English Tea Scones
Delightful English tea scones with a tender crumb, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. Flavored with a hint of sweetness and buttery richness, ideal for pairing with jam and clotted cream.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease a large baking sheet.
- Combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cream of tartar in a mixing bowl.
- Use a pastry blender or two knives to cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, beat the half and half with the large egg.
- Measure out and reserve 2 tablespoons of the egg mixture.
- Add the remaining egg mixture to the dry ingredients along with raisins, mixing lightly until the dough clings together and is soft.
Tips & Substitutions
For lighter scones, ensure your butter is very cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. If you prefer a sweeter scone, consider adding a bit more sugar or incorporating dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. For a dairy-free option, substitute the half and half with a plant-based milk and use vegan butter. Serve with clotted cream or jam for a classic touch.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the scones warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam for a delightful treat. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a more substantial meal, enjoy alongside a light salad or a bowl of Exotic Mushroom Soup to elevate the tea-time experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you're looking to keep them longer, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, place in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of English Tea Scones contains roughly 782 calories, with 8g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (106% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1469mg per serving (64% 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 make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply roll out and cut the scones, then bake as directed. This can help save time on busy mornings or special occasions.
What can I substitute for half and half?
If you don't have half and half, you can mix equal parts of whole milk and heavy cream for a similar effect. Alternatively, use whole milk with a splash of melted butter for a lighter version. This will keep your scones moist and tender.
How can I make scones without raisins?
You can easily omit the raisins and replace them with other mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits such as apricots or cranberries. This allows you to customize your scones to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
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).