Scottish scones, often referred to simply as "scones" in Scotland, are delightful baked treats that can be enjoyed with clotted cream and jam. A step-by-step guide to making Scottish scones:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 2/3 cup milk (plus a little extra for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Optional add-ins: raisins, currants, or dried fruit
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
1.1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
2.1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the Cold Butter:
3.1. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients.
3.2. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This is important for creating a flaky texture.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
4.1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and vanilla extract (if using).
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
5.1. Pour the milk mixture into the dry ingredient mixture.
5.2. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or rubber spatula until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix; you want it to be slightly sticky.
5.3. If you want to add raisins, currants, or dried fruit, fold them into the dough at this point.
6. Knead the Dough:
6.1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
6.2. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together into a ball. Be careful not to over-knead; the dough should still be somewhat shaggy.
7. Roll Out and Cut the Scones:
7.1. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch.
7.2. Use a round biscuit cutter (approximately 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the scones. Avoid twisting the cutter; instead, press it straight down and lift.
7.3. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one.
8. Brush with Milk:
8.1. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk to help them brown during baking.
9. Bake:
9.1. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
10. Cool and Serve:
10.1. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack.
10.2. Once they have cooled slightly, split the scones in half and serve them with clotted cream and jam. Optionally, you can also dust them with powdered sugar.
Enjoy your homemade Scottish scones, a delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea!