This basic scone recipe (Customizable for Any Flavor) is a versatile and easy-to-follow guide for creating tender and flaky scones. Whether you prefer sweet or savory flavors, this recipe is your starting point for endless variations. Add fruits, cheeses, herbs, or spices to craft your perfect scone masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s incredibly adaptable, allowing me to create scones that suit any craving or occasion. The dough comes together quickly, and the results are always delicious. Whether I’m in the mood for blueberry lemon or cheddar chive, this recipe makes it happen effortlessly.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Base Recipe:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (for sweet scones) or 1 tablespoon sugar (for savory scones)
½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, diced
¾ cup (180ml) cold heavy cream or buttermilk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for sweet scones)
Flavor Variations:
Sweet:
Blueberry Lemon: Add 1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries + zest of 1 lemon.
Cranberry Orange: Add 1 cup dried cranberries + zest of 1 orange.
Chocolate Chip: Add 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks.
Savory:
Cheddar Chive: Add 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese + 2 tablespoons chopped chives.
Herb Parmesan: Add ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese + 1 tablespoon mixed fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme).
Directions
Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using).
Cut in the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or my fingers, I cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients:
In a small bowl, I whisk together the cream (or buttermilk), egg, and vanilla extract (if using). I pour it into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined.
Add Flavors:
I gently fold in my chosen flavor ingredients (fruit, cheese, herbs, etc.), being careful not to overmix to keep the dough tender.
Shape the Dough:
I turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle or rectangle about 1-inch thick. I cut it into 8 wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round scones.
Bake:
I place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush the tops with a little cream or milk, and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
Servings and Timing
Servings: Makes 8 scones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
Seasonal Fruits: Swap in seasonal fruits like raspberries, diced peaches, or apples for a fresh twist.
Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom for a warm, spiced flavor.
Savory Additions: Experiment with other cheeses or cured meats like bacon or prosciutto.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: I keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh.
Freezing: Unbaked scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. I bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Related Recipes:
FAQs
How do I keep scones tender and flaky?
I make sure not to overmix the dough and always use cold butter and cream for the best texture.
Can I make scones ahead of time?
Yes! I freeze unbaked scones and bake them fresh when needed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What’s the best way to add fresh fruit?
I gently fold in fresh fruit like blueberries or diced peaches to avoid crushing them and making the dough too wet.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, I use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend and ensure all flavor additions are gluten-free.
How can I make vegan scones?
I substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the cream with coconut or almond milk, and the egg with a flax egg.
Conclusion
This basic scone recipe is a must-have for any baker’s repertoire. With simple ingredients and endless flavor possibilities, I can whip up a batch of tender and flaky scones for any occasion. Whether I’m serving them with tea or alongside a hearty soup, these scones never fail to impress.
📖 Recipe:
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Basic Scones Recipe (Customizable for Any Flavor)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This basic scone recipe is the ultimate guide to creating tender, flaky scones in any flavor you desire. Perfect for both sweet and savory variations, this versatile recipe allows you to customize with fruits, herbs, or cheeses for a delicious treat that suits any occasion.
Ingredients
Base Recipe:
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
¼ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar (for sweet scones) OR 1 tbsp sugar (for savory scones)
½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, diced
¾ cup (180ml) cold heavy cream or buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for sweet scones)
Flavor Variations:
Sweet:
Blueberry Lemon: 1 cup fresh/frozen blueberries + zest of 1 lemon
Cranberry Orange: 1 cup dried cranberries + zest of 1 orange
Chocolate Chip: 1 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Savory:
Cheddar Chive: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese + 2 tbsp chopped chives
Herb Parmesan: ½ cup grated Parmesan + 1 tbsp mixed fresh herbs (e.g., rosemary, thyme)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar (if using). - Cut in the Butter:
Using a pastry cutter or fingers, cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. - Add Wet Ingredients:
Whisk together cream (or buttermilk), egg, and vanilla extract (if using) in a small bowl. Pour into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. - Add Flavors:
Gently fold in chosen flavor additions to the dough. Avoid overmixing. - Shape the Dough:
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a circle or rectangle (1-inch thick) and cut into 8 wedges or rounds. - Bake:
Place scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush tops with cream/milk, and bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
Notes
Use cold ingredients for a flaky texture.
Freeze unbaked scones for up to 3 months and bake directly from frozen.
Customize flavors with seasonal fruits, spices, or cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 scones
