Buttermilk gives a slight tangy flavour to these dense, cakelike scones. The simple shaping requires no rolling or cutting out – making them quick and easy to bake when the mood strikes.
Traditionally served with tea and often enjoyed for breakfast, buttery scones can be customized with your choice of fruit and dairy.
Traditionally served with tea and often enjoyed for breakfast, buttery scones can be customized with your choice of fruit and dairy.
In Devon and Cornwall, folks argue over whether the cream or jam goes on first, but these West Country treats are winners however you serve them.
Scones are found in various guises all around Britain. Earlier versions tended to be baked as one large cake and broken into wedges later – Northumberland’s “singing hinny” is one surviving example. Scones, clotted cream and jam are a match made in heaven – or, rather, in an abbey, as this teatime delight is said to have first been offered by the monks of Tavistock Abbey in 1105 to the Earl of Devon and local workers as thanks for restoring their monastery.
Quick to make, golden and tender, these cheese-topped scones are delicious not only with soup but also on their own.
A classic plain scone like this can play many roles. It can be a slightly sweet sidekick with soups or stews, a tasty base for fruit shortcakes or a toothsome snack with tea or coffee. It's also delightful split and spread with jam at a holiday brunch, and the perfect starting point for three tasty variations (see below).
The dark chocolate and tart cherry bits in these scones eliminate the need for any jam or topping. This is a terrific snack to grab for mornings on the go, or to pack for a long car ride to Grandma's house.
A brown butter spread gives flaky spiced pumpkin scones nutty flavour and an extra touch of sweetness. Overworked dough can become tough when baked; for the flakiest pastry, knead it just until the dough comes together.
