Print

Fluffy British-Style Cream Scones

British-style cream scones - featured image

These fluffy British-style cream scones deliver a tender, flaky texture with a buttery crumb that melts in your mouth. Perfect for teatime, brunch, or cozy weekend breakfasts, they come together quickly with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for brushing tops)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter visible. Do not overwork.
  4. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour in the heavy cream and vanilla extract (if using). Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. It will be slightly sticky.
  5. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round disk about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Cut the disk into 8 equal wedges or use a floured round cutter for traditional round scones.
  6. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Brush the tops with a mixture of the beaten egg and a splash of cream (or just cream) for a golden, shiny finish.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes until puffed up and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam or butter.

Notes

Keep butter and cream cold to ensure flaky layers. Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones. Brush tops with egg wash or cream for a golden finish. If butter melts too quickly, chill dough for 10 minutes before shaping.

Nutrition

Keywords: British scones, cream scones, fluffy scones, teatime recipe, easy scones, buttery scones, homemade scones