Easy British Scones Recipe

Recipe Card

A simple and reliable British scones recipe that gives you light, fluffy, golden scones perfect for afternoon tea. Serve warm with strawberry jam, clotted cream, butter or lemon curd.

Ingredients for easy British scones

• 350g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 85g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 175ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
• 1 tsp lemon juice, optional
• 1 medium egg, beaten, for glazing
• Strawberry jam, to serve
• Clotted cream or butter, to serve

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Baking tray
• Baking paper
• Round cutter
• Pastry brush
• Rolling pin or your hands
• Wire rack

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 220°C / 200°C fan / 425°F. Line a baking tray with baking paper.
2. Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients. Add the self-raising flour and baking powder to a large bowl. Stir briefly to combine.
3. Step 3: Rub in the butter. Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs.
4. Step 4: Add the sugar. Stir the caster sugar into the flour and butter mixture.
5. Step 5: Add the milk. Mix the milk with the vanilla extract and lemon juice if using. Pour most of the liquid into the bowl and gently mix until a soft dough forms. Add a little more milk only if needed.
6. Step 6: Shape the dough. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently bring it together without overworking it, then pat or lightly roll it to about 2.5cm thick.
7. Step 7: Cut the scones. Use a round cutter to cut out the scones. Place them on the prepared baking tray. Gently gather the remaining dough and cut more scones.
8. Step 8: Glaze the tops. Brush only the tops with beaten egg, taking care not to let the egg run down the sides.
9. Step 9: Bake. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the scones are well risen and golden on top.
10. Serve: Transfer to a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature with jam, clotted cream or butter.

Nutrition (per scone)

~220 kcal • Carbs 32 g • Fat 8 g • Protein 5 g (estimates, without toppings)

Serving & Variations

• Classic serving: Serve warm British scones with strawberry jam and clotted cream for a traditional afternoon tea treat.
• Simple option: Serve with butter and a cup of tea for a quick homemade snack.
• Variation: Add a handful of raisins or sultanas to the dough for fruit scones.
• Lemon twist: Serve with lemon curd instead of jam for a bright, tangy version.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving for the best texture.
• Helpful link: For more homemade baking ideas, explore our recipes collection.