Sure, here’s a basic recipe for traditional British scones:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup milk (you can use whole milk for richer scones)
- 1 large egg
- Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (such as raisins or currants)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a food processor for this step, pulsing the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- If using dried fruit, stir it into the flour mixture at this point.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well combined.
- Pour the milk and egg mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle that’s about 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick.
- Using a floured biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass, cut out rounds from the dough. Place the rounds onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
- If desired, you can brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk or beaten egg for a shiny finish.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with clotted cream, jam, or your favorite toppings.
These scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re made, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
