Scones are a staple of British afternoon tea, but have you ever wondered what makes them so irresistibly light and fluffy? Whether you prefer them sweet with jam and clotted cream or savoury with cheese and herbs, mastering scone-making can elevate your home baking game. In this article, we’ll uncover expert baking tips, delicious variations, and the secret to achieving that perfect golden crust.

Scones @lubnaskitchen / My Greek Yoghurt Scones @cook_111394786 / Scones with raisins @toader

What Makes a Classic English Scone?

English scones are distinct from their American counterparts. They are lightly sweetened, have a soft, crumbly texture, and are traditionally round, rather than wedge-shaped. The ingredients are simple—flour, butter, milk, a touch of sugar, and a leavening agent—but the method is what makes them special.

Queen Elizabeth II’s Drop Scones Recipe by Hiroko Liston
Queen Elizabeth II died at her home in Balmoral, Scotland, on September 8, 2022. She was Queen of the United Kingdom, but also Queen of Australia as well. I want to pay tribute this remarkable woman with this recipe. This recipe was written by her in her letter sent to the US president Eisenhower in…
CookpadHiroko Liston

The Secret to Soft and Fluffy Scones

✔ Cold butter is key – Just like with pastry, cold butter creates a flaky, airy texture. Try grating it into the flour for even distribution.
✔ Minimal mixing – Overworking the dough can make scones tough. Mix just until combined.
✔ Rolling, not pressing – Roll the dough gently to about 2 cm (¾ inch) thick before cutting to get that signature rise.
✔ High heat for a quick rise – Baking at 220°C (425°F) ensures a beautifully risen, golden scone.

Herb, Cheese, Nuts and Seed Scones Recipe by Gouda_Looking
Sconne be a treat!
CookpadGouda_Looking

If you want to go beyond the classic plain scone, here are some delicious ideas:
Fruit Scones – Add raisins, currants, or dried cranberries for a touch of natural sweetness.

🍇🍊🥞Fruit Scones🥞🍊🍇 Recipe by Irum Zaidi Home Cooking
Eating fruit scones reminds me of Cream Teas on sunny summer afternoons in England. They are so quick and easy to make, why would you buy them? #Kitchenwordsearch #baking #homechefs #teatime
CookpadIrum Zaidi Home Cooking

Chocolate Chip Scones – A treat for chocolate lovers, perfect with a cup of coffee.

Sweet Potato Scones w/ Chocolate Chips Recipe by Brittnay Sharman
These sweet potato scones are bloody good. Flecks of creamy sweet potato + rich, dark maple syrup + glimmers of chocolate throughout!
CookpadBrittnay Sharman

Lemon & Poppy Seed Scones – A fresh, zesty twist for spring and summer.

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Recipe by Ricardo
A winning combination, I like anything with lemon and poppy seeds, including these easy scones. #GlobalApron #sweet #dessert #treat #tea #coffee
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Honey & Almond Scones – Nutty and slightly sweet, perfect with a drizzle of warm honey.

CookEveryPart Spelt Pumpkin Scones Recipe by Sonia
It’s amazing how many dishes you can make with just one small pumpkin! These are lovely, I made them with part spelt and part gf white flour as we are trialling reintroducing gluten for my daughter and this makes them lower in gluten content. #CookEveryPart #flavourexplorer
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Cheese Scones – Sharp cheddar or parmesan makes them perfect for pairing with soups.

Cheese scones Recipe by Barney’s Kitchen
Great recipe for Cheese scones.
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Herb & Garlic Scones – A great alternative to bread for dinner.

Wild garlic and cheese scones Recipe by In cucina con Sofia
I never had wild garlic before, and I am surprised at how mild but aromatic this tastes. I will be experimenting with using it. #scones
CookpadIn cucina con Sofia

How do you serve Scones the traditional way?

A freshly baked scone is best enjoyed warm with clotted cream and jam. But should the jam go on first or the cream? This long-debated question divides the UK: in Cornwall, jam is spread first, followed by cream, while in Devon, it’s the opposite. Whichever way you choose, the result is always delicious!

For a more modern approach, try pairing scones with flavoured butters, fruit curds, or even Nutella for a decadent twist.

Next Level Scone Loaf Recipe by Jodie Mann
Who would have thought making scones with strong white bread flour would be such a game changer! I like to bake my scone as one big loaf to ensure the mixture bakes perfectly fluffy and not dry at all. You really can add anything you like to these, like chocolate chips or glacé cherries, or leave ou…
CookpadJodie Mann

Can you make Scones without dairy?

Yes! You can substitute butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk. Many bakers also replace eggs with mashed banana or apple sauce for a soft texture.

Vegan Scones Recipe by Kimwlos Kimwlos
One of the most iconic treats for a traditional #afternoontea , is scones filled with cream cheese and jam. Here is a recipe for vegan scones. Please DO use self raising flour, because I used all-purpose with baking powder, and they didn’t rise satisfactorily! The original recipe is from here: www.b…
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Baking scones at home is easy and rewarding, whether you stick to the classic recipe or get creative with new flavours. Which type of scone is your favourite?☕

Find all our Scones recipes on Cookpad:

727 easy and tasty scones recipes by home cooks
Huge variety of great homemade scones recipes including blackberry scones, lemon and blueberry scones, apple scones, fruit scones, tattie scones
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