Cream Scones
Cream scones are tender, buttery pastries with a hint of sweetness and rich fruitiness from currants or raisins. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime, they offer a comforting, flaky texture and warm flavors that appeal to both casual and refined palates alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Cut margarine or butter into the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the beaten egg, currants or raisins, orange rind (if using), and just enough half and half so the dough leaves the side of the bowl.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead lightly ten times.
- Roll the dough to 1/2-inch thickness.
- Cut into rounds and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For the best texture, make sure your margarine or butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. If you don't have currants or raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots can work well. You can also substitute the half and half with milk or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter version. If you like a hint of zest, consider adding a teaspoon of grated lemon or orange rind.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these cream scones warm with clotted cream and jam for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a more substantial meal, consider serving them alongside a refreshing salad or with a side of soup. They make a perfect accompaniment to your favorite American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer bag for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, restoring their fresh-baked texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cream Scones contains roughly 94 calories, with 1g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is a good source of calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1180mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and added nutrition. However, keep in mind that this may slightly alter the texture, making the scones denser.
What can I do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, gradually add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can lead to tougher scones. Light handling is key!
How can I make these scones sweeter?
To make your scones sweeter, simply increase the sugar by a tablespoon or two according to your taste preference. You can also add a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top after baking for an extra touch of sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).