To make the perfect flavorful scones, start with the freshest, highest quality ingredients. Use cold butter, heavy cream, eggs, and flavorings of your choice. For a classic scone, use lemon zest, vanilla extract, currants or raisins, and spices like cinnamon. Mix the dry ingredients: combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk the cream, egg, and flavorings. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Use a wooden spoon to gently stir until just combined. The dough should come together but still be slightly sticky. Cover and chill for 30 minutes.
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Use your hands to gently knead 8-10 times, until the dough comes together. Pat into a 3/4-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch cutter to cut rounds of dough. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing 2 inches apart.
Brush the tops of the scones with cream and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the scones are light golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Enjoy the scones the day of baking; store any leftovers in an airtight container.
The keys to perfect scones are using cold ingredients, handling the dough as little as possible, and not over-mixing. Be careful not to overbake the scones or they can become dry. Brushing the scones with cream and sprinkling with sugar before baking gives them a sweet, golden, buttery top. With the freshest ingredients and a light touch, you’ll be making melt-in-your-mouth scones in no time.
