How to Make Traditional English Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam
There’s nothing more delightful than classic English scones served with creamy clotted cream and sweet jam. Whether you’re hosting an afternoon tea, treating yourself to a cozy breakfast, or impressing guests, scones are a perfect choice. The best part? They’re simple to make! In this blog, we’ll go step by step to help you bake traditional English scones in your kitchen. Get ready for a delicious homemade treat.
What Are Scones?
Scones are a type of quick bread that’s crumbly, fluffy, and lightly sweetened. In England, scones are a beloved part of “afternoon tea,” a tradition of enjoying tea along with sweet and savory treats. They are typically sliced in half, then spread with clotted cream and topped with jam. When you bite into one, you’ll taste rich creaminess and fruity sweetness combined with the warm, buttery scone. It’s heavenly!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start baking, gather these simple ingredients:
For the scones:
– 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup (50g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 3 tablespoons sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream (or more milk)
– 1 large egg
For serving:
– Clotted cream (store-bought or homemade)
– Jam (like strawberry, raspberry, or your favorite flavor)
Step-by-Step Recipe: Making Scones
Let’s get started! Follow these simple steps to bake delicious scones.
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tools
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. This will keep the scones from sticking. Also, get out a mixing bowl, measuring cups, and a clean surface for rolling.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir them together with a spoon. These ingredients create the base of your scones and make them rise nicely.
Step 3: Add Butter and Sugar
Take the cubed cold butter and toss it into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until it looks like fine breadcrumbs. It’s okay if there are a few small chunks of butter left. Next, stir in the sugar to give the scones a light sweetness.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl or a measuring cup, whisk the milk and egg together. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spoon or your hands to gently combine everything until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels too dry, add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk until it holds together.
Step 5: Roll and Cut the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it 2-3 times to make it smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as scones should be light and fluffy. Use a rolling pin to roll the dough until it’s about 1-inch thick. Then, use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough. Gather and re-roll scraps to make more scones.
Step 6: Bake the Scones
Place the scone dough circles onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the tops lightly with cream or milk for a golden finish, then pop them into the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and puffed up.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. They’re best enjoyed warm, but you can also serve them at room temperature. Slice them in half and add generous amounts of clotted cream and jam on each side. Pair them with a hot cup of tea for the ultimate English experience!
What Is Clotted Cream?
Clotted cream is a thick, creamy spread traditionally served with scones. It has a rich, buttery flavor and is made by slow-heating heavy cream to form a thick “clot.” You can find clotted cream in specialty stores or make it at home if you prefer. Simply heat heavy cream in an oven at low temperature for several hours, then refrigerate it overnight. The result is a luxurious topping that’s perfect for scones!
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Use cold butter: Cold butter creates flaky layers in the scones. Don’t let it soften before mixing!
- Don’t overwork the dough: Keep your kneading gentle to avoid tough scones.
- Serve fresh: Scones taste best on the day they’re baked, but you can refresh them by warming them in the oven for a few minutes the next day.
- Experiment with flavors: Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries, or sprinkle cinnamon for a twist.
Final Thoughts
Traditional English scones are a timeless treat. With a buttery, delicate texture and the perfect pairing of clotted cream and jam, they’re ideal for any occasion. This easy recipe brings a touch of British charm to your home—no fancy equipment required! So why not try baking scones today? Surprise your family or enjoy them yourself. Pair them with a cup of tea, sit back, and savor the taste of tradition.
Let us know how your scones turn out! Happy baking!
