Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
Enjoy British royalty’s official English scones recipe, adapted from Buckingham Palace. These Traditional English Scones are perfect for tea time, offering a delightful treat that pairs beautifully with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Their tender texture and rich flavor make them a favorite for various occasions, from brunch to afternoon tea. Experience the charm of this royal recipe that brings the taste of England right to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Royal Heritage: Made from the official recipe of Buckingham Palace, these scones carry a touch of history and elegance.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can master this classic recipe.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual gathering or a formal tea party, these scones will impress your guests.
- Customizable Flavor: Add sultanas or golden raisins for an extra burst of sweetness, adjusting the recipe to your taste.
- Delicious Warm or Cold: Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature; they remain delightful either way.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, having the right tools will ensure you achieve perfect results. Here are the essential tools you’ll need.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Biscuit cutter
- Baking sheet
- Rolling pin
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps you mix ingredients without spilling.
- Biscuit cutter: Ensures uniform shapes for even baking and a professional look.
- Rolling pin: Allows you to flatten dough evenly, leading to perfectly baked scones.
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (500g)
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon baking powder (24g)
- 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 sultanas or golden raisins, soak them in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes. Drain them thoroughly before adding to the mixture.
PRO TIP: Soaking softens the fruit, enhancing its flavor in the final scone.
Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
Flour
Baking powder
Salt
Sugar
Add the cold butter pieces and work it into the dry mixture with your hands until it resembles crumbly sand.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together two eggs and buttermilk. Mix this egg mixture into the flour blend. If using, fold in the soaked raisins until evenly distributed. Knead gently until smooth.
PRO TIP: Avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
Step 4: Resting the Dough
Transfer dough onto a floured countertop and dust lightly on top. Flatten to about 1-inch thickness, cover, and refrigerate for 30 to 45 minutes.
PRO TIP: This resting period relaxes gluten for flaky scones.
Step 5: Cut Out Scones
After chilling, use a round biscuit cutter to cut out shapes from the dough. Place them on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and chill again for another 20 minutes.
Step 6: Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Whisk the third egg for an egg wash and brush it gently on top of each scone.
Step 7: Bake Scones
Bake in preheated oven for around 12 to 15 minutes or until they are light golden brown. Ensure there’s enough space between each scone on the baking sheet. Cool on a wire rack before serving warm or at room temperature with clotted cream and jam.
PRO TIP: For best results, bake one tray at a time or rotate trays halfway through baking if using multiple sheets.
Enjoy your freshly baked Traditional English Scones, fit for royalty!
How to Serve Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
Serving traditional English scones is an art that elevates your tea time experience. These delightful pastries can be enjoyed in various ways, making them perfect for any occasion.
Classic with Clotted Cream
- Clotted cream: A rich, creamy topping that adds a luxurious touch to your scones.
- Strawberry jam: Sweet and fruity, this classic pairing complements the buttery flavor of the scone.
Afternoon Tea Experience
- Assorted teas: Offer a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey or Darjeeling, to pair with your scones.
- Finger sandwiches: Lightly filled sandwiches provide a savory contrast to the sweet scones.
Festive Presentation
- Fresh fruit: Serve alongside seasonal fruits like berries or sliced peaches for a refreshing addition.
- Edible flowers: Garnish with edible flowers for an elegant touch that enhances visual appeal.
Creative Variations
- Chocolate spread: For a modern twist, try serving with chocolate or hazelnut spread.
- Lemon curd: A zesty alternative that pairs beautifully with the richness of the scone.
How to Perfect Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
Crafting the perfect traditional English scone requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some essential tips to ensure your scones turn out tender and delicious.
- Use cold ingredients: Keeping butter and buttermilk cold helps achieve flaky layers in your scones.
- Avoid overmixing: Gently combine ingredients to maintain a tender texture; overmixing can result in tough scones.
- Chill before baking: Allowing the dough to rest in the refrigerator helps improve texture and rise during baking.
- Preheat your oven: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature for even baking and golden-brown results.
- Space them out: Leave enough room between each scone on the baking sheet for proper expansion while baking.
Best Side Dishes for Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
Pairing side dishes with traditional English scones can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to consider.
- Cucumber Sandwiches: Delicate sandwiches made with thinly sliced cucumbers and cream cheese on soft bread.
- Smoked Salmon Canapés: Light bites featuring smoked salmon on crisp bread, garnished with dill or capers.
- Mini Quiches: Savory pastry shells filled with egg, cheese, and vegetables for a hearty addition.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones.
- Deviled Eggs: Creamy and tangy eggs that offer a delightful bite alongside your sweet treats.
- Cheese Board: An assortment of cheeses paired with crackers and nuts for varied textures and flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe) can be simple, but it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Overmixing the Dough: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix until just combined for a tender texture.
- Ignoring the Resting Time: Skipping the resting period can result in dense scones. Allow the dough to rest for 30-45 minutes for better results.
- Not Measuring Ingredients Correctly: Accurate measurements are crucial. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups and spoons properly.
- Using Warm Butter: Warm butter affects texture negatively. Ensure your butter is cold for flaky scones.
- Cutting Scones Too Small: Smaller scones can bake unevenly. Use a standard biscuit cutter for consistent size and baking.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store scones in an airtight container.
- They will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
- Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap.
- Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container; they’ll last up to 3 months.
Reheating Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe)
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm scones for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe).
What makes these scones traditional?
These scones follow an official recipe from Buckingham Palace, ensuring authentic taste and texture.
Can I substitute buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk mixed with a little vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
How do I know when my scones are baked?
Scones should be light golden brown on top and firm to the touch when baked properly.
Can I add other flavors or ingredients?
Absolutely! You can customize your scones by adding chocolate chips, nuts, or different dried fruits.
Final Thoughts
The Traditional English Scones (Official Buckingham Palace Recipe) offer a delightful treat perfect for tea time or brunch. Their tender texture and rich flavor make them irresistible. Feel free to customize with your favorite add-ins like fruits or spices to create your own twist!
Traditional English Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the royal tradition of English tea with the Traditional English Scones, inspired by the official Buckingham Palace recipe. These scones are a perfect blend of tenderness and rich flavor, making them a beloved choice for any occasion—be it brunch or afternoon tea. Paired with clotted cream and strawberry jam, they are an elegant treat that brings the charm of British heritage right to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll master this classic recipe in no time. Experience the delight of serving freshly baked scones that will impress your guests and elevate your tea time!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- 7 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 3 eggs (divided)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- Optional: 2/3 cup sultanas or golden raisins
Instructions
- Soak sultanas in hot water for 20-30 minutes, then drain.
- Combine flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Add cold butter and mix until crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk together two eggs and buttermilk; fold into dry mixture along with soaked raisins.
- Knead gently on a floured surface until smooth. Chill dough for 30-45 minutes.
- Roll out to 1-inch thickness; cut into rounds with a biscuit cutter and chill again for 20 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C). Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (60g)
- Calories: 206
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 158mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
