Indulge in the irresistible charm of homemade scones, made effortlessly with the convenience of self-raising flour. This simple yet delectable treat requires minimal effort and yields fluffy, golden-brown scones that are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet snack.
Whether you prefer classic plain scones or crave the tantalizing flavors of fruit or chocolate, this versatile recipe offers endless possibilities to satisfy your taste buds.
With just a few pantry staples and a few simple steps, you can create mouthwatering scones that will impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the world of scone-making and discover the joy of baking these delightful treats.
Introduction
Making scones is a simple and rewarding baking experience, and using self-raising flour makes it even easier.
Self-raising flour already contains the leavening agents needed to make your scones light and fluffy, so you don’t have to worry about adding baking powder or baking soda separately.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups self-raising flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
- 1 cup milk
Steps
Here’s how to make them:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt.
- Add the butter to the flour mixture and use your fingers to work it in until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the milk and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough out to a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut the dough into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Ingredients
To create these delectable scones, gather the following ingredients:
Flour is the cornerstone of any scone, and for this recipe, we recommend using 225g of self-raising flour. Self-raising flour contains a leavening agent, typically baking powder, which will help the scones rise beautifully in the oven.
Dairy and Eggs
- 110g of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 50g of caster sugar
- 1 large free-range egg
- 120ml of cold milk
Flavor Enhancers
To elevate the flavor of your scones, consider incorporating the following optional ingredients:
- A handful of raisins or sultanas, for a touch of sweetness and texture
- A teaspoon of vanilla extract, for a warm and inviting aroma
- A pinch of salt, to balance the flavors
3. Method
Follow these steps to prepare delicious scones using self-raising flour:
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper.
Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk to combine.
Rub in butter
Add the cold butter to the flour mixture and rub it in with your fingertips until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Add milk
Gradually add the milk, a little at a time, and mix until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
Shape and cut
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it out to a thickness of about 2.5 cm. Use a 5 cm round cutter to cut out scones.
Place on baking tray
Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and brush with milk. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Serve
Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings, such as butter, jam, or cream.
Baking Tips
Perfect scones require a combination of precision and intuition. Here are some tips to help you achieve the perfect texture and shape:
Proper mixing and kneading are crucial. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Instead, gently mix the ingredients until just combined, and knead lightly to form a cohesive ball.
Shaping and Cutting
Scones can be shaped into various forms, including rounds, triangles, or squares. To achieve uniform size and shape, use a cookie cutter or a sharp knife to cut the dough. Avoid twisting or turning the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the scones from rising properly.
Variations
The basic scone recipe can be varied in many ways to create different flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas:
Try adding different flavors to your scones, such as:
- Chocolate chips
- Raisins
- Cranberries
- Blueberries
- Nuts
- Seeds
You can also add different fillings to your scones, such as:
- Fruit curd
- Jam
- Lemon curd
- Chocolate ganache
- Cream cheese
| Flavor | Filling | Additional Ingredients |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate chip | Chocolate chips | None |
| Raisin | Raisins | None |
| Cranberry | Cranberries | None |
| Blueberry | Blueberries | None |
| Nuts | Nuts | None |
| Seeds | Seeds | None |
| Fruit curd | Fruit curd | None |
| Jam | Jam | None |
| Lemon curd | Lemon curd | None |
| Chocolate ganache | Chocolate ganache | None |
| Cream cheese | Cream cheese | None |
Serving Suggestions
Scones are a versatile treat that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They are traditionally served warm, split in half, and topped with clotted cream and jam. Other popular accompaniments include butter, honey, fruit preserves, or even savory spreads like cheese or smoked salmon.
Accompaniments
- Clotted cream: A thick, rich cream that is a classic accompaniment to scones.
- Jam: A sweet fruit spread that adds a burst of flavor to scones.
- Butter: A simple but satisfying topping that adds richness and creaminess.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that complements the flavors of scones.
- Fruit preserves: A variety of fruit preserves, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot, can add a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- Cheese: A savory topping that adds a contrasting flavor to scones.
- Smoked salmon: A sophisticated topping that adds a touch of elegance.
Storage and Reheating
To keep scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat scones, wrap them in aluminum foil and place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our exploration of simple scones with self-raising flour, we hope you feel inspired to experiment with different flavors and variations. From classic plain scones to indulgent fruit-filled delights, the possibilities are endless. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or store them for later, these scones promise to bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your every occasion.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the aroma of freshly baked scones fill your home.
Q&A
What is the key to achieving light and fluffy scones?
The secret lies in handling the dough gently and avoiding over-mixing. Overworking the dough can develop the gluten, resulting in dense and tough scones.
Can I use other types of flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, you can use plain flour, but you will need to add baking powder and salt to create a self-raising effect. For every 150g of plain flour, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
How can I add flavor to my scones?
There are countless ways to add flavor to your scones. Try incorporating dried fruits, such as raisins, cranberries, or blueberries. You can also add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger. For a sweet treat, drizzle your scones with a glaze made from icing sugar and milk.