Flaky English Cream Scones Recipe: Ina Garten’s Magic Touch
Nestled in the heart of culinary comfort, these English cream scones dance between delicate and robust, promising a teatime experience that melts in your mouth.
Ina Garten’s treasured recipe brings the charm of British baking right to your kitchen with elegant simplicity.
Each golden-brown scone whispers stories of cozy mornings and leisurely afternoons.
Light, buttery, and perfectly crumbly, these scones carry the warmth of traditional English baking.
Butter-rich and subtly sweet, they pair beautifully with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
The rich ingredients transform simple flour and cream into a sublime breakfast or afternoon treat.
You’ll fall in love with these scones that capture the essence of comforting, homemade goodness.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories: 380 kcal
Servings: 12
Ingredients for Ina Garten’s English Cream Scones
For Dry Ingredients:
Flour: The foundation of scones, providing structure and a tender crumb; choose unbleached all-purpose flour for best results.
Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps with browning; opt for fine granulated sugar for even distribution.
Baking Powder: Crucial leavening agent that creates light, airy texture; ensure it's fresh for maximum rise.
Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness; use fine sea salt for smooth incorporation.
For Wet Ingredients:
Eggs: Bind the dough and add richness; select fresh, large eggs at room temperature.
Heavy Cream: Provides luxurious moisture and tender crumb; choose high-quality, full-fat cream for best results.
For Flavor and Texture Enhancers:
Butter: Creates flaky layers and adds incredible richness; use cold, high-quality unsalted butter cut into small cubes.
Dried Currants: Introduces bursts of sweet-tart flavor; choose plump, moist currants for maximum taste.
For Finishing:
Extra Sugar: Provides a delightful crispy, sweet top; use coarse or turbinado sugar for extra crunch.
Egg Wash: Creates beautiful golden-brown exterior; whisk egg with a splash of water for perfect sheen.
What Tools You’ll Need for Ina’s Fluffy Scones
Electric Mixer with Paddle Attachment: Essential for mixing dry ingredients and incorporating butter smoothly.
Whisk: Perfect for blending eggs and heavy cream quickly and evenly.
Baking Sheets: Two lined with parchment paper for even baking of scones.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
Large Mixing Bowl: Helpful for initial ingredient preparation.
Rolling Pin: Needed to roll out dough to desired thickness.
3-inch Round Cutter: Required for shaping uniform scone rounds.
Pastry Brush: Used for applying egg wash on scone tops.
Sharp Knife: Useful for dicing butter and other prep work.
How to Make English Cream Scones with Ina’s Method
Elegant Buttermilk Scones
Baking Preparation Kitchen workspace ready with parchment-lined baking trays and clean counter surface. Warm oven to a perfect golden-baking temperature around 400°F.
Flour Foundation Create a soft cloud-like mixture by gently combining flour, sugar, baking powder, and a delicate pinch of salt. These dry ingredients form the magical base of your delightful pastry.
Butter Integration Carefully slice cold butter into tiny pieces and softly incorporate into the flour mixture. Use fingertips or pastry cutter to create a crumbly texture that looks like delicate mountain peaks.
Liquid Harmony Whisk eggs and buttermilk together, creating a silky smooth liquid that will transform your dry ingredients into a luxurious dough. Pour slowly and mix minimally to keep the scones tender.
Currant Celebration Gently fold dried currants into the dough, distributing them like hidden treasures throughout your scones. Handle the mixture with a light touch to maintain its delicate structure.
Shaping Magic Pat the dough onto a flour-dusted surface, forming a gentle round shape. Cut into beautiful circular shapes using a sharp knife or traditional round cutter.
Final Touch Brush the scone tops with a whisper of egg wash and sprinkle with delicate sugar crystals. Bake until edges turn a gorgeous golden brown, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Ideas to Switch Up Ina’s Scone Flavors
Swap dried currants for other mix-ins like chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries to personalize your baking adventure.
Keep butter cold and handle dough minimally to ensure ultra-flaky, tender scones with delightful buttery layers.
Prepare scone dough ahead of time, cut into rounds, and freeze unbaked. Bake directly from frozen state, adding 5-7 minutes to total baking time for fresh-from-the-oven treats.
Experiment with simple sugar glazes or dust scones with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch that elevates their classic appearance.
Pair these scones with different spreads like lemon curd, honey butter, or fig jam to create unique flavor combinations that complement their rich, buttery profile.
How to Serve Scones Like Ina—Cream & Jam Included
Elevate Breakfast Spread: Pair these golden scones with a dollop of creamy clotted cream and a vibrant strawberry rhubarb preserve for a luxurious morning treat.
Create Afternoon Tea Experience: Arrange scones on a beautiful platter with delicate teacups, offering guests a classic English-style gathering with these buttery delights.
Enhance Dessert Companion: Serve alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or a light lemon curd for an extra touch of indulgence that complements the scones' rich flavor.
Pack Perfect Picnic Treat: Wrap these scones individually in parchment paper for a delightful portable snack during outdoor adventures or countryside excursions.
Keep Your Scones Fresh—Ina’s Storage Tips
Refrigerate Wisely: Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them away from direct sunlight and moisture to maintain freshness.
Freeze for Later: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen scones stay delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.
Quick Reheating Trick: Warm refrigerated or thawed scones in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior and soft interior.
Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare scone dough in advance, shape, and freeze unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen state, adding 5-7 minutes to the original baking time.
Ina Garten’s delightful English cream scones merge classic British baking traditions with simple, elegant ingredients. Crumbly, buttery pastries emerge from your kitchen, promising a perfect companion to afternoon tea or a luxurious breakfast treat.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour
4 extra-large eggs
¾ pound (340 g) cold unsalted butter
1 cup (240 ml) cold heavy cream
2 tbsps (25 g) sugar
2 tbsps (30 g) baking powder
4 tsps kosher salt
¾ cup (100 g) dried currants
1 egg (for egg wash)
2 tbsps water or milk (for egg wash)
Sugar (for sprinkling)
Clotted or Devon cream (for serving)
Fresh Strawberry Rhubarb Preserves (for serving)
Instructions
Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line two baking sheets with parchment paper, ensuring uniform coverage for optimal baking.
Dry Ingredient Fusion: In an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, blend all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Integrate cold unsalted butter on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, maintaining distinct butter pieces for flakiness.
Liquid Integration: Whisk whole eggs with heavy cream until thoroughly combined. Introduce the liquid to dry ingredients, stirring minimally to preserve a tender, delicate texture. Lightly dust dried currants with flour to prevent sinking during baking, then gently fold into the dough.
Dough Preparation: Transfer the fragile mixture onto a generously floured surface. Perform a gentle knead, preserving visible butter chunks. Shape into a circular disc approximately 3/4 inch thick, maintaining a light touch to ensure maximum tenderness.
Scone Formation: Utilize a round cutter to create 3-inch scone shapes, carefully transferring each to prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar to achieve a golden, crisp exterior.
Baking Finale: Bake for 20-25 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown color and firm interior when gently pressed. Remove from the oven and serve immediately while warm, accompanying with clotted cream and strawberry rhubarb preserves for an authentic British-inspired experience.
Notes
Butter Brilliance: Keep butter extremely cold and work quickly to maintain visible chunks, ensuring ultra-flaky scone texture.
Minimal Mixing Mastery: Stir ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense scones – overmixing destroys delicate crumb structure.
Flour Dusting Trick: Lightly coat currants in flour before adding to prevent sinking and ensure even distribution throughout the dough.
Golden Crust Secret: Egg wash and sugar sprinkle create a stunning, crisp exterior that elevates the scones from good to gourmet.
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.
Sophia Rivera
Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist
Expertise
Education
Austin Community College
San Antonio Culinary Institute
Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.