This isn't just any Butter Milk Scones Recipe; it's a classic from the heart of Ireland and the UK, perfected over a decade and a half. These aren’t your average, disappointingly small baked goods—this recipe is designed to create big, fluffy, showstopping scones, the kind that are truly the size of your fist. Their tender crumb and golden crust make them the star of any table, and they’ve certainly been the star of many a delicious memory for us.
Your Solution for an Instant Treat
We know the feeling. You're craving a sweet treat, but the thought of a complicated cake recipe is just too much effort. This is where the Fluffy Buttermilk Scone swoops in to save the day. It's a remarkably quick and easy recipe that delivers almost-instant results. The magic is in the buttermilk, which works with the baking powder to create that signature light and airy texture. You’ll be pulling warm, freshly baked scones from the oven in no time at all.
The Perfect Accompaniments
For an extra special experience, try our favorite serving suggestions. Nothing beats the classic clotted cream and jam combination—the rich, velvety cream perfectly complements a dollop of sweet, fruity jam. Serve them with a pot of your favorite English tea, and you’ll have an authentic afternoon tea experience right in your own home.
A Recipe for Fluffy Buttermilk Scones, A Timeless Recipe
You can also get creative with the flavors! The basic buttermilk recipe is a blank canvas just waiting for your personal touch. We love adding sultanas for a burst of sweetness, but chopped apricots, dried blueberries, or tart cranberries are equally delightful. They add a lovely texture and a pop of color to the fluffy interior.
✅ So, go on, roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy this quick, delicious recipe. We’re excited for you to discover the joy of baking and eating a truly magnificent scone!eforehand.
Best Season:
Suitable throughout the year, Summer, Christmas
Description
Enjoy our family-favorite recipe for fluffy buttermilk scones. These classic Irish and UK treats are quick, easy, and create magnificent, fist-sized scones. Perfect for a traditional English afternoon tea with clotted cream and jam, or customized with your favorite dried fruits. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and enjoy this delicious, almost-instant sweet treat!
Ingredients
1 3/4cup of self-rising flour (keeping a little extra ready for dusting)
1/4tsp fine salt
1tsp baking powder
1/4cup chilled, unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
2tbsp fine-grain sugar
1/2cup ( + 2 tablespoons) cold buttermilk
1egg beaten, for brushing the tops
Instructions
1
Create the Dry Foundation Begin by igniting your oven's warmth, setting it to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) if your oven has a fan. In a deep basin, whisk together the flour, salt, and baking powder. This crucial first move ensures an even distribution of the lifting agents throughout the batch, a key to their impressive rise.
2
Infuse the Cold Butter Let your fingertips work through the flour as you quickly press in the tiny, cold butter cubes until the mixture has a crumbly texture. It's imperative that the butter stays as cool as possible; larger, pea-sized pieces are perfectly acceptable as they will create flaky pockets of steam when baked. Once complete, gently stir in your sugar.
3
Coax the Ingredients Together Now, create a small hollow in the center and pour in the 150ml (1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons) of cold buttermilk. Using a butter knife, delicately combine the liquids into the dry components with a slow, slicing motion. The mixture will quickly come together into a soft, slightly shaggy dough. Use your hands to very lightly press it into a single, cohesive lump—no kneading is required.
4
Shape Your Pastries Sprinkle a whisper of flour onto your clean work surface. Gently press the dough out with your hands until it is about 2.5 cm (one inch) thickSlide the tray of shaped scones into your preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, until they're golden and have risen beautifully.. Take your circular cutter and press straight down to fashion each scone. Resist the urge to twist the cutter as this can seal the edges and prevent them from expanding upwards. Arrange the raw scones on a baking sheet layered with parchment paper.
5
Achieve a Golden Crown Brush the upper surface of each scone with a light layer of the beaten egg. This final touch will result in a perfectly burnished, golden shell. Place the baking tray within the pre-heated oven for aprprox 12-15 minutes. The scones are done when they are tall, plump, and a beautiful shade of brown. Let them rest for a moment on a rack before serving warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8
Serving Size 1 Scone
Amount Per Serving
Calories180kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat16g25%
Cholesterol3mg1%
Total Carbohydrate45g15%
Sugars7.5g
Protein4g8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Ingredient Swaps & Alterations
Buttermilk Substitute: Don't have buttermilk on hand? You're just a quick mix away from a great alternative. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup, then top it off with regular milk to measure 150ml. Wait five minutes for it to curdle slightly; this mixture will provide a similar tenderizing effect.
Plain Flour instead of Self-Rising: Should you only have plain flour available, you can easily replicate self-rising flour's properties. A helpful tip: If you only have plain flour, simply whisk in about 2 1/4 teaspoons of baking powder to the 225g of flour to make your own self-rising mix.
Savory Flavors: To create a savory variant, simply eliminate the sugar. In its place, fold in a half cup of grated cheddar and a pinch of black pepper before adding the butter. You can also mix in some chopped chives or finely diced ham for a more robust taste.
Keywords:
delicious, homemade, baking, English Scones
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Paislee and Roman
Food and Lifestyle Blogger
We're Paislee and Roman, a husband and wife team exploring the world one meal at a time. On our blog, every dish and market becomes a vibrant story. Our mission is to share these flavors and stories with you!