Classic British Scones for a cream tea

Classic British scones are one of my favourite things. There's something about a warm scone, fresh from the oven, sliced in two and slathered with butter and enjoyed with a cup of tea that is quintessentially British.

These scones are really easy and quick to make. There's no chilling time, it's just mix, cut and bake, so you can butter one within half an hour!

What's the difference between a British Scone and an American one?

There's huge debate in the UK regarding scones, from the country of origin, to the pronounciation. There is also a place in Scotland called Scone, which is pronounced 'scon'. I'm in the 'scon' camp and my husband is in the 'scone' camp and we grew up in the same town!

More confusingly is that at first glance, a British scone looks like an American biscuit. The resemblance ends there. British scones use less sugar, are cut in a circular or hexaganol shape, and are only glazed with milk or egg. We get the sweetness by the dollop of jam on top!

American scones are made by flattening the dough into a circle and cutting into segments before baking. They are often flavoured with fruit and glazed with icing afterwards.

What is a cream tea?

A cream tea is normally a scone with strawberry jam and clotted cream in pots, served alongside a pot a tea.

There is yet more debate as to whether the jam or cream is added first. The Devonshire cream tea has cream first and neighbouring Cornwall has jam first! Who knew that British scones were so complicated!

A cream tea is normally also a component of afternoon tea, which is making a real comeback with home deliveries.

This comprises of a three tiered cake stand with finger sandwiches at the bottom, dainty cakes in the middle and the scones with pots of jam and cream on top. Then there is the obligatory pot of tea and maybe a cheeky glass of Prosecco or Champagne.

What are the ingredients?

Scones have really simple ingredients that you are likely to have already in the pantry.

All you need is cold butter, self raising flour, baking powder, salt, caster sugar and milk. You will also need an egg to glaze as it gives great colour to the scones, but you could simply use more milk and a sprinkling of sugar instead.

What equipment do you need?

Essential equipment is a cutter around 6 cm in diameter and also a non stick baking sheet or some baking parchment. You will also need a large bowl and a rolling pin.

How to make British scones

Stir the flour, baking powder and salt together after measuring, and place in a large bowl or in the body of a food processor.

Cut cold butter from the fridge into cubes and gently run in or process the butter to fine breadcrumbs by pulsing a few times.

Tip the mixture into a large bowl, stir in the sugar and milk to form a soft dough. The idea is to quickly bring it together without touching the dough too much.

Depending on the dryness of the flour you might need more milk.

Divide the dough into two as it makes it easier to handle in batches.

Roll the dough out to 2.5cm thick. You can just do this with your hands as the dough is really soft.

Use a 6mm plain circular cutter or similar to cut out, rerolling if necessary and then repeating with the remaining dough. Remember to handle the dough as little as possible.

You will end up with 13 or 14 scones.

Place scones on a large non stick or parchment lined tray as you cut them out. It sounds odd but place the scones together so they are almost touching. This helps them to rise up straight as they bake.

Brush with beaten egg and bake for 15-20 until well risen and golden at 190C/375 F or Gas mark 5.

Cool on  a wire rack.

These scones are fluffy and delicious served warm with butter or cold with your favourite jam.

British Scone variations

• Chop 200g of glace cherries for cherry scones.
• Add 115g of grated cheese and omit the sugar for savoury cheese scones.
• Stir in 200g of sultanas for sultana scones.

Afternoon Tea Recipes

• Banana Bread with Pecans and Cardamom
• Salted Caramel Mille Feuilles
• Raspberry Almond Linzer Cookies
• Orange Marmalade Drizzle Cake with Candied Oranges
• Pecan Banana Avocado Cake
• Nutella Macarons

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