Tea Time Scones

Prep: 20 min Cuisine: British

Delightful tea time scones with tender crumb and buttery flavor, perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying alongside a warm cup of tea during a cozy afternoon.

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Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/3 cup chilled butter

Instructions

  1. Combine dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar.
  2. Cut in chilled butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs using a pastry blender or two knives.
  3. In a separate bowl, combine egg, buttermilk, and vanilla.
  4. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients with a fork to form a soft dough.
  5. Gather the dough into a ball, knead lightly about 10 times on a floured surface.
  6. Pat the dough to about 1/2-inch thickness.
  7. Cut the dough into pie-like wedges; do not separate the pieces.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding dried fruits like currants or sultanas to the dough. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes. To ensure fluffy scones, avoid over-kneading the dough; just bring it together until it holds. For a touch of sweetness, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dry ingredients.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these delightful scones warm with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a classic tea time experience. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a creative twist, serve alongside Custard Float to complement the flavors. These scones also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread or afternoon tea.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to retain their texture.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Tea Time Scones contains roughly 158 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).

158 kcal 8% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.2g 10% DV
Total Fat 7.9g 10% DV
Carbs 16.2g 6% DV
Fiber 0.4g 1% DV
Sugar 6g 12% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 3000mg 100% DV
Potassium 180.1mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 25.3mg 8% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 56.6mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 0.2mg
Vitamin D 1.6mcg 8% DV
Calcium 215.3mg 17% DV
Iron 0.8mg 4% DV
Diet fit Low-carb Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Wheat/Gluten

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 ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cutting and baking to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for proper texture. Alternatively, whole wheat flour can be used for a heartier scone, but it may change the texture slightly.

How can I make these scones sweeter?

To increase the sweetness, you can add an extra tablespoon of sugar to the dough or incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. You could also drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled scones for an added 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).

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