Introduction

Few treats evoke the quintessential British afternoon tea more vividly than freshly baked scones served with a lavish dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam. Scones are a beloved staple, renowned for their buttery flavor and tender crumb. Paired with rich, velvety clotted cream, this dessert becomes an indulgence that’s hard to resist. Whether you prefer yours plain or slightly sweetened, served traditionally with a pot of tea, scones with clotted cream are a delightful way to experience a slice of British culinary heritage.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 350g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 85g cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 175ml whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Squeeze of lemon juice (optional)
• 1 beaten egg, for glazing
• Jam and clotted cream, to serve

For Homemade Clotted Cream (if you can’t find store-bought):

• 4 cups heavy cream (not ultra-pasteurized)

Instructions

Making the Scones

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) or around 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Add a pinch of salt if your butter is unsalted.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the cold cubed butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. If you prefer a more hands-off approach, you can also use a food processor for this step. However, be careful not to over-process.

Step 4: Add Sugar

Stir in the caster sugar until well distributed throughout the flour and butter mixture.

Step 5: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a measuring jug, combine the milk with a squeeze of lemon juice if using (this helps to make the milk slightly sour, which reacts with the baking powder to increase rising). Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 6: Form the Dough

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and gradually pour in the milk mixture. Use a knife or a wooden spoon to quickly stir until the dough comes together — be careful not to overmix.

Step 7: Knead the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it lightly until it is just smooth enough to work with (about five times should be sufficient). Over-kneading can make the scones tough.

Step 8: Shape the Scones

Roll or gently pat the dough until it's about 2cm thick. Using a round cutter (approximately 5 cm in diameter), stamp out scones from the dough by pushing straight down (twisting can make the scones rise unevenly). Bring together the leftover dough and repeat until all the dough is used.

Step 9: Glaze the Scones

Place the scones onto the prepared baking tray, leaving a bit of space between each one. Brush the tops with the beaten egg, which will give them a lovely golden color once baked.

Step 10: Bake

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until risen and golden on top. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack once baked.

Step 11: Serve

Once the scones are cool enough to handle, split them in half and serve with generous amounts of clotted cream and your favorite jam (strawberry or raspberry jam are traditional favorites).

Making Clotted Cream

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 80°C (175°F).

Step 2: Pour the Cream

Pour the heavy cream into a shallow baking dish until it’s about 1 to 1.5 inches deep.

Step 3: Bake Slowly

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and leave it there for 12 hours. The low temperature allows a thick crust of clotted cream to form on the surface.

Step 4: Cool and Refrigerate

After 12 hours, remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, cover the dish with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for another 8 hours or overnight.

Step 5: Separate the Clotted Cream

Carefully skim the thick surface layer of cream — this is your clotted cream. The remaining liquid is similar to buttermilk and can be used in other baking recipes.

Step 6: Refrigerate Clotted Cream

Store the clotted cream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Conclusion

Enjoying freshly made scones with a generous spread of clotted cream and a dollop of jam is a delightful way to spend an afternoon. With homemade scones and clotted cream, you can bring a taste of the quintessential English tea time into your home. Serve with a steaming tea pot and some delightful company, and you've got a perfect way to create lasting memories. Enjoy!