Last time we covered a simple recipe for buttermilk biscuits which also served as a great jumping point into quickbread baking. The method for making them is aptly known as the biscuit method and isn't exclusive to just this type of quick bread. Another type is called scones which are typically used as a treat during English afternoon tea. Unlike the biscuit recipe, this recipe scones will rely on self-raising flour for leavening to further simplify the process. It will include some fun variations for those who want to really try out their newfound quick bread making powers.

The recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (3 1/2 cups) self-raising flour
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 2 tbs sugar
  • 1 1/2 stick unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 egg, whisked for washing
  • Powdered sugar and jam as needed

Directions:

  1. Preheat an oven to 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment.
  2. Combine the flour, salt, and sugar in a bowl by whisking. Cut in the cold butter into cubes and rub it into the dry ingredients until the mixture starts to feel mealy. Do not overmix.
  3. Combine the milk and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry ingredients and stir together with a wooden spoon to form a soft dough.
  4. Dust a surface with flour and transfer the dough on top of it. Lightly knead the dough for a bit. Roll out the dough to 1/2' thickness and cut out discs with a 2cm dough cutter. Shape the remaining dough into a mound, roll out to 1/2" thickness and cut out more discs for another batch.
  5. Place the discs onto the parchment and brush the surfaces with the whisked egg. Bake for 15 minutes or until the scones have risen and turned golden.
  6. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool.
  7. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the scones and serve jam.

Variations

  • Buttermilk - Substitute buttermilk for the milk.
  • Chocolate Chip - Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips during the mixing phase in Step 3.
  • White Chocolate - Substitute cocoa powder for 1/4 of the flour. Add 1/2 cup white chocolate chunks during the mixing phase Step 3.
  • Pistachio - Add 1/2 cup of pistachios during Step 3.
  • Coconut - Substitute coconut milk for the milk. Add 1/2 cup of toasted shredded coconut along with the coconut milk during Step 3. How about a coconut and rum creme brulee recipe.
  • Blueberry and Lemon - Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest from a lemon during Step 3.
  • Orange - Substitute orange extract/liqueur for the vanilla extract. Add zest from one orange during Step 3.
  • Ice Cream Sandwich - Cut the baked scones horizontally in half, place a scoop of ice cream in between them.
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