How to Make the Perfect Simple Scones
British · Easy · 25 min · 8 servings
These buttery and crumbly scones are a wonderfully simple kid friendly recipe that comes together in just minutes with no special equipment needed. Kids enjoy mixing in their favorite add-ins like dried fruit chocolate chips or berries.
Why this recipe works
This Simple Scones recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 25 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 268 calories with 4g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.33 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 0.5 cup cold unsalted butter cut into cubes
- 0.5 cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 0.5 cup dried cranberries or chocolate chips
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and half a teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, quickly rub and press the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. Working quickly keeps the butter cold which creates flaky layers.
Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
Whisk together the heavy cream and egg, then pour into the flour mixture. Fold gently until almost combined, then fold in the dried cranberries or chocolate chips. The dough will be shaggy which is exactly right. Do not overwork it.
Step 4: Shape and Bake
Turn dough onto a floured surface and gently pat into a 1 inch thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for circles. Brush tops with cream and bake for 13 to 16 minutes until golden. Serve with butter or clotted cream.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- heavy cream → full-fat coconut cream for a dairy-free version that still creates rich flaky scones
- dried cranberries → fresh blueberries or mini chocolate chips for different kid-favorite flavor combinations
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Using softened or melted butter instead of cold butter which prevents the scones from developing their signature flaky layers
- Overmixing the dough after adding the cream which develops gluten and makes scones tough and bread-like instead of tender
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 268 calories, 4g protein, 33g carbs, 13g fat, 1g fiber.
Ready to cook?
Get the interactive recipe with adjustable servings, built-in timers, and ingredient checklist.
View full recipe →