There’s something so comforting about a warm, flaky scone, and this recipe is one of the best! Whether you enjoy them with a bit of jam or clotted cream, homemade scones are a delightful treat for breakfast or tea time. The beauty of this recipe lies in the layers—crispy on the outside, moist and tender on the inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with this scone recipe because it’s a perfect balance of buttery goodness and light, flaky texture. The key to achieving the ideal scone is using cold butter and minimal handling of the dough. This method results in layers that puff up beautifully in the oven, creating the perfect scone—light, crispy on the edges, and soft on the inside. Plus, the optional addition of cream cheese adds an extra level of indulgence.
Ingredients
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all-purpose flour
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granulated sugar
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kosher salt
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baking powder
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butter (cold)
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egg
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vanilla extract
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heavy whipping cream
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sour cream
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cream cheese (optional)
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powdered sugar (for glaze)
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milk (for glaze)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Start by mixing your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
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Use a pastry cutter (or cheese grater) to incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture. You want the butter to be in pea-sized pieces.
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Add your wet ingredients: egg, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and sour cream. Stir gently to form a shaggy dough, then switch to your hands to knead it lightly. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
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If you’re adding any mix-ins like cream cheese, blueberries, or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
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Pat the dough into a circle, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice it into 6-8 wedges.
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Freeze the dough for at least 30 minutes to ensure the butter remains cold.
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes or until golden and crisp on the edges.
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For the glaze, combine powdered sugar and milk to reach a smooth consistency, then drizzle over the cooled scones.
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 6-8 scones
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 20 minutes
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Total time: 40 minutes
Variations
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Sweet variations: Add dried fruit (cranberries, apricots) or fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries). You can also add lemon zest for a refreshing twist.
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Savory variations: If you prefer savory scones, reduce the sugar to ¼ cup and add ingredients like grated cheddar cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, or chopped olives.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: You can store scones on the counter, covered, for 2-4 days. After that, they might lose their crispness.
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Reheating: Scones can be reheated in the microwave, though they won’t maintain the crispy edges. For a crisper result, slice and toast them in a toaster oven.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butter?
Yes! Using frozen butter can help achieve a flakier texture in the scones. Just grate it directly into the dry ingredients.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! After cutting the dough into wedges, freeze them on a baking sheet for 30 minutes. Once frozen, store them in a zip-top bag and bake directly from the freezer when you’re ready.
What makes a scone dry?
Overworking the dough or using warm butter can cause scones to be dry. Always use cold butter and handle the dough gently.
Can I freeze baked scones?
Yes, scones freeze well. Store them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or slice and toast them for the best results.
What if I don’t have sour cream?
You can substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt or even buttermilk, though the texture might differ slightly.
How can I make these scones dairy-free?
Substitute dairy ingredients with plant-based options like almond milk, coconut cream, or dairy-free butter.
Can I add chocolate chips to this recipe?
Yes, chocolate chips are a delicious addition! They work especially well with berries like raspberries or blueberries.
How do I get scones to be flaky?
Use cold butter, handle the dough gently, and make sure to freeze the dough before baking. This ensures the butter remains solid, creating the flaky layers.
How do I make the glaze for the scones?
Simply mix powdered sugar with a bit of milk until smooth and drizzle over the cooled scones. Add vanilla extract for extra flavor!
What’s the difference between a scone and a biscuit?
Scones are generally sweeter and made with cold butter, while biscuits are more savory and often use buttermilk. The scone dough is also typically less worked, resulting in a more flaky texture.
Conclusion
These homemade scones are a game-changer. With the perfect balance of tenderness and crispiness, they’re ideal for breakfast or tea time. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, this recipe is versatile and sure to impress. Don’t forget to top them with clotted cream or your favorite jam for an extra special treat!
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The Best Scone Recipe I’ve Ever Made
- Total Time: 1hour 5minutes
- Yield: 8-10 scones
Description
Indulge in the best homemade scones with this recipe! Perfectly flaky on the outside and soft on the inside, these scones are made with butter, sour cream, and cream cheese for extra moisture and flavor. Whether you enjoy them plain, with jam, or with mix-ins like blueberries or cream cheese, these scones will be a hit. Simple to make, they’re the ideal treat for tea time or any occasion!
Ingredients
2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 cup (115g) cold butter, cut into cubes
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream
1/4 cup (60ml) sour cream
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
Powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
Milk (for glaze, optional)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Stir well to combine.
Cut in the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or your hands, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. There should still be small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture.
Add Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, heavy cream, and sour cream. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. If using, fold in small chunks of cream cheese.
Form the Dough:
Stir the dough with a spatula until it starts to come together. Use your hands to gently knead the dough inside the bowl just until it forms a shaggy dough (don’t overwork it).
Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to slice the dough into 8-10 wedges (like a pizza).
Freeze the Scones:
Place the cut scones on a baking sheet and freeze for about 30 minutes. This step helps keep the butter cold and ensures your scones are extra flaky when baked.
Bake the Scones:
After freezing, bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 15-18 minutes or until they are golden brown on the edges.
Optional Glaze:
If you prefer, make a simple glaze by mixing powdered sugar with milk to drizzle over the scones once they have cooled slightly.
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm with butter and jam for a perfect afternoon tea treat!
Notes
Cold butter is key: Ensure the butter stays cold throughout the process to create the flaky texture that makes scones so delicious.
Don’t overwork the dough: Handling the dough too much can result in tough scones. Keep it light and gentle.
Freeze the dough: This step is crucial for getting flaky scones with distinct layers.
Customize your scones: Feel free to add mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, dried fruit, or even cheese and herbs for savory scones.
Scone Variations
Sweet: Add blueberries, chocolate chips, or dried cranberries for a fruity and indulgent twist.
Savory: Use cheddar cheese, chives, or sun-dried tomatoes for a savory scone that pairs perfectly with soup or salad.
How to Store and Freeze Scones
Storage: These scones are best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Freezing: If you want to make scones in advance, freeze the dough before baking. Once they’ve been shaped and frozen for 30 minutes, store them in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from the freezer—just add an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Why You’ll Love This Scone Recipe
Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you can enjoy homemade scones without the fuss.
Perfectly Flaky: Cold butter, freezing the dough, and careful handling ensure the scones turn out wonderfully light and flaky.
Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins to create endless variations. Whether you like them sweet or savory, there’s a version for everyone.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time:: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Cuisine: Eastern European
