpose flour: Can be swapped for whole wheat flour for a heartier version.
- Cane sugar: Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
- Buttermilk: Substitute with milk mixed with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
- Butter: Margarine can be used, though it may alter the flavor slightly.
Flavor Logic
With Easy Scones, the flavor possibilities are endless! Here are some delightful combinations to consider:
- Berries: Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries add a burst of freshness.
- Dried fruits: Cranberries or apricots provide a chewy texture and sweetness.
- Chocolate: Chocolate chips or chunks make for a decadent treat.
- Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch and flavor.
Storing Tips & Timelines
To keep your Easy Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them well to prevent freezer burn. To enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven.
Top Questions & Answers
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the scones, then wrap them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake them fresh when you’re ready to enjoy.
What if my dough is too crumbly?
If your dough is too crumbly, try adding a little more buttermilk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together. Be cautious not to overmix.
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just fold them into the dough while still frozen to prevent them from getting mushy.
What’s the best way to serve scones?
Easy Scones are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam for an extra treat!
Healthy-ish Favorites
Ready to Cook?
Now that you have all the information you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get baking! With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you’ll have a batch of Easy Scones that are sure to impress. Whether you choose to keep them classic or add your favorite mix-ins, these scones will quickly become a beloved recipe in your kitchen. Happy baking!
Easy Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Oven - Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and achieve that beautiful golden color.
- Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cane sugar, baking powder, and sea salt until evenly combined.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter - Take your frozen stick of unsalted butter and grate it into the flour mixture. Alternatively, you can use a pastry cutter to cut the butter into small pieces.
- Step 4: Add the Mix-Ins - If you’re using any mix-ins, gently fold them into the flour mixture. This could be fresh berries, chocolate chips, or dried fruit—whatever you prefer!
- Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients - In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk (or heavy cream), egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Step 7: Shape the Scones - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round scones.
- Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle - Brush the tops of the scones with additional buttermilk or cream and sprinkle coarse sugar over the top for that extra crunch.
- Step 9: Bake - Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Step 10: Cool and Serve - Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Notes
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Freeze scones for up to 2 months; wrap well to prevent freezer burn.
- Substitute ingredients for variations: whole wheat flour for a heartier scone.
