If you’re looking for scones recipes… you’ve come to the right place. Scones are, after all, the very essence of an afternoon tea. With a tea course entirely dedicated to itself. In fact, if you serve nothing else at your tea, serve scones.
We’ve gathered our favorite “perfect” scones recipes that transcend seasons, are both savory and sweet, and incredibly delicious.
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There is a debate among afternoon tea aficionados. And it’s about scones. Specifically British style scones and American style scones.
What is the Difference Between British Scones and American Scones?
Here’s the difference…
Andrea Geary lived in Scotland for eight years. When asked about the difference between American scones and British scones, she said,
“It’s really about the butter. When I lived in Scotland it became clear that a true British scone is not as buttery. Not because the Brits are nutritious, but because in Britain you don’t put a lot of butter in because you slather butter on it when you eat it! By the same token, you don’t put a lot of sugar in it but you pile jam on top. They’re probably equally injurious to one’s diet but in different, equally lovely ways.”
Scones vs Biscuits?
Some have asked, “What’s the difference between scones and biscuits?”
Dawn Perry, writing for Bon Appetit, humorously explains…
“Point being, a biscuit is not a scone. Sure, they’re made up of almost the same stuff—flour, leavener, fat, dairy—but they are two altogether different things and you better not try to trick me into thinking one is the other.”
And then distinguishes between the two…
“Biscuits should be light—airy even—with well-defined flaky layers. Tender, yes, but sturdy enough to support or be dragged through gravy, a runny egg yolk, or a generous serving of maple syrup. A scone should not flake like a biscuit. It can have layers of course, but they should err on the side of crumbly. A scone is slightly dryer than a biscuit and yet, when done well, not dry at all. Scones are intended to be consumed with a hot beverage of your choice after all. And clotted cream, or butter, or jam.”
I’ll let you decide which recipes are biscuit-y and which are not. To me… they’re all incredibly delicious!
We’ve separated the scone recipes into two groups: traditional cream style scones and specialty scones. But first…
Make Ahead Pro Tips:
Scones can be frozen either baked or unbaked. For baked scones, place them in resealable freezer bags, squeeze out the excess air, and freeze. To reheat, bake at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
For unbaked scones, partially freeze on a baking sheet before placing them in a resealable freezer bag in the freezer. When ready to serve, bake at 400 degrees F for 17 to 20 minutes, or according to recipe instructions, plus a couple of extra minutes.
Cream Style Scones Recipes:
Traditional British, cream style scones.
Lavender Cream Scones
“Where delicate culinary flowers mingle with lemon zest, a crowning glaze of confectioners’ sugar offers a sweet counterpoint for a sprinkling of fresh flowers on our Lavender Cream Scones.”
Lavender Cream Scones recipe >
The Washington Post’s British Scones for Afternoon Tea
“These are the kind of scones you’ll find gracing many an English table during afternoon tea — dainty, fluffy and light. They are chockablock with dried currants, but the scones are just as nice without them.”
British Scones for Afternoon Tea recipe >
Cream Scones Recipe with Pimm’s Strawberry Jam
“A cream scones recipe with homemade Pimm’s strawberry jam – the perfect recipe for Wimbledon fans who want to keep stocked up on summery treats for the tournament. This recipe makes ten large scones and four 250g jars of jam.”
Cream Scones Recipe with Pimm’s Strawberry Jam recipe >
British Classic Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream
“You can have a batch of scones on the table in 20 minutes with Jane Hornby’s storecupboard recipe, perfect for unexpected guests.”
Classic Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream recipe >
Traditional Scones with Lemon Curd and Clotted Cream
“These Traditional Scones with lemon curd and clotted cream are a wonderful teatime treat.”
Traditional Scones with Lemon Curd and Clotted Cream recipe >
English Style Scones
“These English Style Scones bake up light, tall and fluffy, and are a wonderful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. Spread them with jam, clotted cream, butter, or simply eat them plain. They’re so delicious!”
English Style Scones recipe >
Cream Tea Scones
“These scones couldn’t be more basic — or more delicious… enjoy ultra-tender, warm “cream tea” scones, perfect with butter and fresh preserves.”
Cream Tea Scones recipe >
Simple and Easy Currant Buttermilk Scones
“A British style afternoon tea scone is a treat in and of itself. These simple Currant Buttermilk Scones are everything you love about British cream scones, with the addition of oh-so-delicious sweet currants.”
Simple and Easy Currant Buttermilk Scones >
Speciality Scones Recipes
Sweet and Savory scone recipes…
Blueberry Scones
“These tender scones feature fresh blueberries, which leak rivulets of purple-blue juice into the dough around them as they bake, making for an especially enticing presentation.”
Blueberry Scones recipe >
Buttermilk Strawberry Scones
“A simple-to-make scone, that’s flaky and tender, with a perfect blend of sweet and tart. Finished off with a Lemon Butter Glaze that brings all the flavors together.”
Buttermilk Strawberry Scones >
Irish Raspberry Scones
“Scones are one of the first recipes most people learn to make in Ireland, especially if you did Home Ec. in school! What I love most about scones is that you can whip up a batch in a matter of minutes, usually with ingredients you already have in the house. I like to add fresh raspberries but you can keep the dough plain or add any berries you like. A thick layer of butter and jam is essential though!”
Irish Raspberry Scones recipe >
Raspberry Mint Scones
“These Raspberry-Mint Scones are a special treat, perfect for spring tea menus.”
Raspberry Mint Scones recipe >
Cheese and Chive Scones
“Traditionally a sweet treat, Karen turns the cream tea on its head in her savory version. She serves her cheese and chive scones recipe with a quick tomato relish, herb and garlic cream cheese, and a pot of punchy Assam tea, which stands up wonderfully to the deliciously cheesy scones.”
Cheese and Chives Scones recipe >
Welsh Cakes
“Traditional Welsh Cakes are packed with currants.”
Traditional Welsh Cakes recipe >
Wild Garlic and Cheddar Scones
“I love using wild garlic when it’s in season and it goes wonderfully in these savory scones. It has a wonderful, subtle flavor but if you can’t get your hands on any, spring onion or chives will work nicely here too but do try to track some down if you can.”
Wild Garlic and Cheddar Scones recipe >
Ginger Pecan Cranberry Scones
A cozy treat, filled with the perfect complementary flavors of cranberry and ginger.
Ginger Pecan Cranberry Scones recipe >
Starter Scones Recipe with Cranberries and Walnuts
“Here’s your basic “start here” scone recipe. While this simple vanilla scone is delicious as is, it’s also the perfect vehicle for your favorite add-ins; we happen to love dried cranberries and walnuts. Though chocolate chips are tempting, too!”
Starter Scones Recipe with Cranberries and Walnuts recipe >
Triple Chocolate Scones
“Triple chocolate — you can’t argue with that! These scones feature chocolate chips studded throughout a tender, just-sweet-enough chocolate scone; the rich chocolate glaze makes this a triple treat.”
Triple Chocolate Scones recipe >
More Scones Recipes
Queen Elizabeth’s Drop Scones
Petite Apple Cinnamon Scones
15 Minute Easy Pumpkin Scones
Fisher State Fair Scones with Raspberry Jam
Black Currant Oat Scones
Gluten-Free Scones
Bacon Cheddar Chive Scones
Dundee Biscuits
Simple Sweet Scones
Peach and Cream Scones
Maple Bacon Buttermilk Scones
Honey Scones
