12 Baking Recipes for Traditional English Scones You Must Try

It's no coincidence you're looking for English scone recipes now, as they're a classic treat. You're about to discover twelve essential recipes. They include classic buttermilk and sweet cranberry options. Your search is over, but the baking has just begun.

1. Classic Buttermilk Scones

Classic buttermilk scones are a traditional English treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
9. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

2. Sweet Cranberry Scones

Sweet Cranberry Scones are a delicious variation of traditional English scones.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Fold in the cranberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
9. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
10. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
11. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

3. Cheddar and Chive Scones

Buttery and flavorful, these scones combine cheddar and chives perfectly.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped chives
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour mixture until crumbly.
4. Stir in cheddar cheese and chives.
5. Pour in heavy cream and mix until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
9. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone.
11. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream.
12. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

4. Blueberry and Lemon Scones

Flaky scones infused with lemon zest and sweet blueberries.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Pour the cream mixture over the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
6. Gently fold in the blueberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
9. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
10. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
11. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone.
12. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
13. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
14. Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

5. Gluten Free Scones

Delicate gluten-free scones perfect for afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out scones, gathering the scraps and re-forming the dough as needed.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

6. Scones With Clotted Cream and Jam

Delicious English scones served with clotted cream and jam.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 egg
• Clotted cream
• Jam

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter to cut out scones.
9. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
11. Serve the scones warm with clotted cream and jam.

7. Bacon and Egg Scones

Bacon and egg scones are a savory twist on traditional English scones.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
• 1/2 cup diced eggs
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the flour mixture.
4. Stir in cheese, bacon, and eggs.
5. Add heavy cream and mix until a dough forms.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead.
7. Pat dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
8. Place wedges on a baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes.
9. Serve warm.

8. Raspberry and White Chocolate Scones

Indulge in sweet and tangy raspberry and white chocolate scones, perfect for afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh raspberries
• 1 cup white chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Gently fold in fresh raspberries and white chocolate chips.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
9. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

9. Whole Wheat Scones With Nuts

Delicious whole wheat scones with nuts, perfect for breakfast or snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup cold butter
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, nuts, salt, baking powder, and baking soda.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg until well combined.
5. Add the cream mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a ball.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
9. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

10. Garlic and Herb Scones

Buttery scones infused with garlic and herbs, perfect for a savory treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cold butter
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or chives)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and baking powder.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, garlic, and herbs.
5. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
9. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
10. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.

11. Orange and Pecan Scones

Delicious orange and pecan scones perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter and use a pastry blender or fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until crumbly.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and orange juice.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together.
6. Fold in chopped pecans.
7. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
8. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
9. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
10. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
11. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone.
12. Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
13. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
14. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

12. Scones With Dried Fruit and Spices

Delicious English scones with dried fruit and spices, perfect for afternoon tea.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 3/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup dried fruit, such as cranberries or raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add cold butter to dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or fingers to work butter into flour mixture.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, dried fruit, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until dough comes together.
6. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times.
7. Pat dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
8. Use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut out scones.
9. Place scones on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove scones from oven and let cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

You'll be the icing on the cake as you master these 12 traditional English scone recipes, a treasure trove of flavors. With each bite, your taste buds will take a leap, savoring the sweet and savory delights, a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more, a culinary journey that's the cherry on top of your baking endeavors.