Are you craving a delightful afternoon tea treat, or perhaps a quick and easy breakfast? Look no further! This recipe, inspired by the legendary Mary Berry, will guide you to baking fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth scones that are sure to impress. Forget store-bought; these homemade scones are incredibly easy to make and far superior in taste and texture. Get ready to experience the joy of homemade baking with this simple and delicious recipe perfect for beginners and seasoned bakers alike. This is one of the best recipes for a quick and easy treat!
Ingredients:
- 225g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 50g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 15g caster sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 150ml milk, plus extra for brushing
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan/425°F/Gas Mark 7). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution and helps create a lighter texture. Add the caster sugar and mix well.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Avoid overworking the dough at this stage; you want some larger pieces of butter remaining for a flakier scone.
Step 3: Add the Milk
Gradually add the milk, mixing gently with a knife until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Overmixing will result in tough scones.
Step 4: Shape the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough down to a thickness of about 2cm. Use a 5cm round cutter (or a knife) to cut out scones. Gently twist the cutter instead of pushing down to prevent the dough from compressing.
Step 5: Bake the Scones
Place the scones onto a baking tray lined with baking paper. Brush the tops with a little extra milk for a golden-brown finish. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite spread – clotted cream and jam are classic pairings. These delicious scones make a fantastic addition to any meal, breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea!
Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Keep everything cold: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky scones. Make sure your butter, milk, and even your bowl are cold before you start.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix only until the dough just comes together.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough; just pat it gently to shape.
- Use a sharp cutter: A sharp cutter will create clean edges and prevent the scones from spreading during baking.
Variations:
- Cheese and onion scones: Add grated cheddar cheese and finely chopped spring onions to the dough for a savory twist.
- Fruit scones: Incorporate dried cranberries, raisins, or blueberries for a sweeter treat.
- Herb scones: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a fragrant and savory scone.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 10-12g
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these healthy and delicious scones as part of a balanced diet. These easy recipes are perfect for quick dinner ideas and satisfying healthy meals. Try this best recipe today for homemade cooking at its finest!