Method:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (392°F). This will ensure that your scones bake evenly and rise perfectly as they cook. Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Sift the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the 3 1/2 cups of flour, 2 tablespoons of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. Sifting helps to break up any lumps in the flour and ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, which is important for achieving a light and airy texture in the scones.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the 250 g of room-temperature butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is essential for creating the flaky texture in your scones. Be gentle with your fingers to avoid warming the butter too much. The cold butter helps the scones puff up as they bake.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, crack the 3 large eggs and whisk them together with the 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk. The buttermilk will provide a subtle tang and contribute to the scones’ tenderness, while the eggs help to bind the dough together. Stir the wet mixture until fully combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually pour the buttermilk and egg mixture into the flour and butter mixture. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until the ingredients begin to come together. Once the dough starts to form, use your hands to gently knead it in the bowl until the dough is just combined. Avoid overworking the dough, as this could result in dense scones.
- Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Use your hands to gently flatten the dough into a 2 cm thickness. If you find the dough too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour on top to make it easier to handle. Once the dough is flattened, take a medium-sized cookie cutter and cut out round scones. Make sure to press the cutter straight down without twisting to ensure clean edges for an even rise.
- Bake the Scones: Place the cut scones onto the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. You can check for doneness by tapping the top of a scone—if it sounds hollow, they’re ready. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them during the final minutes of baking.
- Serve: Once the scones are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve them warm with fresh cream and strawberry jam for a truly delightful treat. These scones are perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or any occasion where you want something delicious and comforting.
Notes:
