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To make easy plain scones, you need the following key items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 3/4 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash) - Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) or chocolate chips These measurements work well for eight scones. If you want more, just double the ingredients. You can also reduce sugar if you prefer less sweetness. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially with flour. This helps ensure your scones turn out perfectly every time. If you don’t have heavy cream, milk can work in a pinch. Just use less to avoid a wet dough. For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream or almond milk. If you want a healthier spin, try whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend. Always keep an eye on texture when making these swaps. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step helps the scones rise nicely. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the scones from sticking to the pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. It’s important to blend these ingredients evenly for the best taste. Now, it’s time to add the butter. Take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter and put it in the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it with the flour. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs. Make a well in the center and pour in 3/4 cup of heavy cream. If you want, you can add 1/2 cup of dried fruit or chocolate chips here. Gently fold the mixture until it just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; this keeps your scones light and fluffy. To get light and fluffy scones, use cold butter. This keeps the fat solid, creating steam during baking. Mix the butter into the flour until it looks like crumbs. Do not overwork the dough; this helps keep it tender. Pat the dough gently, instead of rolling it out. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make your scones tough. Another mistake is not using cold ingredients. Warm butter or cream can ruin the texture. Make sure your baking powder is fresh. Expired baking powder won’t help your scones rise. You can add dried fruit or chocolate chips for fun flavors. Try cranberries, raisins, or even lemon zest. For a richer taste, swap half the cream with yogurt. You can also sprinkle sugar on top before baking for a sweet crust. Dust with powdered sugar when serving for a nice touch. Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold; this helps create flaky layers in your scones. Don't Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to maintain a tender texture. Experiment with Flavors: Try adding zest from citrus fruits or different extracts for unique flavors. Check for Doneness: The scones should be lightly golden; avoid overbaking for the best texture. {{image_2}} You can easily add dried fruits to your scones. Dried cranberries or raisins work well. They add sweetness and chewiness to each bite. I recommend using about half a cup. Mix them in when you add the cream. This simple addition makes the scones more exciting. Chocolate chips are another fun option for scones. They bring rich flavor and sweetness. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips, depending on your taste. Just like with dried fruits, add about half a cup when mixing in the cream. This will create a delightful treat for chocolate lovers. You can get creative with flavors! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. You can also use zest from lemons or oranges for a fresh twist. Those flavors mix well with the buttery scone base. Just be sure to keep the total mix-ins around half a cup. This way, your scones stay light and fluffy while still being tasty. To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps maintain their softness. If you want them to last longer, store them at room temperature. For best taste, enjoy them within two days. You can freeze scones to enjoy later. Let them cool completely first. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. They will last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat scones, take them out of the freezer. Let them thaw at room temperature. For a warm scone, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scone on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This helps restore their fluffy texture. Enjoy your warm, fresh scones again! Fluffy scones come from a few key steps. First, use cold butter. The cold butter creates steam when baking. This steam makes the scones rise and become fluffy. Second, don't overmix the dough. Overmixing can make the scones dense. Mix just enough so that the ingredients combine. Lastly, the right amount of baking powder also helps. It gives scones the lift they need. You can use whole wheat flour, but it will change the texture. Whole wheat flour makes scones denser and heartier. You may want to mix it with all-purpose flour. A good ratio is half whole wheat and half all-purpose. This way, you get some health benefits without losing fluffiness. To check if scones are done, look for a light golden color on top. They should also feel firm to the touch. You can insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready. Don't forget to let them cool a bit before serving for the best taste! This guide covered all the key steps to crafting perfect scones. We discussed essential ingredients, measurements, and tasty substitutions. I shared methods for mixing and prep, plus tips for the best texture. You learned about delicious variations like fruits and chocolate. Finally, I provided storage and reheating tips for leftovers. With this knowledge, you can create scones that impress anyone. Enjoy your baking adventure and have fun experimenting!

Fluffy Creamy Scones

Deliciously fluffy and creamy scones perfect for breakfast or tea time.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine British
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 quarter cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 1 half cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 3 quarter cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 half cup dried fruit (like cranberries or raisins) or chocolate chips

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the heavy cream. If using, add the dried fruit or chocolate chips. Gently fold until just combined; be careful not to overmix.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
  • Using a knife or biscuit cutter, cut the dough into wedges or rounds. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Brush the tops of the scones with beaten egg for a golden color.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they are lightly golden on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Serve the scones warm, accompanied by clotted cream and jam. Dust with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for an elegant finish.
Keyword baking, breakfast, scones