How to Bake a Scone: A Simple Guide for Beginners

Scones are a delightful and classic treat that are surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime, these British quickbreads can be enjoyed plain, with butter, or with a dollop of jam and cream. Here’s a basic guide to get you started on your scone-baking journey.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
8 tbsp unsalted butter, frozen
1/2 cup sour cream
1 large egg

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Grate the Butter: Use a box grater to grate the frozen butter into the dry mixture. Work quickly to keep the butter as cold as possible. Gently mix the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the sour cream and egg until smooth.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the flour and butter mixture. Stir with a fork until a dough forms, being careful not to overmix.
Form the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it very briefly to bring it together. Flatten the dough into a round disc, about 3/4 inch thick, and cut into wedges.
Bake: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-17 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool: Remove the scones from the oven, and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Tips

For added flavor, you can mix in dried fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips before adding the wet ingredients.
Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of beaten egg or milk before baking for a golden crust.
Avoid over-kneading the dough to keep your scones light and fluffy.

Enjoy your homemade scones with a cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate experience!