1. Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start baking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand. You will need:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- Optional add-ins like chocolate chips, cranberries, or nuts
2. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
4. Cut in the Butter
Add the chilled butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Add the Wet Ingredients
Pour the milk and vanilla extract into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined.
6. Knead the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in tough scones.
7. Shape the Scones
Roll out the dough to about 1/2 inch (1.3 cm) thick. Use a round cookie cutter or a glass to cut out scone shapes. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
8. Bake the Scones
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
9. Cool and Enjoy
Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack. Serve them warm or at room temperature with your favorite toppings or spreads.
Now that you have mastered the art of making perfect scones, you can easily whip up a batch for a cozy brunch or afternoon tea. Experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature scones. Enjoy!