Quick and Easy Alton Brown Scones Recipe for Perfect Tea Time

Alton Brown’s scones transform ordinary breakfast moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

These remarkable pastries represent a delightful intersection of British tradition and modern baking techniques.

Crafted with precision and passion, these scones offer a perfect balance between tender crumb and crisp exterior.

Bakers appreciate how simple ingredients can create such magnificent results when mixed thoughtfully.

Rich butter melts into soft flour, creating a magical transformation that promises unparalleled satisfaction.

Each scone carries whispers of comfort and elegance, inviting you to savor every single crumbly bite.

The magic lies in understanding proportions and technique, not just following instructions blindly: prepare to elevate your morning routine.

What Makes Alton Brown’s Scones So Special

• Speedy Baking Delight: Whip up these scones in just 25 minutes, perfect for those craving a quick homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Texture Magic: Experience a heavenly combination of crumbly exterior and tender interior, created by the clever technique of rubbing butter and shortening into the dry ingredients with fingertips.
• Versatile Flavor Canvas: Easily customize these scones by adding your favorite fruits, making them an ideal breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea companion that adapts to your taste preferences.

Gather the Essentials: Ingredients for Alton Brown’s Scones

• Flour: The base for the scones, provides structure and texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents for light and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the scones.

• Butter, Shortening: Provides rich flavor and creates flaky, tender scone texture. Cold butter works best to maintain a crumbly consistency.

• Heavy Cream, Egg: Brings moisture, richness, and helps bind the ingredients together. Fresh eggs and cream contribute to better flavor and texture.

• Dried or Fresh Fruit: Adds natural sweetness and interesting flavor variation. Choose ripe, high-quality fruits for best results.

Easy Guide: How to Make Alton Brown’s Scones

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to 400°F and slide the rack right into the center position. Grab a half-sheet pan and line it with parchment paper, setting it nearby.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Sugar
• Salt
• Baking soda
• Flour
• Baking powder

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Use your fingertips to blend the dry ingredients with butter and shortening. Work quickly to prevent the fats from melting, aiming for a sandy, crumbly consistency.

Step 4: Bring The Dough Together

• Heavy cream
• Beaten egg

Gently fold in your chosen fruit, keeping the mixture light and airy.

Step 5: Shape The Scones

Dust a clean surface with flour. Spread the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle. Slice the circle into 12 equal wedges, creating beautiful triangular scones.

Step 6: Bake To Golden Perfection

Place the scone wedges on the prepared pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Pro Pointers for Flawless Scones à la Alton Brown

• Prevent Scone Spread: Freeze cut pieces before baking to maintain sharp edges.
• Customize Flavor Combos: Swap dried fruits or add nuts for personal touch.
• Handle Dough Minimally: Less handling means lighter, more delicate scones.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat dough gently to keep ingredients just combined.
• Elevate Texture Trick: Use cold cream or buttermilk for extra richness and tenderness.

Storing Alton Brown’s Scones the Right Way

• Counter Storage: Preserve freshness by placing scones in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag within 2 hours of baking. Consume within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Preservation: Individually wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze up to 3 months for long-term enjoyment. When ready to eat, transfer to the refrigerator overnight or thaw at room temperature for 30-60 minutes.
• Refrigerator Method: Seal scones in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors. Enjoy within 5-7 days, gently reheating in the oven or toaster for a just-baked experience.

Clever Variations on Alton Brown’s Scones

• Berry Burst Scones: Swap out the original fruit for a mix of fresh raspberries, blueberries, and chopped strawberries. The combination creates a vibrant, colorful scone with a burst of summer flavors.
• Chocolate Chip Comfort: Replace the fruit with semi-sweet chocolate chips and add a sprinkle of orange zest. This variation brings a rich, decadent touch to the classic scone recipe.
• Savory Herb Sensation: Transform the sweet scone into a savory option by removing sugar and adding grated parmesan cheese, chopped rosemary, and cracked black pepper. These scones pair perfectly with soups or salads.
• Nutty Caramel Crunch: Fold in chopped pecans and drizzle with a light caramel glaze after baking. The added nuts provide a delightful crunch and depth of flavor to the traditional scone.

Parting Thoughts: Alton Brown’s Scones

Scone mastery reaches new heights with Alton Brown’s foolproof recipe, blending classic technique and modern precision.

Culinary enthusiasts discover a simple pathway to bakery-quality treats right in their kitchen.

Home bakers can craft these delicate pastries with confidence and minimal effort.

British-inspired comfort whispers through each delicate, buttery bite.

Delightful fruit-studded rounds emerge golden and inviting from hot ovens.

Scone lovers – click that share button, drop a comment celebrating this delectable recipe, and spread baking joy across your network!

Alton Brown Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Alton Brown’s scones deliver a classic British breakfast delight with buttery, crumbly perfection. Golden-edged pastries promise a delectable journey through traditional bakery craftsmanship that satisfies without overwhelming palates.

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Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• 4 teaspoons (20 ml) baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon (1.25 ml) baking soda
• ¾ teaspoon (3.75 ml) kosher salt
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) sugar

Fat Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter, chilled
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) shortening, chilled

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• ¾ cup (180 ml) heavy cream
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• ¼ cup (60 ml) dried currants or dried cranberries, optional

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 400°F (204°C) and arrange the rack in the middle position. Line a half-sheet pan with parchment paper, creating a clean baking surface.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine granulated sugar, salt, baking soda, all-purpose flour, and baking powder using a whisk to ensure even distribution.
3. Incorporate cold butter and vegetable shortening into the dry mixture, swiftly working with fingertips to create a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs. Maintain a quick, light touch to prevent fat from melting.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and a beaten egg until smooth. Gently fold the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, carefully introducing the fruit to maintain its integrity.
5. Dust a clean work surface with flour. Transfer the delicate dough onto the surface and shape into a 3/4-inch (2 cm) thick circular disk. Skillfully divide the disk into 12 uniform wedges using a sharp knife or pastry cutter.
6. Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, allowing slight separation between each piece. Bake for approximately 15-17 minutes, monitoring until the edges turn a golden brown and the surface develops a beautiful, crisp exterior.

Notes

• Swap butter temperatures for different pastry textures and flakiness.
• Fold mix gently to maintain soft, delicate scone structure.
• Sprinkle dried fruits for bursts of sweet, tangy flavor complexity.
• Dust work surface lightly to prevent sticky dough complications.
• Create uniform triangles for consistent golden-brown baking results.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 220
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg