This scones recipe promises to deliver the best, most delicious scones you’ve ever tasted. Perfectly tender on the inside with a golden crust, these scones are great for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon tea treat. Follow this easy recipe to enjoy homemade scones that rival those from a bakery!
Ingredients for The BEST Scones
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/2 cup add-ins (chocolate chips, dried fruit, etc.)
- For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make The BEST Scones
- Prepare the Scones:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. If using add-ins, gently fold them into the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
- Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
- Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream.
- Bake the Scones:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.
- Optional Glaze:
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones before serving, if desired.
About the Main Ingredients
- Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the scones. It should be incorporated into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the scone dough, resulting in a tender texture. It also helps achieve a golden brown crust when brushed on top before baking.
- Flour and Baking Powder: These provide structure and leavening to the scones, ensuring they rise properly while baking.
These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, served with clotted cream and jam for a traditional English treat, or simply with butter and a cup of tea. Master this recipe, and you’ll have a go-to scone recipe that everyone will love!
