Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's both delicious and surprisingly healthy? Look no further than these delightful whole wheat flour scones! Forget those dry, crumbly scones of the past; this recipe delivers perfectly fluffy, subtly sweet scones bursting with flavor. They're incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick breakfast, afternoon tea, or even a simple dessert. This recipe is a fantastic example of homemade cooking at its finest, proving that healthy meals can also be incredibly satisfying and delicious dishes. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with these simple yet elegant scones!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Optional: 1/4 cup dried cranberries or raisins, 1/4 cup chopped nuts
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Ensure all the dry ingredients are thoroughly combined for even baking.
Step 2: Cutting in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage; pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal. Cold butter is key to achieving a flaky texture!
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing will result in tough scones.
Step 4: Adding Mix-ins (Optional)
If using, gently fold in the dried cranberries, raisins, or nuts at this point.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the scones into wedges or rounds. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet.
Step 6: Baking to Perfection
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before serving.
Tips for the Best Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Bake at the correct temperature: Ensure your oven is preheated to the specified temperature for even baking.
- Let them cool slightly: Allowing the scones to cool slightly before serving helps them firm up and prevents them from crumbling.
Variations:
- Cheese Scones: Add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the dough.
- Savory Scones: Omit the sugar and add herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist. Consider adding some finely grated parmesan cheese.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 Fat: 6-8g Protein: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 25-30g Fiber: 2-3g
These whole wheat flour scones are a perfect example of quick dinner ideas or a delightful addition to any meal. Enjoy these easy recipes and delicious dishes made with simple homemade cooking techniques! They're a versatile treat that's sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.