Scones
Scones are an easy-to-make British pastry recipe, perfect for both a savory breakfast and a delicious snack at tea time. These fluffy and aromatic muffins are ideal to be served with fruit jams or a mix of fresh fruits. The origins of scones are often associated with the tradition of afternoon tea, but they can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
To prepare scones, start by gathering the necessary ingredients. You will need 250 g of white flour, 60 g of cold butter cut into cubes, 30 g of sugar, 10 g of baking powder, a pinch of salt, 1 egg, 150 ml of milk, and a little sugar to sprinkle on top. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, except for the butter, which should be cold to achieve a fluffy texture.
In a large bowl, sift the flour together with the baking powder and salt. Add the butter and, using your fingers, rub the mixture until it resembles fine sand. This process is essential for incorporating air into the dough, which will help the scones rise beautifully in the oven.
Add the sugar and mix well. In another container, beat the egg with the milk and pour the liquid mixture over the dry ingredients. Gently mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones tough.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and shape it into a ball. Roll it out with a rolling pin until it reaches a thickness of about 2 cm. Use a cutter or a glass to cut round shapes from the dough. Place the scones on a baking tray lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
Preheat the oven to 220°C. Before placing them in the oven, brush the tops of the scones with a little milk and sprinkle sugar for extra sweetness. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until they turn golden and rise beautifully. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Scones are delicious served warm, alongside raspberry or strawberry jam, but also with a dollop of cream or soft butter. They are versatile, and you can experiment with various additions like dried fruits, chocolate, or nuts. Try making them and enjoy their unmistakable aroma and taste!
Preheat the oven to 250 degrees C. In a bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder. Rub in the margarine with your fingertips. Add the milk or yogurt and knead the dough. Divide the dough into 4 parts. Roll each piece on a floured surface into a circle about 15 cm in diameter. Place the pieces of dough on a greased baking tray or on a tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly score each piece of dough into 4 parts (to make it easier to break apart after baking). Bake in the center of the oven for about 10 minutes. Scones are served warm, each spread with your favorite jam or fresh fruit. They are an ideal snack for afternoon tea.
Ingredients: 240g flour, 1 teaspoon salt, 4 teaspoons baking powder, 100g margarine or butter, 125ml milk or yogurt
