World's Best Scones: From Scotland to the Savoy

Name: World's Best Scones: From Scotland to the Savoy
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8 scones
Cuisine: Scottish
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed); 2/3 cup whole milk (cold); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract

30 min 8 scones Easy

All Recipes

Discover the secret to making the world's best scones, a delightful blend of Scottish tradition and Savoy luxury.

Prep

15 min

Cook

15 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Scones have a storied history, from their origins in Scotland to their refined presence at London's Savoy Hotel. This recipe pays homage to that journey, capturing the essence of traditional scones with a touch of elegance suitable for any high tea. Our version combines the rustic charm of Scottish scones with the sophisticated flair found in fine hotels. The result is a tender, flaky delight perfect for breakfast, tea time, or any moment that calls for a comforting treat. Whether you're a seasoned baker or trying scones for the first time, this recipe is for you.

Instructions

Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Pro tip: Work quickly to keep the butter cold.

Combine wet ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract.

Form the dough

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overwork the dough.

Pro tip: The dough will be slightly sticky.

Shape and cut the scones

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick disc. Use a 6 cm (2.5 inch) round cutter to cut out scones, rerolling scraps as necessary.

Pro tip: Press the cutter straight down without twisting for better rise.

Bake the scones

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Cool and serve

Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Pro tip: Enjoy them warm for the best flavour.

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Tips & Tricks

Ensure all ingredients are cold for flaky scones.
Avoid over-mixing the dough to keep it tender.
Use a sharp cutter for clean edges, aiding even rising.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes these the world's best scones?

This recipe combines the traditional Scottish scone with the refinement of the Savoy, resulting in a perfectly tender and flaky scone.

How many calories are in a scone?

Each scone contains approximately 220 calories.

Can I make scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked scones and bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I store leftover scones?

Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze them for longer storage.

Why are my scones not rising properly?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter, as it can seal the edges and prevent rising.

What is the best way to serve scones?

Serve scones warm with clotted cream and jam for a classic British tea-time experience.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these scones warm, with clotted cream and your favourite jam for a classic experience. Pair them with a robust cup of tea or coffee for a delightful start to your day. You can make these scones ahead of time and freeze them. Just reheat in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.