My sister is in the middle of her wedding preparations. As her maid of honour, I find myself filled with the exciting responsibility to create moments of pure joy and celebration for her. Among the plans for her pre-wedding festivities, the idea of hosting a charming tea party with all the bridesmaids, is one i’m trying to turn into reality. With a heart brimming with excitement, I’ve been trying out tea party recipes, testing each of them to ensure that every bite is one that is worth serving on that special day. And thus, my journey begins with perfecting my English Scones Recipe—a treat that is perfect for such a special (tea) occasion.
What are English Scones?
English scones are a traditional British pastry that is enjoyed throughout the day, often served with clotted cream, jam, or butter. These small, round treats have a tender crumb and a slightly sweet flavor, making them perfect for pairing with your favorite hot beverage.
Ingredients you’ll need:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup cream + 1 tablespoon
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup raisins
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
How to make:
- 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.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add raisins and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and egg.
- Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a floured round cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with clotted cream, jam, or butter.
Variations for this recipe of English Scones:
- Use other dried fruit such as raisins, currants, or cranberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- For savory scones, omit the sugar and add grated cheese, herbs, or cooked bacon to the dough.
- Experiment with different shapes such as triangles or squares for a unique presentation.
Chef Tips:
- Make sure your butter is cold when making the dough. This will help create a flaky texture.
- Handle the dough as little as possible to prevent toughness in the scones.
- To achieve the perfect rise, place the cut scones close together on the baking sheet so they can support each other as they bake.
Frequently Asked Questions about this English Scones Recipe:
- Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it overnight. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before baking.
- How do I store leftover scones? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Can I use self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour? Yes, but omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe if using self-rising flour.
I HOPE YOU LIKED THIS ENGLISH SCONES RECIPE!
IF YOU LIKED THIS RECIPE, HERE ARE OTHER RECIPES YOU MIGHT LIKE AS WELL:
CHOCOLATE CHIP CHICKPEA BLONDIES | HEALTHIER RECIPES
VEGAN CHOCOLATE CUPCAKES WITH VANILLA ICING
My goal is to get you to cook and experiment in the kitchen, even if you are not an expert. If you would like to get to know me more, follow me on instagram : Lifestylemartina. Looking forward to seeing you there!
These scones are buttery, flaky, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, they’re sure to impress your guests. Let’s dive into this classic recipe that will transport you to a cozy English tearoom with every bite. Full recipe below.
English Scones with Raisins
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 lemon zest only
- 1/2 cup cream + 1 tablespoon
- 1 large egg
- Optional: Coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
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.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture and use your fingertips to rub it in until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add raisins and lemon zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and egg.
- Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a floured round cutter to cut out scones and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream for a golden finish.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with clotted cream, jam, or butter.
Notes
- Total Fat: 10.7g
- Saturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 246mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31.6g
- Dietary Fiber: 1.1g
- Sugars: 8.3g
- Protein: 3.6g
If you enjoyed this recipe, please let me know in the comments below 
With love, Martina
Martina is a trained and experienced chef. She has worked as a Chef in multiple restaurants in the Netherlands. Currently, she works as a Marketing Manager for a Start-up in The Hague. In her spare time, she cooks and bakes delicious recipes to host friends and shares all of her best recipes and tips through her blogs.
