British Scones

5 from 1 vote

Prep Time10

Cook Time15

Chill20

Total Time45

Course: Breakfast, Snacks

Cuisine: British

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: scones

In a small bowl, rub the orange zest or earl grey tea leaves into the sugar to release the oils. This helps accentuate the citrus flavor.
In a medium bowl, add the flour and the butter. Use your hands to break up the butter into the flour until the flour feels like sand.
Mix the sugar into the flour mixture along with the salt and baking powder. Then crack in one egg and pour in the milk. Use your hands to mix everything in until the dough comes together.
Flour a clean surface generously, then dump out the contents of the bowl. Fold the dough onto itself about 10 times; you’re bringing the dough together into a cohesive, semi-smooth ball.
Now, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it close by. Use a floured rolling pin to roll out the dough about 1 inch thick. Then use a 2.5-inch round cookie cutter to stamp out 8 scones and gently place them on the baking sheet about an inch or two apart. Allow them to rest in the refrigerator for 20 minutes.
While the scones are resting, preheat the oven to 425 degreesF. Prepare the egg wash in a small bowl by whisking the egg until cohesive.
Brush the scones with the egg wash and bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be tall and golden brown.
Serve them fresh and warm with jam and clotted cream.

Do not overmix. Mix just until the dough comes together to keep the crumb soft.

Flour your surface well. We don't want the dough sticking.

Use a sharp cutter. Press straight down without twisting so the edges stay clean and rise evenly.

Brush only the tops with egg wash. If egg runs down the sides, it can limit the rise.

Try different flavors. Swap orange zest for lemon zest, or use vanilla for a simpler version.

Serve fresh if possible. Scones are always best the day they’re baked.

Storage: You can keep baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days but they are best eaten fresh.

Reheating: Warm in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.