Classic Scones

As a newbie to scone baking, this recipe by Sally McKenny provides fantastic step by step instructions with pictures making each batch a breeze. Freezing the butter, then grating is a game changer! My family has let me know I will be making this recipe again and again. The scones were delicious on their own, and even better with a favourite fruit compote & whipped cream or clotted cream if you have a Brit store near by. – Heidi

Recipe by: Sally McKenny from sallysbakingaddiction.com
Use this basic scone dough for any sweet scone variety. Feel free to increase the vanilla extract and/or add other flavor extracts such as lemon extract or coconut extract. Read through the recipe before beginning. You can skip the chilling for 15 minutes prior to baking, but I highly recommend it to prevent the scones from over-spreading.

Pairs with our Rosé

Ingredient List:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & levelled),  plus more for hands and work surface

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon of salt

• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder

• ½ cup (1 stick,115g) unsalted butter, frozen (very important it be frozen so you are able to grate it)

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream or buttermilk (plus 1 tbsp for brushing)

• 1 large egg

• 1 ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

• 1-1.5 cups add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, nuts, fruits, etc

• Optional – coarse sugar for topping

   

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Whisk flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Grate the frozen butter using a box grater. Add it to the flour mixture and combine with a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers until the mixture comes together in pea-sized crumbs. See video above for a closer look at the texture. Place in the refrigerator or freezer as you mix the wet ingredients together.
2. Whisk 1/2 cup heavy cream, the egg, and vanilla extract together in a small bowl. Drizzle over the flour mixture, add the add-ins, then mix together until everything appears moistened.
3. To make triangle scones: Pour onto the counter and, with floured hands, work dough into a ball as best you can. Dough will be sticky. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour. If it seems too dry, add 1-2 more Tablespoons heavy cream. Press into an 8-inch disc and, with a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges. For smaller scones, press dough into two 5-inch discs and cut each into 8 wedges. To make 10-12 drop scones: Keep mixing dough in the bowl until it comes together. Drop scones, about 1/4 cup of dough each, 3 inches apart on a lined baking sheet. To make mini (petite) scones, see recipe note.
4. Brush scones with remaining heavy cream and for extra crunch, sprinkle with coarse sugar. (You can do this before or after refrigerating in the next step.)
5. Place scones on a plate or lined baking sheet (if your fridge has space!) and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes.
6. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).
7. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat(s). If making mini or drop scones, use 2 baking sheets. After refrigerating, arrange scones 2-3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet(s).
8. Bake for 18-26 minutes or until golden brown around the edges and lightly browned on top. Larger scones take closer to 25 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for a few minutes. Feel free to top with any of the toppings listed in the recipe Note below.
9. Leftover scones keep well at room temperature for 2 days or in the refrigerator for 5 days.