The smell of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen is a sensory experience like no other. When I can practically taste the warm, buttery goodness before taking a bite, I know it’s time to whip up my classic scones with jam and clotted cream. In just 20 minutes, you can transform a few simple ingredients into fluffy, inviting treats that are perfect for a cozy afternoon tea or to impress unexpected guests.
What makes these scones truly special is their light, airy texture and rich flavor, punctuated by a decadent spread of sweet jam and velvety clotted cream. Whether you’re gathering friends for brunch or indulge in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, these delightful scones are a delicious escape from mundane fast food. Trust me, you wouldn’t believe how easy they are to make! So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the world of homemade comfort.
Why are classic scones with jam & clotted cream a must-try?
Irresistible aroma: The moment these scones start baking, your kitchen will be filled with an inviting scent that beckons everyone to the table.
Quick preparation: Ready in just 20 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those busy afternoons when you crave something homemade without the hassle.
Decadent toppings: The luscious blend of sweet jam paired with creamy clotted cream enhances each bite, making this treat utterly unforgettable.
Versatile delight: Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or even afternoon tea; these scones fit any occasion beautifully.
Crowd-pleasing treat: Friends and family alike will rave about your baking skills, feeling special and cherished during every bite.
Dive into the world of classic scones with jam & clotted cream and elevate your homemade experience today!
Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream Ingredients
Get ready to satisfy your cravings!
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For the Scone Dough
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Self-Raising Flour – Ensures a light and fluffy texture with every bite.
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Baking Powder – An extra boost for your scones; omit if using all self-raising flour.
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Butter – Cold and cubed, this adds rich flavor and ensures a flaky crumb.
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Caster Sugar – Sweetens your scones; granulated sugar works in a pinch if you prefer.
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Milk – Use warm milk to hydrate the dough, giving your scones the perfect rise.
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Vanilla Extract – Optional, but it beautifully enhances the flavor profile.
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Lemon Juice – Acts as a delightful acidity to help the batter rise; can substitute with buttermilk.
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Beaten Egg – For glazing, resulting in a beautiful golden top; milk can be a good alternative.
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For Serving
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Jam – Choose your favorite jam for a touch of sweetness alongside the scones.
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Clotted Cream – This velvety cream is a must for that rich, indulgent experience!
With these simple ingredients, you’re only moments away from enjoying your very own classic scones with jam & clotted cream.
How to Make Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream
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Preheat your oven to 220°C (or 200°C for fan ovens) and place a baking tray inside to heat. This will ensure perfect scone rising!
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Combine in a large bowl the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
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Rub the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using your fingers until it resembles fine crumbs. This step is crucial for that classic flaky texture!
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Stir in the caster sugar until evenly distributed. This adds just the right amount of sweetness to your scones.
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Gently heat the milk in the microwave for about 30 seconds until warm (not hot). Add in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, then let sit for a minute to combine.
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Create a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the warm milk mixture, and use a knife to mix until the batter just comes together—it will be quite wet.
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Roll out the dough onto a floured surface, patting it gently to about 4cm thick. Use a floured cutter to cut out scones, aiming for thick cuts for a better rise.
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Glaze the tops of each scone with beaten egg for a golden finish. Carefully transfer them to the hot baking tray and bake for about 10 minutes or until they’re risen and golden brown.
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Serve your warm, freshly baked scones topped with your favorite jam and generous dollops of clotted cream. If freezing, allow them to cool, then freeze and refresh in a low oven when ready to serve.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of icing sugar on top for a sweet finishing touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These classic scones with jam & clotted cream are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the scone dough up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the recipe until you’ve mixed the wet and dry ingredients, then wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate it. This helps the flavors meld while keeping the dough fresh. When you’re ready to bake, roll out the chilled dough, cut it into scones, and proceed with glazing and baking until golden brown. For even more convenience, you can freeze the uncooked scones for up to 3 months; just bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you’ll have delicious, warm scones ready for any occasion, all with minimal effort!
Expert Tips for Classic Scones
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Warm Milk Boost: Use warm milk to enhance the rise of your classic scones with jam & clotted cream. Make sure not to overheat it; just warm enough to activate the leavening agents.
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Minimal Handling: Handle the dough as little as possible. Over-kneading will toughen the scones, while gentle mixing ensures they remain light and fluffy.
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Thick Cuts: When cutting the scones, aim for thick pieces. This helps the scones rise beautifully in the oven, creating that delightful fluffiness you desire.
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Hot Baking Tray: Preheating the tray is essential. Place it in the oven while it warms—the heat kickstarts the rising process as soon as the scones hit the tray.
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Optional Fruit Addition: For a sweet twist, fold in 85g of sultanas with the sugar before adding wet ingredients. This adds a delightful burst of flavor!
Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream Variations
Customize your scone experience with these delightful twists that will elevate your baking game!
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Fruit-Infused: Add 85g of sultanas, dried cranberries, or apricots for a sweet touch. The fruits will offer little bursts of flavor in every bite.
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Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of a lemon or orange into the dough for a refreshing citrus taste that brightens your scones.
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Spice It Up: A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the flavor. Just a dash can transform your classic scone into a cozy treat.
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Herbed Delight: Mix in finely chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, for a savory scone that pairs wonderfully with clotted cream.
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Nutty Crunch: Fold in some chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds to add texture and an earthy flavor that complements the softness of the scone.
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Cheesy Twist: For a savory version, sprinkle in some grated cheddar cheese. These scones create a wonderful balance of creamy and salty when enjoyed with your toppings.
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Gluten-Free: Swap self-raising flour with a gluten-free blend, adding a little extra baking powder to achieve the same fluffiness that classic scones are known for.
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Chocolate Love: Stir in mini chocolate chips for a sweetened version that’s sure to please anyone with a chocolate craving. Enjoy the melted chocolate paired with your favorite jam!
Storage Tips for Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream
Room Temperature: Store your classic scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain their fluffy texture.
Freezer: After cooling, freeze the scones individually wrapped in plastic wrap or a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Thawing: To enjoy scones from the freezer, allow them to thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a quick snack.
Reheating: Refresh scones in a low oven (about 150°C) for 5–10 minutes to restore warmth and texture, perfect for serving with jam and clotted cream!
What to Serve with Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream?
Indulge in a delightful experience that pairs perfectly to enhance your scone enjoyment.
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Herbal Tea: A calming companion, herbal tea brings out the warmth of the scones, adding a soothing touch to your afternoon indulgence.
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English Breakfast Tea: This classic pairing elevates the experience, providing a robust flavor that beautifully complements the buttery sweetness of the scones.
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Fresh Berries: The burst of flavor from raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing contrast that lifts the overall experience to a delightful level.
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Lemon Curd: For a tangy twist, serve a dollop of lemon curd alongside the clotted cream and jam; it brightens every bite with its zesty flavor.
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Curdled Cream: If clotted cream isn’t available, whipped cream can be a satisfying substitute, offering a lighter texture that still pairs perfectly with jam.
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Sparkling Water with Lime: A crisp, refreshing drink, sparkling water adds a lively fizz that balances the rich flavors of the scones while cleansing the palate.
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Fruit Salad: A colorful mix of fresh seasonal fruits offers a vibrant contrast, adding textural variety and a light, fruity element to the treat.
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Butter Pecan Ice Cream: For dessert lovers, this sweet addition combines beautifully with the warm scones, creating a transcendental comfort dessert experience.
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Raspberry Jam: A generously spread raspberry jam adds a tart sweetness that perfectly enhances the flavour profile of your classic scones with jam & clotted cream.
Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right self-raising flour for my scones?
Absolutely! It’s essential to use fresh self-raising flour for the best results. Look for a flour with a fine texture, and check the expiration date. Old flour can lose its leavening power, leading to dense scones.
How should I store my classic scones with jam & clotted cream?
For optimal freshness, keep your classic scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to store them longer, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months!
What’s the best way to freeze my scones?
To freeze your scones, first, let them cool completely on a wire rack. Then, individually wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Once wrapped, store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you want to enjoy one, simply thaw at room temperature or in the fridge overnight, then refresh in a low oven for about 5-10 minutes at 150°C. This will restore that delightful texture!
What if my scones don’t rise properly?
Very! If your scones fail to rise, it could be due to a few factors. First, ensure your baking powder is fresh. If using self-raising flour, check that it’s not expired. Second, be sure to handle the dough gently—overworking it makes scones dense. Lastly, make sure your oven is adequately preheated, and consider using a hot baking tray to jumpstart the rising process.
Can I make these scones without egg or dairy for dietary restrictions?
Of course! To create egg-free scones, simply brush the tops with milk instead of beaten egg for that lovely golden finish. For a dairy-free version, you can substitute cow’s milk with almond or soy milk and replace butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut or olive oil. Enjoy your baking!
Classic Scones with Jam & Clotted Cream in Just 20 Minutes!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 220°C (or 200°C for fan ovens) and place a baking tray inside to heat.
- Combine in a large bowl the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.
- Rub the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles fine crumbs.
- Stir in the caster sugar until evenly distributed.
- Gently heat the milk in the microwave until warm, add vanilla extract and lemon juice, then let sit.
- Create a well in the dry ingredients, pour in the warm milk mixture, and mix until just combined.
- Roll out the dough onto a floured surface to about 4cm thick. Cut out scones.
- Glaze the tops with beaten egg for a golden finish. Transfer to the hot baking tray and bake for 10 minutes.
- Serve warm topped with jam and clotted cream.