The Best Scones
Deliciously flaky and buttery scones with golden raisins, perfect for breakfast or tea time, appealing to those who enjoy classic baked treats with a hint of sweetness.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove butter from refrigerator 25 minutes before preparing scones to soften.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, combine self-rising flour, baking powder, cream of tartar, and sugar, and stir to blend.
- Using a pastry blender, cut the softened butter into the flour mixture, lifting the flour to aerate as you work, until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the egg, golden raisins or currants, and milk to the dry ingredients.
- Gently mix until just combined and dough comes together.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly a few times.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle and cut into wedges or rounds.
- Place the scones on a greased baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Remove from oven and cool slightly before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using unsalted butter instead of margarine. If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the sugar to ¾ cup. You can also substitute the golden raisins or currants with dried cranberries or chopped nuts for a different twist. Be careful not to overmix the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these scones warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream. They pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful breakfast or afternoon snack. You can also enjoy them alongside fruit preserves or browse more American recipes for additional sweet treats.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of The Best Scones contains roughly 415 calories, with 6g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron.
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 these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet, then cover tightly with plastic wrap before refrigerating. Bake them fresh when you're ready to enjoy.
What if I don't have self-rising flour?
If you don't have self-rising flour, you can make your own by combining 4 ¾ cups all-purpose flour with 7 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of salt. This will give you the leavening needed for the scones.
Can I add different mix-ins to the scone dough?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the scone dough by adding chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or citrus zest. Just keep in mind that different mix-ins can alter the flavor profile, so choose ingredients that complement each other.
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).