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
