Many years ago, I had the chance to enjoy high tea at The Ritz in London with a few close friends. It was an elegant experience—white-gloved servers, silver teapots, and guests dressed to the nines. Amidst all the glamour, one of the highlights was, of course, the scones. Their simple yet perfect texture, paired with jam and cream, was a reminder that sometimes the simplest things are the most enjoyable.
And that’s the beauty of the humble scone. While it can be part of a lavish spread, it’s just as comforting when made at home with only a handful of ingredients. This simple scones recipe uses just butter, milk, and self-raising flour. It results in light and fluffy scones that are perfect for tea time.
Scones are one of those baked goods that evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth. Whether enjoyed with a cup of tea during an afternoon break or served as part of a weekend brunch, they’re always a crowd-pleaser. This simple scones recipe is quick and easy to prepare. The result is always satisfying.
Ingredients:
- self-raising flour
- cold unsalted butter
- caster sugar
- milk
- A pinch of salt
Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to ensure the scones stay light and fluffy.
- Cold Butter: Use cold butter to get that perfect flaky texture in the scones.
- Oven Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated and at the right temperature to help the scones rise well.
Variations and Serving Suggestions:
While these scones are delicious on their own, you can get creative with toppings and variations:
- Toppings: Traditional scones are best served with strawberry jam and clotted cream, but you can experiment with other jams like raspberry or apricot. Honey and butter also make a lovely combination.
- Add-Ins: For a fun twist, you can add sultanas, currants, or even grated cheese to the dough for savoury scones.
- Pairing: These scones pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more indulgent treat, serve them with a pot of freshly brewed Earl Grey or a cappuccino.
Why You’ll Love These Scones:
- Quick and Easy: No need for a complicated recipe—this simple scones recipe comes together quickly and requires just a few ingredients.
- Light and Fluffy: The self-raising flour gives them the perfect rise, while the butter creates a soft, flaky crumb.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, having a quiet weekend breakfast, or just craving a homemade treat, these scones are the answer.
Final Thoughts
Classic scones are a staple in any home that loves simple, homemade baking. They’re versatile, quick to make, and perfect for pairing with your favourite spread. Once you’ve mastered this simple scone recipe, you’ll find it’s easy to whip up a batch whenever you need a comforting snack or a special treat for guests.
If you’re looking for more delicious recipes, check out some of my other baking favourites. Try Lemon Meringue Pie or Anzac Biscuits.
Classic Scone Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Baking tray
Ingredients
- 2 cups 300g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
- 1/4 cup 55g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar
- 3/4 cup 185ml milk, plus extra for brushing
- pinch of salt
- jam and cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C fan-forced) or 425°F.
- Prepare the Baking Tray: Line a baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Set it aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and a pinch of salt. Add the caster sugar and mix to combine.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Be sure not to overwork the dough, as this could result in dense scones.
- Add the Milk: Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture and pour in the milk. Stir gently with a spoon or butter knife until the dough just comes together. Take care not to over-mix the dough.
- Turn Out the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Knead gently for a few seconds to bring it together.
- Shape the Scones: Roll out the dough to about 2.5cm (1-inch) thickness. Use a round cutter (about 5-6cm in diameter) to cut out the scones. Place them on the prepared baking tray. If you’d like a soft-sided scone, arrange them close together on the tray, or space them out for crisper edges.
- Brush with Milk: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little milk to help them brown nicely.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown on top and hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favourite jam and a generous dollop of cream.
Looks so good!
Thanks so much Hannah. They are pretty yummy and super quick and easy xx
Just delicious 😋😋