Some days call for comfort with a touch of elegance—and that’s where perfect scones come in. These buttery scones are crisp on the edges, soft in the middle, and irresistible. Whether crafting a cozy weekend breakfast or looking for homemade brunch ideas that impress, this easy scone recipe is a must-have in your baking toolkit.
And let me tell you: there’s something deeply satisfying about pulling a tray of golden scones from the oven. Add a dollop of jam, a smear of butter, or enjoy them warm and plain. However you serve them, these flaky breakfast pastries are always a win.
Why You’ll Love These Perfect Scones
This recipe nails that perfect balance of crumbly and moist. The cold butter creates flakiness, while the cream and egg bring richness. They’re endlessly customizable with chocolate chips, nuts, fruit, or even a bit of citrus zest. Plus, the dough comes together in minutes—no mixer needed.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or citrus zest
- Heavy cream (for brushing)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
How to Make These Flaky Breakfast Pastries
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
- Cut in the cold butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
- In another bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in any optional mix-ins.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch-thick disc.
- Cut into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet.
- Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool for 5 minutes on a tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
Scone Tips from a Home Baker
- Cold butter is non-negotiable. It’s what gives scones their signature flake.
- Don’t overmix! A gentle hand keeps them light and tender.
- Mix a little orange zest into the dough and dip it in chocolate for a brunch-worthy twist.
- These scones freeze beautifully. Bake, cool, and store in a freezer-safe bag.
My Go-To Homemade Brunch Idea
These scones first appeared at one of my weekend brunches—you know, the kind where you throw on your comfiest sweater and pretend you have your life together. They were gone before the coffee was even cold. Now, I whip up a batch whenever friends come over or I need a little baked joy to start the week.
What to Serve With These Easy Scones
Pair them with clotted cream and jam for a classic tea-time feel. Or go savory with herbed butter or soft scrambled eggs. They also shine next to fresh fruit or yogurt, making them versatile for breakfast or a midday snack.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftover scones can be kept in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To bring back the fresh-baked texture, reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–8 minutes. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months. Just thaw and warm when ready.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Shape and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh in the morning.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the richness and texture won’t be quite the same.
What’s the best way to cut butter?
Use your fingers, a pastry cutter, or even a cheese grater for perfect bits.
Why did my scones spread too much?
The butter may have gotten too warm. Chill the dough before baking next time.
These perfect scones are your ticket to flaky, buttery, golden-brown bliss. Whether feeding guests or treating yourself, this easy scone recipe will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Perfect Scones: Buttery, Flaky, and Just the Right Amount of Sweet
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These perfect scones are buttery, flaky, and just sweet enough. Crisp on the outside and tender in the center, they’re the ultimate breakfast or brunch treat. Whether enjoyed warm with jam and cream or plain right off the tray, this easy scone recipe is a go-to for any cozy morning or elegant gathering. Customizable with your favorite mix-ins, they come together quickly with no mixer required.
Ingredients
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
2 teaspoons baking powder
-
1/4 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/2 cup heavy cream
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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Optional: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, dried fruit, chopped nuts, or citrus zest
-
Heavy cream (for brushing)
-
Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
-
Cut in cold cubed butter using fingers or a pastry cutter until crumbly.
-
In a separate bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
-
Pour wet ingredients into dry and stir gently until just combined.
-
Fold in any optional mix-ins.
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On a floured surface, pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disc.
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Cut into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet.
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Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
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Bake for 14–18 minutes or until golden brown.
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Cool 5 minutes on tray, then transfer to a wire rack.
Notes
Keep butter cold throughout the process for best flakiness.
Mix gently to avoid tough scones.
Add orange zest or dip in chocolate for extra flair.
Scones freeze well—bake, cool, and store in a freezer-safe bag.
Reheat in the oven for a freshly baked texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, British-Inspired