Are you craving a taste of the British countryside? Look no further! This recipe for homemade scones with clotted cream is the perfect way to transport yourself to a charming tea room, even if you're just in your own kitchen. These fluffy, buttery scones are incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and even less effort. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this recipe is guaranteed to yield delicious results – a perfect addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Let's get started on this quick dinner idea!
Ingredients:
For the Scones:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup sugar (granulated or caster)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 3/4 cups cold milk (full-fat recommended)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash, optional)
For the Clotted Cream: (Note: Store-bought clotted cream is readily available, but making your own is a rewarding experience)
- 1 pint of heavy cream (double cream)
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agent for perfectly fluffy scones.
Step 2: Cutting in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage, as this can result in tough scones.
Step 3: Incorporating the Milk
Gradually add the cold milk, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. A slightly sticky dough is perfectly fine.
Step 4: Shaping the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it down to about 1-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cutter (or a knife) to cut out scones. Reroll the scraps and cut out more scones.
Step 5: Baking the Scones
Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg (optional, for a golden brown finish). Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
Step 6: Making the Clotted Cream (Optional)
For homemade clotted cream, gently heat the heavy cream and milk in a saucepan over low heat. Do not boil. Once warm, pour into a jar and let sit in a warm place for at least 12 hours (or even overnight). A thick layer of clotted cream will form on the surface. Spoon it off and enjoy!
Step 7: Serving
Let the scones cool slightly before serving. Spread with clotted cream (and jam, if desired) and enjoy the delicious homemade treat! This simple recipe is a delightful addition to any afternoon tea or a comforting treat any time of the day.
Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and milk are key to achieving tender scones.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to tough scones.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough.
- Bake at a high temperature: This helps the scones rise properly.
Variations:
- Add dried fruit: Incorporate raisins, cranberries, or currants into the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Use different herbs: Add fresh rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
- Experiment with cheeses: Cheddar or parmesan cheese can create a savoury scone.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
Calories: ~200 Fat: ~10g Protein: ~3g Carbohydrates: ~30g
This delicious recipe for scones and clotted cream is a delightful addition to your repertoire of food recipes. It’s a perfect example of delicious dishes that are surprisingly simple to make at home. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and savor every bite of this British classic!