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Fruit Scones Recipe If you’re a fan of classic British baking, then fruit scones are a must-try. These flaky, buttery pastries are perfect for enjoying with a spot of tea or as a satisfying snack. Whether you prefer sweet or savoury, fruit-filled or plain, mastering the art of making homemade fruit scones is a skill worth having.
Fruit Scones Recipe In this thorough guide, we’ll walk you through the process of creating the perfect fruit scones, from choosing the right ingredients to baking techniques that will impress your friends and family. Get ready to your baking game and bring a taste of the UK right to your kitchen.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Fruit Scones
The key to making delicious fruit scones lies in the quality and selection of your ingredients. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need:
Flour
For the best texture, opt for a high-quality all-purpose flour or self-raising flour. Avoid using plain flour, as it doesn’t have the same rising power.
Butter
Use cold, unsalted butter for flakier scones. The cold temperature helps create those coveted layers.
Milk
Whole milk or buttermilk work best, as they add moisture and richness to the dough.
Fruit
Fresh or dried fruit both work well. Popular choices include raisins, cranberries, blueberries, and currants.
Sugar
A touch of granulated sugar helps balance the flavours and gives the scones a slight sweetness.
Baking Powder and Salt
These ingredients help the scones rise and give them the perfect texture.
With the right combination of these staple ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to baking melt-in-your-mouth fruit scones.
Mastering the Art of Scone Making
Creating the perfect fruit scones is all about technique. Follow these steps for bakery-worthy results:
Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Give it a good stir to make sure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
Step 3: Add the Fruit
Gently fold in your chosen fruit, being careful not to crush the delicate pieces.
Step 4: Add the Liquid
Slowly pour in the milk (or buttermilk) and mix just until the dough comes together. Avoid over-mixing, as this can result in tough scones.
Step 5: Shape and Cut
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat the dough into a round shape, about 3/4-inch thick. Use a sharp, floured cutter to cut out your scones, pressing straight down without twisting.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure to leave a little space between each one. Brush the tops with a bit of milk or beaten egg. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, until the scones are golden brown.
Serving and Enjoying Fruit Scones
Once your scones have baked to perfection, it’s time to dig in! Serve them warm, straight from the oven, with a generous helping of clotted cream and your favourite jam. For a touch of indulgence, you can also drizzle them with honey or a light powdered sugar glaze.
Fruit scones pair beautifully with a strong cup of English breakfast tea, but they also make a delightful accompaniment to coffee or a glass of cold milk. If you have any leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or frozen for longer-term enjoyment.
Variations on the Classic Fruit Scone
While the traditional fruit scone is a beloved classic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on this beloved British treat. Here are a few ideas to try:
Savoury Scones
Instead of sweet fruit, experiment with savoury add-ins like cheese, herbs, or even bacon. These make a delightful snack or side dish.
Scone Bites
For a fun, bite-sized version, try making mini scones using a smaller cutter. These are perfect for parties or as a grab-and-go snack.
Flavoured Scones
Get creative with flavour combinations by adding ingredients like lemon zest, cinnamon, or even chocolate chips to your dough.
Gluten-Free Scones
Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary needs. Just be sure to adjust the baking time as needed.
No matter which direction you choose to go, the key is to have fun and let your baking creativity shine through.
FAQ: Common Questions about Fruit Scones
Q: Can I use frozen fruit in my scones? A: Absolutely! Frozen fruit works great in scones. Just be sure to thaw and pat it dry before adding it to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
Q: How do I store leftover scones? A: For best results, store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze baked scones for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I make the dough in advance? A: Yes, you can make the scone dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before baking. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before shaping and cutting the scones.
Q: What’s the best way to reheat scones? A: For a crisp exterior and soft interior, reheat scones in a 350°F (180°C) oven for 5-7 minutes. You can also zap them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, but they may lose a bit of their flakiness.
Q: Can I substitute self-raising flour for all-purpose flour? A: Yes, you can use self-raising flour in place of all-purpose flour. Just omit the baking powder from the , as self-raising flour already contains it.
Delightful Fruit Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed
- 3/4 cup cold milk plus more for brushing
- 1 cup fresh or frozen berries such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the cold milk and gently fold until the dough just begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the fresh or frozen berries, being careful not to crush them.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times, just until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a round, about 3/4-inch thick. Use a sharp, floured biscuit cutter to cut out scones, pressing straight down without twisting.
- Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of milk.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
- Serve the warm fruit scones with clotted cream and your favorite jam or honey.
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 230
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 310mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 4g
