Description
If you’re dreaming of tender, buttery scones with a slightly crisp exterior and soft, fluffy middle, these Buttermilk Scones are your perfect match! Lightly sweetened and beautifully golden, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. Simple to make and endlessly customizable, you’ll find yourself baking them again and again.
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Ingredients
For the Scones:
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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¼ cup granulated sugar
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1 tbsp baking powder
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½ tsp baking soda
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½ tsp salt
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6 tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed
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¾ cup buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional Add-ins:
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½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips
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1 tsp lemon zest or orange zest for a citrusy flavor
For Topping:
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2 tbsp coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
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Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture.
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Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
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Small lumps of butter should still be visible—they make the scones flaky!
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
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In a small bowl, combine the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined.
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If using add-ins like dried fruit or chocolate chips, fold them in now.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
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Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
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Cut into 8 wedges (like a pizza) or use a round biscuit cutter for smaller scones.
Step 6: Bake the Scones
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Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one.
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Brush the tops with a little buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a sweet, crunchy finish.
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Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
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Transfer the scones to a cooling rack and let them cool slightly.
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Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Notes
Use Very Cold Butter – Cold butter creates steam pockets for flakiness.
Don’t Overmix – Stir just until the dough comes together for tender scones.
Chill the Dough – For extra flaky scones, chill the shaped dough for 10 minutes before baking.
Customize Freely – Swap add-ins to suit your mood or season.
Brush with Buttermilk – It gives a beautiful, golden color to the tops.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Cuisine: British-inspired