Name: English Tea Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 4 tsp baking powder; 1/4 tsp salt; 3 tbsp sugar; 5 tbsp butter (cold, cut into cubes); 1/2 cup raisins; 2/3 cup buttermilk; 1 egg; 1 tbsp milk; 1 tbsp strawberry jam; 1 tbsp clotted cream

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5 from 2 votes

Buttery, crumbly, and delicious English Tea Scones that pair perfectly with a cup of tea, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.

There is something so comforting about tea time. When I'd come home from school, my mom would make herself a cup of tea while my sister and I would drink a glass of milk with a snack. It was bonding time for the family.

My favorite Afternoon Tea experience was at The Wolseley in London. I still dream about the jam, scones, and clotted cream. The ambiance, decor, and Afternoon Tea experience were just lovely. I haven't found a place in the United States that compares to a true English Afternoon Tea experience. The way the scones are prepared in London is different than the ones you will find here in the US.

What's the difference between American Scones and British Scones?

British Scones are slightly buttery and sweet. They're served with tea, jam, and clotted cream.

On the other hand, American Scones are shaped like a triangle, bigger, sweeter, and usually topped with some sort of sugar glaze. With that said, American scones are sometimes mistaken for biscuits which tend to be savory and served with gravy.

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Hmm... I have certainly not tried it, but feel free to try.

Vegan option: When preparing the scones, you can certainly replace butter with vegan butter, and buttermilk with vegan buttermilk. For clotted cream, I'm not sure a vegan option exists. The closest substitute would be using vegan mascarpone cheese.

Gluten-free option: Simply replace the flour with gluten-free white flour.

Tips on making English Tea Scones:

Make sure you use cold butter, and NOT room temperature butter for these scones.
Do not over-mix the dough.
Let the dough sit for 10 minutes before you start forming the scones.

English Tea Scones are:

Delicious
Delightful
Buttery
Flaky
Crumbly
Perfect for Afternoon Tea
A Mother's Day Treat

How to make English Tea Scones recipe step by step?

Make the Dough

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients - all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. Add cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients.
3. Using a fork, mash the butter into the flour mix. You may need to use your hands to slightly work the dough.
4. The batter should be slightly crumbly.

5. Add buttermilk and raisins to the butter-flour mixture.
6. Using a spoon, mix well.
7. You will have to knead the dough slightly, do NOT over-knead so the butter doesn't melt, just enough until the dough forms. The dough will be sticky.

Form the Dough - 2 options

1. First option. You can roll out the dough. Dust the dough with some flour so you can roll it out easily.
2. Using a cookie cutter (I used a ½ cup measurement) - press the round into the dough. The thickness should be about 1-inch.

3. Second option (easier). I simply divided the dough into 6 parts. Just FYI - divide the dough into 8 parts will be better. I formed a dome-shaped ball in my hands. This option is easier. Place the rounds onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

4. Make the egg wash by mixing 1 egg and 1 tablespoon of milk.
5. Using a pastry brush, top each round with egg wash. This will help form a golden crust.
6. Into the oven for 13-15 minutes at 425 degrees. The top will be slightly golden.
7. Scones are ready. Serve with tea, strawberry jam, and clotted cream.

How to serve scones?

1. Split a scone in half.
2. Top with strawberry jam.
3. Then top with clotted cream. You can find this brand at Whole Foods.
4. Top scone with the other half. Enjoy with tea!

English Tea Scones

What's the difference between American Scones and British Scones?

Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?

Tips on making English Tea Scones:

English Tea Scones are: