Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

Enjoy British royalty’s official recipe for Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe). This classic treat is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an afternoon tea party or a cozy brunch with friends. These tender scones are easy to prepare and will impress your guests with their light and fluffy texture. Serve them warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for an authentic experience that captures the essence of English tradition.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice bakers can create delicious scones.
• Classic Flavor: Made from a time-honored recipe from Buckingham Palace, these scones offer that authentic taste you crave.
• Versatile Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones fit any occasion seamlessly.
• Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like sultanas or golden raisins to personalize your batch.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve these beautiful scones at gatherings to wow your guests and elevate your tea time.

Tools and Preparation

For this recipe, you’ll need a few essential tools to ensure success in making your Traditional English Scones. Having the right equipment can make the preparation easier and more efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Rolling pin
• Biscuit cutter
• Baking sheet
• Pastry brush

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to mix all dry ingredients thoroughly before adding wet ones, ensuring even distribution.
• Biscuit cutter: Using a round cutter creates perfectly shaped scones that bake evenly.
• Pastry brush: An essential tool for applying egg wash on top of the scones for a beautiful golden finish.

Ingredients

To make Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe), gather the following ingredients:

• 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon baking powder (24g)
• A pinch of salt
• 7 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter, cut into small pieces (94g)
• 1/2 cup sugar (86g)
• 3 eggs, divided
• 3/4 cup buttermilk, less 1 tablespoon (175ml)
• 2/3 cup sultanas or golden raisins, optional (100g)

How to Make Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

Step 1: Soak the Raisins

If using, soak the raisins or sultanas in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain before adding them to the dough.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, pinch of salt, and sugar. Add the butter, working it into the mixture with your hands until it resembles crumbly sand.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together two of the eggs with the buttermilk. Stir this egg mixture into the dry ingredients. If using, add the drained raisins, mixing until evenly distributed. Knead gently by hand until smooth but avoid overmixing.

Step 4: Rest the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured countertop. Flatten it to about 1” thickness and cover it. Refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes. This resting period allows gluten relaxation for softer scones.

Step 5: Cut Out Scones

Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Use a round biscuit cutter to cut out your desired shapes. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again for an additional 20 minutes.

Step 6: Preheat Oven and Egg Wash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Whisk the third egg and use a pastry brush to wash the tops of each scone gently.

Step 7: Bake Scones

Bake on prepared sheets for about 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Allow spacing of at least 1½ inches between each scone on the tray. Cool on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature with clotted cream and jam.

This Traditional English Scone recipe brings royal flavor right into your kitchen—perfect for enjoying during special occasions or casual get-togethers!

How to Serve Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

Serving Traditional English Scones is an art that enhances your tea experience. These scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm, paired with delightful accompaniments that elevate their taste.

With Clotted Cream

• Classic Choice: Spread a generous layer of clotted cream for a rich and creamy flavor that complements the scone’s texture perfectly.

With Strawberry Jam

• Sweet Addition: A dollop of good-quality strawberry jam adds a fruity sweetness that balances the richness of the cream.

With Lemon Curd

• Zesty Twist: For a citrusy kick, lemon curd provides a bright contrast, making each bite refreshing and vibrant.

With Fresh Berries

• Berry Bliss: Serve alongside fresh berries like strawberries or raspberries for a burst of natural sweetness and color on your plate.

With Honey

• Natural Sweetener: Drizzling honey over your scone offers a floral sweetness that pairs wonderfully with both cream and jam.

With Tea

• Perfect Pairing: A steaming cup of English Breakfast or Earl Grey tea makes for an ideal beverage choice to accompany your scones during afternoon tea.

Pin this!

How to Perfect Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

Achieving the perfect scone requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your Traditional English Scones turn out tender and delicious.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and buttermilk to keep the dough from becoming too warm, which helps create flaky layers.
• Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined; overworking the dough can lead to tough scones instead of light ones.
• Rest the Dough: Allowing the dough to rest in the fridge relaxes the gluten, resulting in a more tender texture.
• Bake Until Golden: Keep an eye on the baking time; they should be lightly golden brown for best flavor.
• Space Them Out: Give each scone enough room on the baking sheet to rise and expand without touching.
• Enjoy Freshly Made: Scones are best served warm and fresh from the oven for maximum softness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

To create a delightful afternoon tea experience, consider serving these side dishes alongside your Traditional English Scones. They complement the flavors beautifully.

1. Cucumber Sandwiches: Lightly buttered bread filled with thinly sliced cucumbers makes for a refreshing bite.
2. Egg Salad Sandwiches: Creamy egg salad on soft bread adds richness without overpowering the scone’s flavor.
3. Smoked Salmon Canapés: Elegant bites featuring smoked salmon on pumpernickel or rye add sophistication to your tea spread.
4. Mini Quiches: Bite-sized quiches filled with cheese and vegetables offer savory contrast to sweet scones.
5. Fruit Tarts: Small fruit tarts provide a sweet finish with vibrant flavors that pair well with tea.
6. Cheese Platter: A selection of mild cheeses can enhance your tea experience by offering savory options alongside sweet treats.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe), it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can lead to disappointing results. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• choice of ingredients: Using the wrong type of flour can alter the texture. Always use all-purpose flour for the best results.
• overmixing the dough: Kneading too much can make scones tough. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
• skipping the chill time: Not resting the dough will prevent the gluten from relaxing, leading to dense scones. Always chill for better results.
• ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Ensure your oven is preheated accurately.
• inadequate spacing on baking sheets: Crowding scones can lead to uneven cooking. Space them out to allow proper rising.

Pin this!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• • Duration: Store scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• • Container: Use a plastic or glass container with a tight seal.

Freezing Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

• • Duration: Freeze scones for up to 3 months.
• • Container: Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.

Reheating Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes until warm.
• Microwave: Heat individually for about 15-20 seconds but be cautious not to overdo it, as it may dry them out.
• Stovetop: Wrap in foil and warm over low heat for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe):

How do I know when my scones are done?

Scones should be golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I customize my scone recipe?

Absolutely! You can add various dried fruits, nuts, or even chocolate chips for different flavors.

What is the best way to serve scones?

Serve your scones warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a delightful taste experience.

Why do I need to rest the dough?

Resting allows gluten in the dough to relax, ensuring your scones come out tender and flaky.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

It’s possible, but using whole wheat flour will change the texture and flavor of your scones.

Final Thoughts

Making Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe) is a delightful way to enjoy a piece of British culture at home. These scones are perfect for any tea time or brunch gathering and can easily be customized with different flavors. Whether you choose classic clotted cream or adventurous toppings, this recipe invites you into a world of warmth and comfort. Give it a try!