Fluffy Homemade Buttermilk Scones Recipe – Fresh & Fabulous

Crisp mornings call for warm, buttery buttermilk scones that melt in your mouth with delightful ease.

Soft crumbs promise comfort and joy right from the first bite.

Golden-edged pastries whisper sweet promises of afternoon tea or leisurely breakfasts.

Delicate textures emerge from simple ingredients blended with care and precision.

Baking these tender treats connects you to generations of home cooks who understood the magic of humble ingredients.

Fragrant and light, these scones invite you to slow down and savor each delectable moment.

A single bite promises pure culinary bliss that will spark happiness in every corner of your kitchen.

What Makes Buttermilk Scones Tender and Buttery

• Simple Buttermilk Scones
• No advanced pastry skills needed, perfect for home cooks just starting their baking journey with easy step-by-step instructions.
• Whip up delicious scones in under 30 minutes, making them ideal for busy weekday mornings or lazy weekend brunches.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adding chocolate chips, dried fruits, nuts, or creating sweet and savory versions to match any taste preference.
• Uses basic pantry ingredients, requires only a few mixing bowls and a baking sheet, ensuring quick preparation and easy cleanup.

Everything You Need for Perfect Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: The main base that provides structure and helps bind the scones together. Look for unbleached flour for better texture.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning. White granulated sugar works best.
• Baking Powder, Baking Soda: Essential leavening agents that help the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

• Buttermilk, Vanilla: Provide moisture, tang, and rich flavor to the scones. Fresh buttermilk gives the best results.

• Cold Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds rich flavor. Use unsalted butter and keep it very cold for best texture.

• Chocolate Chips, Dried Fruit, Nuts: Can be gently folded into the dough for extra flavor and texture. Choose high-quality mix-ins for best results.

Mixing Buttermilk Scones for a Flaky Finish

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Warm up the oven to 400F (200C). Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a perfect landing spot for your soon-to-be-golden scones.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 3: Work in Butter Magic

Toss cold butter cubes into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, break down the butter until the mixture looks like rough, crumbly sand.

Step 4: Bring Wet Ingredients Together

In a separate small bowl, stir buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this creamy mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined. If you’re adding extra goodies like dried fruits or chocolate chips, fold them in now.

Step 5: Shape the Scone Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Softly knead a few times to help it come together. Pat the dough into a circular shape about 3/4-inch thick.

Step 6: Cut and Arrange

Slice the circular dough into 8 wedge-shaped pieces. Carefully place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.

Step 7: Create Golden Finish

Brush the top of each scone with a light layer of buttermilk. This will help create a gorgeous golden-brown color during baking.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Allow the scones to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, clotted cream, or your favorite accompaniments.

Tips for Cutting, Folding, and Baking

• Chill Butter Perfectly: Use ice-cold butter and cut into small cubes for the flakiest, most tender scones with light, airy texture.
• Handle Dough Gently: Mix and knead minimally to prevent tough scones, stopping just when ingredients combine for maximum softness.
• Customize Flavor Easily: Experiment with add-ins like dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to create unique variations that suit your taste preferences.
• Get Golden Finish: Brush tops with extra buttermilk before baking to achieve a beautiful, glossy brown surface that looks professionally baked.
• Store Smart: Keep scones fresh by wrapping in plastic wrap or storing in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to a month.

How to Store and Reheat Scones for Another Day

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent them from drying out.
• Carefully place scones in a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum freshness and flavor preservation.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed scones in a preheated 300F oven for 5-7 minutes. This method helps restore their crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Reheat individual scones for 10-15 seconds on medium power. Be cautious to avoid overheating, which can make them tough and chewy.

Great Toppings to Serve with Buttermilk Scones

• Brew a strong, robust black tea that complements the buttery richness of the scones, enhancing their delicate flavor and providing a traditional morning experience.
• Offer a variety of homemade fruit preserves like strawberry, raspberry, or apricot alongside thick, creamy Devonshire clotted cream for an authentic British-style indulgence.
• Prepare a light, zesty citrus compote with oranges, grapefruits, and a touch of honey to cut through the scones' richness and add a bright, refreshing contrast.
• Craft a smooth, aromatic latte infused with lavender syrup and local honey, creating a sophisticated beverage that balances the scones' subtle sweetness and buttery texture.

Scone Variations to Keep in Your Recipe Box

• Gluten-Free Scones: Replace wheat flour with a gluten-free blend of rice flour, almond flour, and xanthan gum for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Vegan Buttermilk Alternative: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk mixed with apple cider vinegar, and use cold coconut oil instead of butter for a plant-based version.
• Savory Herb Scones: Add chopped fresh rosemary, thyme, and grated parmesan cheese to transform the recipe into a savory breakfast or brunch option.
• Low-Carb Keto Scones: Use almond flour, replace sugar with erythritol, and incorporate cream cheese to create a low-carbohydrate, high-fat breakfast pastry.

Scone FAQs You Should Know

• What is buttermilk and why is it important in this recipe?

Buttermilk is a tangy, fermented dairy product that adds moisture and helps create a tender, fluffy texture in scones. Its acidity also activates the baking soda, helping the scones rise and become light.

• How do I know when the butter is properly incorporated into the flour?

The mixture should look like coarse crumbs with small, pea-sized butter pieces. These butter pieces create flaky layers when baked, giving scones their signature tender texture.

• Can I make these scones ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough, shape the wedges, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This can actually help develop more flavor and ensure a flakier texture when baked.

• What are some potential add-ins for these scones?

Popular add-ins include dried fruits like cranberries or currants, chocolate chips, nuts like pecans, or even citrus zest to enhance the flavor. Add about 3/4 cup of mix-ins to the basic recipe.

Buttermilk Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Buttermilk scones offer a delightful journey through classic British bakery traditions. Crumbly, tender, and perfectly balanced, these scones invite you to savor a moment of pure culinary comfort with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml / 16 oz) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Fat and Liquid Ingredients:

• ½ cup (113 g / 1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk, plus extra for brushing
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup (80 g) add-ins (dried fruit, chocolate chips, or berries)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the dry ingredients – flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt – using a whisk to ensure even distribution.
3. Introduce cold butter cubes to the dry mixture, using a pastry cutter or nimble fingers to break down the butter until the texture resembles rough, sandy crumbs.
4. Whisk together buttermilk and vanilla in a separate small bowl, then pour the liquid into the dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb. If incorporating additional mix-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips, gently fold them into the dough at this stage.
5. Transfer the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface and perform a gentle kneading, just enough to bring the ingredients together. Carefully shape the dough into a circular disk approximately 3/4-inch thick.
6. Using a sharp knife, divide the circular dough into 8 equal triangular wedges, positioning them slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Enhance the scones’ appearance by delicately brushing the tops with additional buttermilk, which will create a beautifully golden, glossy finish during baking.
8. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color that signals perfect doneness.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the scones to cool briefly, serving them warm alongside clotted cream, jam, or your preferred accompaniments.

Notes

• Cold butter is crucial for achieving a flaky, tender texture in your scones, so keep it refrigerated until just before use.
• Minimal handling of the dough prevents gluten development, ensuring a lighter, more delicate scone with a melt-in-your-mouth consistency.
• Customize your scones by adding dried fruits, chocolate chips, or nuts to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste preferences.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to accommodate dietary restrictions without sacrificing taste or texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 3 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg