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Classic Buttermilk Scones for Afternoon Tea

A stack of four tall, fluffy, golden brown scones showing excellent rise and flaky layers.
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A straightforward recipe for tall, fluffy buttermilk scones with a light texture, perfect for serving with jam and cream.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  4. Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will look shaggy.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick rectangle.
  6. Fold the dough into thirds, like a letter. Turn the dough 90 degrees and gently pat it down again to about 3/4-inch thickness. This folding creates layers for a better rise.
  7. Use a 2-inch round biscuit or scone cutter to cut out the scones. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to keep the edges clean and tall.
  8. Place the cut scones close together on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk/cream together for the wash. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the egg wash.
  10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are risen.
  11. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving warm.

Notes

  • Keep all wet and dry ingredients very cold to achieve a light, fluffy texture.
  • For the tallest scones, press the cutter straight down and do not twist the cutter.
  • Serve immediately with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a proper cream tea experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/classic-buttermilk-scones-recipe/