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Classic Buttermilk Scones

A close-up stack of freshly baked, fluffy scones with golden tops sitting on a white plate.
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A straightforward recipe for making tender, flaky scones using buttermilk for a soft texture, perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be slightly shaggy.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 3 or 4 times until it holds together. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
  6. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to cut out rounds. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  7. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk together for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the wash.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
  9. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For the flakiest results, keep the butter and buttermilk very cold before mixing.
  • If you prefer a sweeter scone, you can add 1/2 cup of dried fruit, like raisins or dried cranberries, along with the dry ingredients.
  • If you do not have buttermilk, mix 3/4 cup of regular milk with 3/4 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdiarist.com/best-scones-recipe-fluffy-buttermilk-scones/