Author's Notes: Tender, buttery scones inspired by our favorite British show Downton Abbey. Serve them with butter, jam, or clotted cream, and don’t forget a spot of tea.

Daisy’s Downton British Scones Print Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 2 Cups Unbleached Cake Flour
  • 4 Tsp. Baking Powder
  • ½ Tsp. Salt
  • 4 Tbs. Irish Butter, room temp
  • 1 Egg, lightly beaten
  • Light Cream, enough to add up to ¾ Cup (with the egg added)
  • 1 Egg, beaten, for glazing top of scone
  • 2 Tbs. Sparkling Sugar (optional for topping scones)

Preparation:

  1. Preheat oven to 400F.
  2. Mix dry ingredients in a medium sized bowl.
  3. Add butter and rub in with fingers until it resembles crumbs.
  4. Move this mixture to the side of the bowl to form a well in the center.
  5. In a measuring cup, beat 1st egg then pour in enough cream (you can also use regular milk or buttermilk) to make ¾ cup of liquid.
  6. Mix together with a fork, then pour into the well you’ve made of the dry ingredients and butter.
  7. Mix together with fork, gradually incorporating the dry ingredients into the wet. You should be left with a soft dough.
  8. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and pat or roll out until it is about 1 ½” thick.
  9. Press out rounds, gather excess dough and repeat, though handle the dough as little as possible to keep the scones tender.
  10. Put the scones on baking sheet lined with a baking mat (or directly on a well-greased baking sheet).
  11. Beat the 2nd egg well, then brush on the top of the scones using a pastry brush.
  12. If desired, sprinkle sparkling sugar on top.
  13. Bake approximately 13 minutes, until well risen and golden.

Best served warm with butter and jam (or if you’re American: Skillet Bacon Jam)