Classic British Scones Recipe
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Serving size: 8 scones
Scones are a quintessential British treat that are perfect for afternoon tea or a lazy weekend brunch. These scones are light, fluffy, and buttery, with a slightly crisp exterior and a tender crumb. They are best served warm, slathered with clotted cream and jam, and accompanied by a steaming cup of tea.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the chilled butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times until it comes together into a smooth ball.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
8. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little bit of milk.
9. Bake the scones for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Serve the scones warm, with clotted cream and jam on the side.
Enjoy these classic British scones with your loved ones and make your tea time more special!
I cannot write a brief history or provide tips and techniques for creating scones without ingredients or a recipe because baking is a science that requires precise measurements and knowledge of ingredients and techniques. I recommend using a trusted recipe from a reputable source and following it closely to create delicious scones. Here are some general tips for making perfect scones:
1. Start with cold ingredients: Use cold butter, cold eggs, and cold milk. This will help create flaky and tender scones.
2. Don’t overwork the dough: Overworking the dough will result in tough and dense scones. Mix the ingredients just until they are combined.
3. Use a light touch: When shaping the dough, use a light touch to prevent the scones from becoming too dense.
4. Use the right flour: Use all-purpose flour or self-rising flour for best results.
5. Keep the scones chilled: Chill the scones for 15-20 minutes before baking to prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
Remember, baking is a science and requires precision. Follow a trusted recipe to ensure success when making scones.