Easy, Flaky, And Delicious Scone Recipe

easy scone recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure for more information.

Easy, Flaky, and Delicious Scones

A South African Tradition

South Africa was a British (and a Dutch) colony, so there is a lot of influence from the English in South Africa. The love for a simple scone is one of them!

I have to admit, making scones felt intimidating to me for the longest time. It seemed like scones are only for expert bakers, or those who have gone to culinary school.  And it’s with good reason I felt that way—my first few attempts at making scones were a flop.

But no more! This scone recipe delivers a buttery, flaky, moist, delicious center with crispy edges.

And you don’t have to be an expert to do it either! Below are a few easy tips to follow so that you too can create scones that are deliciously addicting!

I also need to add that this scone recipe is based on the English scone recipes. That being said, it is sweet, but not super sweet. In my opinion, it’s the perfect sweetness but if you like it sweeter, feel free to add an additional ¼ cup (or so) of sugar.

Easy, Flaky Scone Recipe

Prep Time: 20mins | Cook Time: 25mins | Servings: 6-8 | Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients For Scones

2½ cups of all-purpose flour (For best results, use pastry flour or a combination of all-purpose and pastry flour.)
½ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
1½ tablespoons baking powder 
½ cup (1 stick) frozen (or cold) butter
1 large egg
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
13 cup heavy cream (+ a little extra for brushing)
13 cup sour cream

Baking Instructions

Scone Recipe For Sweet Scones

  1. In a medium sized, chilled bowl, mix together your egg, vanilla extract, cream, and sour cream. Set aside while you prepare the dry ingredients.
  2. In a large, chilled bowl, mix together your flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.  
  3. Using a chilled pastry cutter or cheese grater, cut your butter into the dry ingredients. (A cheese grater makes the job a little easier.)
  4. Incorporate the butter into the mixture, but don’t overmix. You want to see pea-sized chunks of butter.
  5. Using a wooden spoon, stir in your wet ingredients. If you have scone add-ins (see below for examples), now is the time to add them.
  6. Dip your hands into the flour, then finish the process by kneading. Work the dough by folding it over itself a few times. You do not want to overwork the dough—overworked dough will result in tough scones.
  7. Add some flour onto a clean surface to create your work space.
  8. Working quickly, form 6-8 portions. You can use a knife or pizza cutter to create triangles. You can also create circles. Keep in mind—the thicker your portions, the taller your scones will be. 
  9. Place them in the refrigerator to chill for 45 minutes, or in the freezer for 30 minutes.
  10. When it gets close to the end of the chill period, preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees celcuis). 
  11. Place the shaped scones onto a lined baking sheet. (You can line it with parchment paper or use a baking mat.)
  12. Position the scones at least 3 inches (7-8cm) apart.
  13. To deliver a nice brown color, brush the top of your scones with cream.
  14. Optional: For extra sweetness, sprinkle a little sugar onto each scone.
  15. Bake your scones for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celcius). Do not open the oven, but turn down the heat to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 Celcius). Continue baking for 8-15 minutes until it’s golden brown. 
  16. Do not overbake. Let it rest on a wire rack until it’s cooled down. 
  17. Serve warm or completely cooled down.
easy scone recipe
Scone Recipe Ideas
easy scone recipe

Traditionally, we like to eat our scones with a little bit of butter and jam. You can even have it plain. However, this scone recipe is extremely versatile so you have tons of scone mix-in options.

To include scone mix-ins, you will need to fold in about 3/4 to 1 cup into your scone dough.

Here are a few sweet scone ideas:

  1. Blueberries;
  2. Cranberries;
  3. Cherries;
  4. Raisins;
  5. Chocolate chips;
  6. Dried apricots (chopped up);
  7. Toasted pecans.

You can also get creative and add combinations, like:

  1. Blueberries with lemon zest;
  2. Cranberries and orange zest or extract;
  3. Pecans with almond extract
  4. Frozen raspberry and white chocolate chips;
  5. White chocolate chips and macadamia nuts;
  6. Apple and cinnamon.

Helpful Tips For Baking Scones

  1. Use frozen (or very cold) butter. This delivers a better rise for your scones and a flaky texture.
  2. Think cold. The colder the better. For best results, put your mixing bowl and pastry cutter in the refrigerator before you start.
  3. Delay preheating the oven. By preheating the oven while you’re preparing the dough, the kitchen may warm up and therefore your scone dough.
  4. Don’t overmix. Mix your scone ingredients until the dough comes together, then stop. 
  5. Lumps are good. You’re not looking for a smooth batter. You want lumps.
  6. Consider pastry flour. All-purpose flour is okay but pastry flour delivers a lighter scone. You can also use a combination of pastry flour and all purpose flour.
  7. Shape your scones, then chill them. While they’re chilling, you can preheat the oven. This final chill relaxes the gluten and yields a tender, flaky texture.
  8. Choose your scone add-ins wisely. If you are adding fruit, don’t choose fruit that is super juicy. Rinse and dry it well. If you are using frozen fruit, do not thaw it.
  9. Do not overbake. You’re not baking cupcakes. 

Happy baking.

LOVE THIS POST? SHARE IT...
Facebook
Twitter
Pinterest

TAGS:

RELATED POSTS

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

About The Author

Hi. We’re the Chelten’s. We visit South Africa 1-2 times per year, so we want to share our experiences with you so that you may make educated decisions when you plan your next trip to the rainbow nation.

Free Recipe eBooks
Want to have your business or product featured?

We’re always looking for awesome places, products, travel accessories, or anything else that promotes the rich and colorful culture of South Africa.
Contact Us

Recipe Categories
Most Watched
South African Goodies
Premium Organic Rooibos Tea Bags 40 - Naturally Sweet Herbal Tea Safe for Children and Pregnant Women - Low Tannin, Caffeine Free Rooibos Tea Sustainably and Ethically Farmed in South Africa
  • ❤️ SWEET AND HEALTHY - Rooibos tea has a mildly sweet flavor but has zero sugar and zero calories. Perfect for those who are watching what they...
  • ❤️ PREMIUM QUALITY ORGANIC TEA - We give our assurance that Rooibos Rocks Red Tea is high-quality. Each of our biodegradable tea bags contains...
  • ❤️ SUSTAINABLY AND ETHICALLY GROWN - Our red tea from South Africa is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, which is verified by our USDA...
  • ❤️ DELICIOUS HOT OR COLD - Whether you want your tea cold or hot, our caffeine free rooibos tea is delicious no matter what. It can be a thirst...
  • ❤️ EASY-TO-PREPARE ROOIBOS TEA - Packaged in handy tagless tea bags (2 stay-fresh foil pouches of 20). Drop one in your cup, mug or tea pot (1...
Nando's Hot Spicy Mayo PERinaise - Flavored Mayonnaise Spread & Dressing - Gluten Free - 8.6 fl oz (3 Pack)
  • HOT PERinaise - Packed with flavor and just the right amount of heat, Hot PERinaise blended with mayo turns any meal into a fiery treat
  • PERFECT CONDIMENT - The tase of fiery perfection...Create a spicy dip for chips, tortillas, and crisps, or indulge in its creamy, rich texture on...
  • THE PERi-OMETER - To help choose your heat before you eat! Hot PERinaise made for the spicy hot connoisseurs with HOT heat that's highly combustible,...
  • PERi-PERi PERinaise - Spicy and delicious alternative to plain mayonnaise, Gluten-free aioli made with cage-free eggs and no added MSG, artificial...
  • PERi-FARMS INITIATIVE - Every Nando's PERi-PERi sauce, basting or marinade contains chilies that are grown at PERi-Farms in Southern Africa promoting...
Biltong Depot - Natural Droewors (1 lb) 16oz South African Droewors Beef Sausage Sticks Keto and Paleo Certified Air-Dried Sausages - Whole 30 Approved, No Sugar, Gluten Free, No Nitrates - Healthy and Natural Snacks
  • Authentic South African Taste- Enjoy a traditional South African favorite! Our traditional Droewors is spiced with delicious flavors including...
  • Paleo and Keto Approved- You can’t go wrong with adding more protein in your diet, and what better way of getting that than with a savory indulgent...
  • All Natural- Our mouthwatering Droewors isn’t just delicious, it is also made with all natural and simple ingredients! Zero nitrates, zero MSG, zero...
  • More than just a Snack- Our Droewors gives a unique touch to traditional charcuterie boards! Pair it with your favorite wine, beer or spirit! Enjoy it...
  • Sharing is Caring- Our traditional Droewors is a total crowd pleaser! Gift our Droewors to your South African friends or convert your Slim Jim lovers!...
FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM @YEBOSOUTHAFRICA