Plain Scones Made Simple
Discover how to whip up soft, buttery plain scones from scratch – no experience or fancy equipment needed!
Why Plain Scones Are Perfect for Busy & Beginner Bakers
plain scones are a go-to solution, When time is tight and your baking experience is limited. They come together quickly, require no special skills, and deliver that homemade comfort with every bite. Whether you’re prepping breakfast, brunch, or a snack between Zoom calls, these humble yet delightful treats rise to the occasion literally.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Just a handful of ingredients
- Ideal for beginners and busy schedules
- Easily customizable with sweet or savory twists
Voice Search Optimized Query: “Are plain scones easy to make?”
Answer: Yes! Plain scones are one of the easiest baked goods to make with just a few pantry staples and basic steps.
Table of Contents
Plain Scones Made Simple: A Beginner-Friendly Recipe for Busy Days
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 8
Description
When time is tight and your baking experience is limited, plain scones are a go-to solution. They come together quickly, require no special skills, and deliver that homemade comfort with every bite. Whether you’re prepping breakfast, brunch, or a snack between Zoom calls, these humble yet delightful treats rise to the occasion, literally.
Ingredients
- For the scones
400 g Self raising flour
1 ½ tsp Baking powder
45 g Caster sugar
A pinch of Salt
90 g Butter unsalted, cold
145 ml Whole milk
1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Vanilla extract optional
1 Egg large - For glazing
1 Egg, beaten medium
Instructions
- Pre-heat your oven to 200C Fan/220C/425F/Gas Mark 7
- Put the self raising flour, baking powder, salt and caster sugar in a large mixing bowl and stir together
- Add the butter in small cubes or chunks (or you can grate it in) and rub the mixture together with your fingertips, or pulse in a food processor, until the butter is fully combined and the mixture resembles breadcrumbs
- n a jug, add the milk and lemon juice, leave for a couple of minutes until the milk goes lumpy. Then whisk in the egg and vanilla extract
- Pour the milk mixture into the flour mixture, then mix it in to form a dough
- Tip the dough out onto a floured surface and pat it together as briefly as possible by hand to about 2cm thick
- Cut out rounds using a 2.5 inch cutter, push the cutter down and do not twist it. (You can make the scones bigger or smaller if you like by using different size cutters.) Re-shape the dough when needed until it runs out, but try and handle it as little as possible
- Put the dough rounds onto a lined baking tray and glaze the top with the beaten egg. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the scones are risen, golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom
- Cool on a rack and then slice or break in half and serve with jam and clotted cream, or any other topping of your choice
- Best served on the day they are made, but can be eaten within 2-3 days. Can also be frozen
Notes
Use 3 tsp baking powder, to make the scones with plain or all purpose flour.
I recommend weighing your ingredients out using digital kitchen scales.
For teaspoon (tsp) and tablespoon (tbsp) measurements, please use measuring spoons and not the type of spoons you eat with. Again this will ensure accuracy and provide the best results.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 312 kcal
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 185mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 67mg
Essential Ingredients for Foolproof Plain Scones
You likely have everything you need in your kitchen already. Here’s what you’ll need:
Basic Ingredients:
- 400 g Self raising flour
- 1 ½ tsp Baking powder
- 45 g Caster sugar
- A pinch of Salt
- 90 g Butter unsalted, cold
- 145 ml Whole milk
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract optional
- 1 Egg large
- 1 Egg, beaten medium
Substitutions:
- Use self-rising flour and skip baking powder
- Swap butter for margarine or a plant-based spread
- Use dairy-free milk alternatives (like oat or almond milk)
Voice Query Optimized: “What ingredients do I need to make scones?”
Step-by-Step: How to Make Plain Scones from Scratch
Step 1 – Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Step 2 – Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3 – Cut in the Butter
- Add cubed butter. Using your fingertips, fork, or pastry cutter, work it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Step 4 – Add the Milk
- Pour in the milk (and vanilla if using), mixing gently with a butter knife or spatula until just combined. Don’t overmix it should form a rough dough.
Step 5 – Shape the Dough
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat it down to about 1-inch thick.
- Use a 2.5-inch round cutter to cut scones. Press straight down no twisting!
Step 6 – Bake
- Place scones on the tray. Brush tops with beaten egg or milk for shine.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until golden.
Step 7 – Cool and Serve
- Let cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Voice Query Optimized: “How long do scones take to bake?”
Answer: About 12–15 minutes at 425°F (220°C).
Pro Tips for Light and Fluffy Scones Every Time
- Use cold butter and milk: This creates flaky layers as the fat melts.
- Don’t overmix the dough: It makes scones dense and heavy.
- Don’t twist the cutter: Twisting seals edges and prevents a good rise.
- Chill the dough before baking for even more lift.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Baking Scones
- Using warm butter: It blends too much and kills flakiness.
- Over-kneading the dough: Less is more!
- Incorrect oven temperature: Too low = flat, sad scones.
- Skipping the egg or milk brush: That glossy top matters.
Variations to Try When You Master the Basic Plain Scone
Once you’ve nailed the basics, explore:
- Cheddar cheese and chive scones
- Raisin or currant scones
- Lemon zest & poppy seed
- Chocolate chip scones
You can also make:
- Mini scones for snacking
- Savory scone sliders
Voice Search Tip: “Can I add cheese to plain scones?”
Answer: Absolutely! Just fold in grated cheese before baking.
How to Store and Reheat Plain Scones
To Store:
- Keep in an airtight container at room temp for 2–3 days
- For longer storage, freeze once fully cooled
To Reheat:
- Oven: Wrap in foil, warm at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes
- Microwave: 10–15 seconds per scone on low heat
Serving Suggestions for Plain Scones
- Classic: Jam and clotted cream
- Quick: Butter and honey or fruit preserves
- Savory: Pair with soup, scrambled eggs, or cheese
- Fancy: Serve with afternoon tea and lemon curd
Conclusion
Plain scones are a timeless treat that doesn’t require professional skills or hours in the kitchen. With this beginner-friendly recipe, you’ll master scones in no time—even on your busiest days. Whether you enjoy them sweet, savory, warm from the oven, or toasted the next day, they’re guaranteed to satisfy.
Ready to bake? Grab your flour and get started. You’ll be surprised how easy it is to create something this delicious from scratch.
FAQs
Can I use plain flour for scones?
Yes! Plain (all-purpose) flour works perfectly, just be sure to add baking powder.
Do I need eggs to make scones?
No, eggs are optional. They’re often used for brushing the tops or adding richness.
How do I keep my scones from getting dry?
Avoid overbaking and keep the dough slightly sticky. Don’t skip the fat and liquids.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just scale up all ingredients proportionally.
What’s the best way to reheat scones without drying them out?
Wrap in foil and gently reheat in a warm oven or microwave briefly on low.
Did you try Our Recipe?
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one.