Plain scones
Plain scones are a light and fluffy treat made with self-raising flour, butter, and a hint of sugar. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, they are quick to prepare and delicious served warm with butter or jam.
Cook time 10 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1/3 cup butter3 cups self-raising flour
1 dash salt
1 tbsp sugar
Plain scones are a classic and beloved treat that are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a quick snack. They are easy to make with just a few simple ingredients and can be enjoyed with butter, jam, or cream. This recipe will guide you through the steps needed to bake your own delightful scones.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F or Gas Mark 7). Make sure the rack is positioned in the middle of the oven.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the self-raising flour, salt, and sugar. Mix them well with a whisk or a fork to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Cut the butter into small cubes and then add it to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Slowly add milk to the mixture, a little at a time, stirring with a knife or spatula until the dough starts to come together. The dough should be soft but not sticky. You may not need the entire cup of milk, so add gradually.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough several times until smooth. Avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy.
- Pat the dough out to about 2-3 cm (3/4 to 1 inch) thick. Use a floured circular cutter (about 5-6 cm in diameter) to cut out scones from the dough. Gather any scraps, re-roll, and cut more scones until all the dough is used.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Leave a bit of space between each scone as they will expand while baking.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them brown. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until risen and golden brown.
- Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
By following this straightforward recipe, you'll be able to bake a batch of delicious plain scones in no time. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or slightly cooled with your favorite toppings, these scones are sure to be a hit. Happy baking!
Plain scones FAQ:
Bake the scones in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are risen and golden brown.
Scones are done when they have risen and turned a golden brown color on top. You can also tap the bottom; it should sound hollow.
Yes, you can substitute self-raising flour with all-purpose flour by adding 1 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and a dash of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour used.
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
To reheat scones, wrap them in aluminum foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 5-10 minutes, until heated through.
Tips:
- Ensure the butter is cold before you start mixing; this will help create a flakier texture.
- Use a light touch when mixing and kneading the dough to avoid overworking and toughening the scones.
- If you don't have self-raising flour, you can make your own by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt for every cup of all-purpose flour.
- To create a nicely browned top, brush the scones with a little milk or beaten egg before baking.
- For uniform scones, use a cookie cutter to shape the dough instead of cutting it by hand.
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 370kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 60g
Fiber 2.25g
Sugar 2.77g
Fat 11g
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