Classic English Scones
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Classic English Scones – These deliciously fluffy scones are perfect served warm or cold with clotted cream and jam. Pair with your morning cup of tea for an indulgent breakfast!
One of my favorite things to have for breakfast is a scone (or two!), spread with some strawberry jam, and a dollop of clotted cream. I pair with my morning cup of tea for a totally comforting breakfast. So, today I bring you my Classic English Scones recipe! Theses scones are light, fluffy and soft plus easy to throw together! Enjoy them either warm or cold, you can’t go wrong plus they are freezer friendly for preparing ahead of time!
English scones are made differently from American scones, and instead of being stiff and dry, they are light, fluffy and soft. They’re absolutely delightful, and a must-try.
These scones are super quick and easy to throw together, and only require a few simple ingredients you probably already have at home! These can be made by hand, or for quick preparation, you can use a food processor.
Ingredients for Classic English Scones:
- Plain or all-purpose flour
- Caster or granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Buttermilk (makes for extra moist scones!)
- Vanilla extract
Simple ingredients = DELICIOUS scones!
What I love about this recipe is that these scones are freezer-friendly. I like to make a few batches, keep them in the freezer (for up to 3 months), and when ready to eat, simply leave them out overnight (in the fridge or at room temperature). Perfect for a quick breakfast, or for entertaining guests the next day. Leftover scones can also be kept in the fridge for up to 5 days.
If you like your freshly baked scones though, you can make the dough as instructed, wrap in clingfilm, and keep in the fridge for up to 2 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months!
To make these scones by hand, simply whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry cutter, combine the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. You may also use a food processor for this step.
Add the buttermilk and vanilla, and mix until a soft dough is formed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll out to a thickness of 1-inch (2cm). Grab a 2.5-inch (5cm) fluted or round cookie cutter, dip it in flour, and cut out circles from the dough. You should get about 8 – 12 circles, after re-rolling.
Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat, brush the tops with extra buttermilk, and bake for about 15 minutes until risen and golden brown. Serve warm or cold with clotted cream and jam, or simply spread on some butter!
These Classic English Scones are:
- incredibly light, fluffy, and soft
- quick and easy to throw together
- delicious served warm OR cold
- freezer-friendly – perfect for making ahead of time!
Try these breakfast ideas next!
- Fluffy Chocolate Chip Pancakes
- Chocolate and Orange Hot Cross Buns
- Strawberry Lemon Muffins
- Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
I hope you enjoy these scones just as much as I do! 🙂
Did you make this? If you snap a photo, please be sure tag me on Instagram at @julieseatsandtreats or #julieseatsandtreats so I can see your yummy treat!

Classic English Scones
Ingredients
- 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Line a baking tray with parchment paper or a silicone mat, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the butter and, using a pastry cutter, fork, your fingertips, or a food processor, work it into the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla until a soft dough is formed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and roll out to a thickness of 2.5cm/1-inch.
- Dust a round or fluted 5cm/2-inch cookie cutter with flour, and cut out circles from the dough. Re-roll any scraps, and cut out more circles. Transfer them to the prepared baking tray, and brush the tops with extra buttermilk.
- Bake for 12 - 15 minutes until risen and golden brown. Serve warm, or cold with clotted cream, jam, or butter.
Kevin Nguka says
Easy to make and tasty
Time conserving
Just love it
Julie says
I’m glad you loved it!
Erin @ The Speckled Palate says
Freezer-friendly scones? Oh YES! I love a good scone paired with jam, too, and I have a feeling these are going to become a new household favorite.
Julie Evink says
I love anything freezer friendly!
Melissa Howell says
These look delicious! I didn’t know you were from England! It’s great to have an authentic British recipe!
Julie Evink says
Marsha is 😉
Malinda says
Nothing can beat yummy carbs for breakfast!!
Julie Evink says
Carbs for the win!
Danielle Green says
Scones a treat for breakfast; we love them!
Julie Evink says
They make you feel a little fancy!
Spinnin Jenny says
Do you use European butter or American butter?
Marsha Cook says
I live in the UK, so I used English butter 🙂