Quick Scones
Quick scones are a delightful treat that can brighten any morning or afternoon tea. With their golden crust and fluffy interior, these scones are not only quick to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether enjoyed plain or with your favorite spreads, they make the perfect addition to any gathering or lazy weekend breakfast.
These easy-to-make scones come together with just a few simple ingredients and minimal fuss. By using self-raising flour, you eliminate the need for additional leavening agents, making the preparation even more straightforward. The buttery flavor and light texture of the scones are sure to impress both family and friends. Serve them warm with jam, clotted cream, or even fresh fruit to elevate your tea time experience.
Why make this recipe
Making quick scones is an excellent choice when you’re in need of a fast yet impressive baked good. They are versatile and can accommodate a variety of flavors, whether you prefer classic options like berry or chocolate. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with only a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a batch that is bound to satisfy. Plus, the process is so uncomplicated that even novice bakers will feel confident tackling it. In roughly half an hour, you’ll have delicious scones ready to enjoy.
Making scones can also be a therapeutic experience. The act of rubbing together the butter and flour, followed by kneading the dough, allows you to engage actively with the ingredients, transforming them into something delightful. As the scones bake, the kitchen fills with a heavenly aroma that simply cannot be rivaled. There’s something delightful about pulling a tray of freshly baked scones from the oven, their tops beautifully golden and inviting, making it well worth the effort.
How to make Quick Scones
To begin, gather all your ingredients and prepare your workspace. Preheating your oven ensures that the scones will bake evenly and achieve their desired rise. A baking tray lined with nonstick paper allows for easy removal and ensures clean-up is a breeze. Mixing the flour and butter by rubbing them together creates the crumbly texture necessary for scones. The warmth of your hands helps to mix in the butter, ensuring an even distribution. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as that can lead to tough scones.
Once your dough comes together, the fun of shaping it begins. Lightly dust your work surface with flour to prevent sticking, working the dough gently into a uniform thickness. The use of a round cookie cutter is key to achieving the classic scone shape; however, don’t discard the scraps. Simply re-roll and cut to ensure you make the most out of your dough.
Baking time varies slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on the scones as they rise. You’ll know they’re done when they appear golden and have a slight spring when pressed. Enjoying them warm from the oven is a must, as they truly shine at their freshest.
Ingredients
- 375g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 75g unsalted butter, cubed
- 250ml whole milk (plus extra if needed)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas mark 6. Line a large baking tray with nonstick baking paper.
- Put the flour and butter into a large mixing bowl and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
- Make a well in the middle, pour in the milk, and mix with your hands to form a soft dough. Add a little more milk if the dough is too dry.
- Flour a clean, flat surface and your hands. Tip the dough onto the surface and knead until smooth.
- Press/roll to about 2cm thick, then cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
- Re-roll scraps and repeat until you have about 12 scones.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until risen and golden on top.
- Serve warm. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Time Breakdown
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Baking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 12
How to serve Quick Scones
Quick scones are best served immediately after baking, as they are light and fluffy at their peak freshness. Pairing them with butter, homemade jams, clotted cream, or even local honey can greatly enhance their flavors. Whether it’s a casual brunch or an elegant afternoon tea party, offering scones alongside a selection of teas will create an inviting, delightful atmosphere. Guests can indulge in their choices, mixing and matching flavors with various toppings.
You can also transform your scones into a more substantial treat. Add cream cheese and smoked salmon for a savory twist or whip up a fruit compote to slather on top. Daring culinary adventurers might add a dollop of lemon curd or mascarpone cheese, which complements the sweetness of the scones beautifully. For a festive touch, consider serving them with hot cocoa during chillier months or a refreshing iced tea in the summer.
How to store Quick Scones
To maintain their freshness, quick scones should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay good for up to three days, but if you want to retain their soft texture for longer, consider freezing them. Simply allow the scones to cool completely before placing them in a freezer-safe bag, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. When ready to enjoy, you can reheat them in the oven for a few minutes, bringing back that freshly-baked warmth and texture.
Avoid storing scones in the refrigerator, as the cold can cause them to dry out, detracting from their fluffy nature. If you happen to have any leftover scones, simply reheat them or enjoy them cold—scones can also make for a satisfying snack on their own.
Tips to make Quick Scones
To perfect your quick scones, measuring accurately is key. Always use a kitchen scale for precision, especially when dealing with flour, as too much can result in dense scones. If you’re looking for additional flavor, consider incorporating ingredients like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or herbs into the dough. These elements can easily enhance the overall flavor profile with minimal additional effort.
When incorporating any extra ingredients, make sure to fold them in gently to avoid overworking the dough. Additionally, when cutting the scones, make sure to press straight down with your cookie cutter to prevent the sides from sealing; this allows for optimal rising during baking.
For a shiny finish, brush the scones with a bit of milk or beaten egg just before baking. The result will be a beautifully browned top that looks every bit as good as it tastes. Experiment with different flavors and textures by adjusting the recipe to suit your palate, and soon enough, you’ll have perfected your version of quick scones!
Variation
No major variations, but you can adjust seasonings to taste.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 4 g
• Carbohydrates: 27 g
• Fat: 7 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
FAQs
Q: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
A: Yes, you can use all-purpose flour, but you’ll need to add a leavening agent like baking powder to the mix to achieve the same rise.
Q: How can I make my scones sweeter?
A: You can add a tablespoon or two of sugar to the flour when mixing, or incorporate chocolate chips for a sweeter treat.
Q: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and either refrigerate or freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, just shape and pop them in the oven for fresh scones.
Quick Scones
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 375 g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
- 75 g unsalted butter, cubed
- 250 ml whole milk (plus extra if needed)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan)/400°F/Gas mark 6. Line a large baking tray with nonstick baking paper.
- Put the flour and butter into a large mixing bowl and rub together with your fingertips until the mixture is crumbly.
- Make a well in the middle, pour in the milk, and mix with your hands to form a soft dough. Add a little more milk if the dough is too dry.
- Flour a clean, flat surface and your hands. Tip the dough onto the surface and knead until smooth.
- Press/roll to about 2cm thick, then cut out circles using a round cookie cutter.
- Re-roll scraps and repeat until you have about 12 scones.
Baking
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, until risen and golden on top.
- Serve warm.
