Few baked goods are as iconic in British kitchens as the humble scone. Whether served with clotted cream and jam for afternoon tea or enjoyed fresh from the oven at breakfast, a perfectly baked scone is soft, fluffy, and lightly golden on top. With a few simple tips, you can master the art of scone baking every time.
Start with high-quality ingredients — use fresh flour, butter, and eggs for the best texture. Keep your butter cold and work it quickly into the flour to create a light, flaky crumb. When adding milk, do it gradually to form a soft, slightly sticky dough without overmixing.
Shape your scones gently and cut them with a sharp cutter, pressing straight down to avoid squashing the dough. Bake in a preheated oven at a high temperature (around 220°C / 425°F) until golden brown. For extra flavor, you can add dried fruits, citrus zest, or cheese, depending on whether you want sweet or savory scones.
Serve your scones warm with clotted cream and jam, or enjoy them plain with butter. Once you learn these simple techniques, you’ll be able to bake scones that are perfectly tender, fluffy, and utterly delicious — every single time.