Scones

Scones Recipe with Jam – A Delight for Breakfast

Scones are those little treats that remind us of warm moments spent with loved ones, whether served at breakfast or as an afternoon snack. These delicious pastries have a fluffy texture and a subtle taste, making them perfect to pair with your favorite jam. Let’s discover together how to prepare the tastiest scones, step by step.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total time: 35-40 minutes
Number of servings: 10-12 scones

Ingredients:

- 1 egg (approximately 60 g)
- 70 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 100 ml milk
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 300 g flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder (approximately 10 g)
- A pinch of salt

Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients

Before starting, make sure you have all the ingredients at room temperature, except for the butter, which should be cold. This will help achieve a fluffy texture. I recommend using good quality flour for the best results.

Step 2: Preparing the Dough

In a bowl, beat the egg together with a pinch of salt, the two tablespoons of sugar, and the milk. This mixture will add moisture and contribute to the flavors of the scones.

In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. This will ensure even rising of the dough during baking. Add the cold butter, cut into cubes, to the flour mixture. Use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour until you achieve a texture similar to fine sand.

Step 3: Combining the Ingredients

Pour the egg and milk mixture into the bowl with flour and butter. Mix with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture begins to come together. Do not over-knead, just enough to form a homogeneous dough. It should be slightly sticky, but not excessively so.

Step 4: Chilling the Dough

Shape the dough into a ball and wrap it in plastic wrap. Let it chill for an hour. This step is essential for improving the texture and making it easier to roll out the dough.

Step 5: Rolling Out the Dough

After the dough has chilled, sprinkle a little flour on the work surface and roll out the dough to about 0.5 cm thick. Use a round cutter to cut out circles, which you will place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a little space between the scones, as they will puff up during baking.

Step 6: Baking the Scones

Preheat the oven to a low temperature (about 180°C). Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. It is important not to leave them in the oven too long to avoid drying out.

Step 7: Cooling and Filling

After baking, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. Once completely cooled, cut each scone in half and spread your favorite jam on them. I recommend raspberry or peach jam, but you can experiment with other flavors.

Practical Tips:

1. Ingredient Variations: You can add other flavors to the dough, such as lemon or orange zest, for an even more refined taste. You can also incorporate chocolate chips or dried fruits.

2. Serving: Scones can be served with a cup of hot tea or coffee, making them an ideal choice for an elegant brunch or a gathering with friends.

3. Calories and Nutritional Benefits: Each scone has approximately 150-180 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. They provide a quick source of energy due to the carbohydrates in the flour, and the butter adds healthy fats that are essential for a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, you can use whole wheat flour, but the scones will have a denser texture. I recommend combining whole wheat flour with white flour to achieve a balance between flavor and texture.

2. What if the dough is too sticky? If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, but be careful not to overdo it, so you don’t dry out the scones.

3. Can I make the scones in advance? Yes, scones can be made a day ahead and stored in an airtight container. Reheat them slightly before serving to restore their fluffy texture.

Scones are a wonderful choice for any time of the day and are very easy to prepare. Experiment with different flavors and fillings to make them truly unique! Happy cooking and enjoy your meal!