How to Make Simple Scones

A simple recipe for scones requires just milk, butter, flour, eggs, sugar and salt. But even a simple recipe requires patience and concentration on the part of the chef. To create the perfect scone - fluffy, light and golden brown - it is important to be precise with the ingredients, gentle with the dough and careful not to over- or under- bake the scones in an oven that maintains a reliable temperature. Once this recipe for simple scones has been mastered, fruit can be added for extra taste. However, a well-made scone will taste just as delicious with butter and jam.

Things You'll Need

• 8 oz (225g) of self-raising flour
• Pinch of salt
• 3 oz (75g) of butter
• 1½ oz (40g) of granulated sugar
• Large egg
• Two tablespoons of milk or buttermilk
• 2-inch (5cm) round cutter
• Rolling pin
• Baking tray
• Wire rack
• Raisins (optional)
• Sultanas (optional)

Instructions

1. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl and add a pinch of salt. Leave butter to sit at room temperature, cut into small pieces and then rub into the flour until the mixture is crumbly. Mix in the caster sugar.

2. Beat the egg and buttermilk (substitute with milk if preferred) together and gradually add to the flour mixture, carefully folding it with a palette knife or spatula. Mix with hands to finish, at which point the dough should be soft and come away from the sides of the bowls with ease. Add 1 tsp. of buttermilk if the dough is too dry and repeat until the consistency is correct.

3. Lightly dust a flat surface with flour and roll out the dough with a rolling pin to approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) in thickness. Use the scone cutter to cut out the scones until all that is left excess dough trimmings. Roll and cut again until all the dough has been used and you are left with less than is sufficient for one scone.

4. Grease a baking tray and lightly dust with flour. Place the scones on the tray, brush with buttermilk and dust with flour. Put in a hot oven at 425 F and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. The scones are ready when they have risen and are golden brown in color. Place on a wire rack and serve when cool.

Tips & Warnings

• Scones should be firm on the outside and fluffy and light on the inside.

• Serve when warm with butter and jam.

• Add sultanas, raisins or even blueberries to the mixture for added taste.

• Freeze leftover scones before they turn stale.

References

• Delia Online: How To Make Scones
• "The Guardian": How To Make the Perfect Scone