Quick and Easy Scones Recipe | Ready in 20 minutes
If you’re craving something simple yet satisfying, these quick and easy scones are just what you need! These homemade scones come together in no time and are a treat everyone loves. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe is straightforward and foolproof. Plus, you can fill them with jam, and cream, or enjoy them plain!
If you’re a fan of quick and easy desserts, you’re in good company! Let me tempt you with a few crowd-pleasers. First up, this irresistible plum crumble—top it with a dollop of ice cream, and it’s game over. Or try an easy apple cake recipe that’s ready in a flash, loaded with juicy apples and cinnamon goodness.
A personal favourite? This classic sour cherry sponge cake—warning, it’s dangerously addictive! For something lighter, check out a flourless yoghurt cake that’s creamy, simple, and just plain satisfying. I get it; we’re all strapped for time, so fast recipes are a must. For a no-bake treat, don’t miss these mini chocolate tarts. Quick, easy, and guaranteed to hit the spot!
Quick and Easy Scones – Perfect for Any Time
When I arrived in the UK, it felt like stepping into a delicious new world of recipes. Back in Romania, my culinary journey revolved around traditional dishes I learned from my grandmother and mother. Think hearty stews and comforting pies—so comforting, yet so familiar! But as soon as I landed here, I was thrown into the whirlwind of British cuisine, where tea time is a religion, and scones are the holy grail.
At first, the whole concept of pastry topped with jam and cream was a bit of a mystery. I mean, in Romania, the closest I got to pastry was probably a grandma-approved apple pie! But I quickly discovered the joy of whipping up scones in my kitchen. They’re surprisingly easy to make, and when your mum starts sending homemade jam from back home, you know you have to find ways to use it. Trust me, the kids love it when I turn our kitchen into a mini bakery.
Now, the tables have turned—my kids have caught on to my scone-making secret, and guess who’s getting served? That’s right, the time has come for me to sit back, sip my tea, and let the little bakers take charge. I just hope they don’t forget to save some for me!
So, whether you’re new to baking or just need a quick pick-me-up, these scones are perfect for any time of day. Let’s enjoy this fun mix of cultures, tastes, and family time!
Why You’ll Love These Scones
- Fast to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like flour, butter, and milk.
- Customizable: Easily add your preferred fillings like jam or fruits.
- Perfect Texture: Light, fluffy, and slightly crisp on the outside.
Ingredients to make Quick and Easy Scones
To make these easy scones, you’ll need just a few basic ingredients:
- 500 g self-raising flour (4 cups) – The key to getting that perfect rise.
- 150 g cold unsalted butter (2/3 cup) – Cold butter creates that flaky texture.
- 50 g caster sugar (1/3 cup) – Adds just the right touch of sweetness.
- 2 tsp baking powder – Helps the scones rise and get that soft texture.
- 1 pinch salt – Enhances the balance of sweetness and richness.
- 250 g whole milk, cold (1 cup) – Adds moisture and richness to the dough.
- Extra milk for brushing – Gives the scones a nice golden finish.
Substitutions
- Butter: If you’re dairy-free, you can swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative.
- Milk: For a non-dairy version, try using almond or oat milk instead of whole milk.
- Self-Raising Flour: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can make your own by mixing plain flour with 2 tsp of baking powder per cup of flour.
How to Make Plain Scones
You’ll love our quick and easy scones! They’re simple to make and use everyday ingredients that come together perfectly for a satisfying treat. We’ll guide you through each step, from mixing the dough to shaping the scones. Your kitchen will be filled with that fresh-baked smell in no time!
Check out our step-by-step guide with photos to make the process even easier!
Mix the ingredients: In a stand mixer, combine self-raising flour, cold diced butter, caster sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Slowly add cold milk and mix until a soft dough forms.
Shape the scones: Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about 1-inch thick. Use a round cutter to shape the scones.
Place on baking sheet: Transfer the shaped scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between them.
Brush with milk and bake: Brush the tops of the scones with cold milk, then bake in a preheated oven at 220°C (425°F) for 12-15 minutes, until they’re golden.
A full list of ingredients and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
Variations for Quick and Easy Scones
Scones are a fun and easy treat you can customize just the way you like! Mix in a handful of chocolate chips or fold in some dried fruits like raisins or cranberries. If you’re in the mood for something savoury, go ahead and add grated cheddar and a pinch of mustard powder—it makes a great appetizer! It’s always nice to have a tasty snack on hand when you’re craving something to nibble in front of the TV. Sure, it might not be the healthiest choice, but sometimes you just need that comforting bite!
Storage
Once baked, these quick and easy scones are best eaten fresh. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, you can freeze the baked scones. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to a month. When you’re ready to eat, defrost them at room temperature and warm them in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape the scones, and freeze them unbaked. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven from frozen – they’ll only need a few extra minutes.
What if I don’t have self-raising flour?
You can easily make your own by mixing 1 cup of all-purpose flour with 2 tsp of baking powder.
How do I get my scones to rise higher?
Make sure your butter is cold, and don’t overwork the dough. Cutting straight down when shaping the scones also helps them rise evenly.
Serving Suggestions
Scones are a classic treat that pairs beautifully with so many things! Serve these scones warm with:
- Strawberry Jam: A classic pairing that brings out the sweetness of the scones.
- Clotted Cream: If you can get your hands on it, this is a traditional favourite.
- Butter and Honey: A simple yet delicious option.
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Quick and Easy Scones
Equipment
- Large bowl
- Round cutter Ø6 cm (2 inch)
- Baking Tray
- parchment paper
- Pasty brush
Ingredients
- 500 g self-raising flour 4 cups
- 150 g cold unsalted butter 2/3 cup
- 50 g caster sugar 1/4 cup
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 pinch salt
- 250 g whole milk cold (1 cup)
- Extra milk for brushing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (392°F) (standard) or 180°C (350°F) (fan/convection). In a food processor, combine flour, butter, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Blitz for about 5 seconds until a crumbly dough forms.500 g self-raising flour, 150 g cold unsalted butter, 50 g caster sugar, 2 tsp baking powder, 1 pinch salt
- Pour in the cold milk and blitz for another 10 seconds until a non-sticky dough forms.250 g whole milk
- Transfer the dough onto a clean work surface, scraping out any residual bits from the food processor.
- Knead lightly to bring the dough together into a smooth ball, then roll it out to 2 cm (1 inch) thick. Dust with extra flour if necessary.
- Dip a Ø6 cm (2 inch) round cutter into extra flour, then cut out the scones without twisting. Repeat until all the dough is cut into scones. Carefully transfer the scones onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, ensuring the cut sides remain intact.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra milk for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones have risen and are lightly golden on top.
- Once done, remove from the oven and transfer to a dish towel, wrapping them loosely to keep the tops soft. Serve warm, traditionally split with hands, with jam and clotted cream.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
- The key to great scones is keeping the ingredients as cold as possible, so work fast to prevent the butter from melting.
- Less is more when it comes to scone dough. A light hand will give you better, fluffier scones.
- When cutting out your scones, use a sharp round cutter and press down without twisting. This helps the scones rise more evenly.
