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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to a toasty 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Using a sharp knife, divide the circular dough into 8 equal triangular wedges, positioning them slightly apart on the prepared baking sheet.
- Enhance the scones’ appearance by delicately brushing the tops with additional buttermilk, which will create a beautifully golden, glossy finish during baking.
- 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.
- 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