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Classic Buttermilk Scones: Fluffy, Buttery, and Easy to Make

Close-up of three golden-brown, fluffy scones stacked on a white plate, showing their flaky interior texture.
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Make tall, flaky, buttery scones that rival your favorite bakery. This classic buttermilk scone recipe is simple, requires minimal active time, and creates tender baked goods perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 pieces to the dry ingredients. 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 remaining. This creates flaky scones.
  4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Mix with a fork just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix; the dough will be slightly shaggy.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or knead the dough 3 to 4 times until it just holds together.
  6. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle. Cut into 8 equal wedges or use a round biscuit cutter to cut out the scones. For taller scones, press the cutter straight down without twisting.
  7. Place the cut scones onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are touching slightly if you prefer softer sides, or spaced apart for crispier edges.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or cream for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the wash.
  9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
  10. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with jam and cream for the best experience.

Notes

  • For moist scone recipe secrets, keep all ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, very cold.
  • To achieve bakery style scones, avoid overmixing the dough; minimal handling keeps them tender.
  • You can easily adapt this base recipe: add 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries or orange zest for fruit scones variations.
  • If you want a sweet glazed scone, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of milk and drizzle over cooled scones.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/classic-buttermilk-scones-fluffy-scones/