Simple Scone Recipe
This simple scone recipe yields tender, flaky scones perfect for breakfast or a snack. With a buttery, slightly sweet dough, you can customize your scones with chocolate chips or fresh berries for added flavor. The recipe includes detailed instructions for preparing plain or fruit-filled scones with an optional lamination step to create flaky layers. Easy to prepare and bake, these scones are perfect for fresh homemade enjoyment or freezing for later.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 26 minutes
- Total Time: 36 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Dry Ingredients for Plain Scones
- 2 ¼ cups (270g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (99g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Butter
- ½ cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup (118ml) buttermilk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Add-Ins (Optional, total 1-1.5 cups)
- 1 cup (170g) chocolate chips (mini chocolate chips recommended)
- 1 cup (170g) white chocolate chips
- 1 cup (120g) fresh raspberries, broken into pieces and frozen
- 1 cup (150g) blueberries
- 1 cup (167g) strawberries, chopped
Egg Wash (For brushing)
- Adjust Flour for Fruit Add-Ins: If making raspberry scones, add an additional ¾ cup (90g) flour to the base mixture to counteract the moisture from the fruit. For blueberry or strawberry scones, add an additional ¼ cup (30g) flour to ensure the dough maintains proper structure during baking.
- Combine Dry Ingredients and Cut in Butter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using your hands or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour mixture until you have pea-sized pieces of butter dispersed throughout.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Create a well in the center of the mixture. Pour in the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and whole egg. Gently fold together with a spatula until a thick, sticky dough forms. If using any mix-ins such as chocolate chips or berries, gently stir them in now.
- Knead the Dough Gently: Turn the dough onto a silicone mat or clean countertop. Gently knead the dough just until all flour is incorporated. If the dough feels too sticky, add 1 to 2 additional tablespoons of flour as needed.
- Lamination for Flakiness: To create flaky layers, fold the dough in half and press slightly. Turn the dough 90 degrees and fold in half again. Repeat this folding and turning process 4 to 5 times to develop layers.
- Shape and Chill: Pat the dough into an 8 to 10-inch diameter disc about 1.5 to 2 inches thick. Place the disc in the refrigerator for 5 to 10 minutes to firm up for easier cutting.
- Cut into Wedges: Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the chilled dough disc into 8 equal wedges.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the wedges 2 to 3 inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Freeze Before Baking: Freeze the scones on the baking sheet for 30 minutes. During the last 5 minutes of freezing, preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC).
- Apply Egg Wash: Whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of water. Brush this egg wash over the tops of the scones for a golden, shiny finish. Optionally, sprinkle with coarse sanding sugar for extra texture and sweetness.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20 to 26 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy fresh or store as desired.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, such as King Arthur’s Gluten Free Measure for Measure Flour, for excellent results.
- Storage: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Make Ahead: You can shape and cut the dough, then refrigerate it overnight. Bake directly from the fridge the following day.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 2 to 3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Keywords: scones, simple scone recipe, homemade scones, berry scones, chocolate chip scones, breakfast recipe, tea time snack