How to Make Perfect Scones
Tender, buttery scones with crisp edges and flaky layers. This master recipe is easy to customize with sweet or savory add-ins and perfect for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
Dough Base
- 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned and leveled
- 0.5 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 tsp salt
- 2.5 tsp baking powder
Fat and Moisture
- 0.5 cup unsalted butter frozen solid
- 0.5 cup heavy cream or buttermilk plus 2 tablespoons for brushing
- 1 large egg room temperature
- 1.5 tsp pure vanilla extract
Customization
- 1–1.5 cups add-ins such as chocolate chips, berries, nuts, or dried fruit
- to taste coarse sugar for optional topping
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder until well combined.
- Using a box grater, grate the frozen butter into the dry ingredients. Toss to coat, then cut in using forks or a pastry cutter until crumbly. Chill mixture.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream or buttermilk, egg, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour wet mixture over chilled dry mixture. Add chosen add-ins and gently fold to combine until just moistened.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape into an 8-inch circle and cut into 8 wedges, or two 5-inch discs for smaller scones.
- Alternatively, scoop dough directly onto a lined baking sheet using ¼ cup per scone for drop scones.
- Brush tops with remaining cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Chill shaped scones for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) while scones chill.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment. Bake scones for 18–26 minutes until golden and crisp on edges.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Add optional toppings like glaze or jam if desired.
Notes
Measure flour by spooning and leveling for best results. Keep butter frozen until grating. For fresh fruit add-ins, increase flour slightly. Bake one tray at a time for even browning. For best freshness, freeze unbaked scones rather than refrigerating them.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sodium: 290mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 38g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 10g
- Protein: 5g