Scones

Sweet scones with fig jam - A traditional recipe with a touch of elegance

If you are looking for a quick and delicious recipe that brings an air of refinement and tradition to your kitchen, look no further! Today, I will teach you how to prepare sweet scones, a delicacy that has become a symbol of traditional meals, often served with a cup of tea or warm milk. This recipe is simple, yet the result is amazing, and each bite will bring a smile to your face.

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

Ingredients

- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 1 packet baking powder (about 10 g)
- A pinch of salt
- 70 g cold butter, cut into cubes
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk (preferably whole, for a richer taste)
- 50 g sugar
- 1 packet vanilla sugar (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)

A touch of history

Scones have deep roots in culinary tradition, becoming an essential part of British tea time. These little delights are pure versatility, able to be prepared both sweet and savory. Whether you enjoy them with butter and jam or with cheese and smoked meat, scones will always bring a touch of joy to your life.

Preparation process

Step 1: Preparing the dough

1. Start by preparing the ingredients. Make sure the butter is cold, as this will help achieve a fluffy texture.
2. In a food processor, add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix lightly to combine the dry ingredients.
3. Add the cold cubed butter. Mixing will take a few seconds until the mixture resembles wet sand.
4. In a separate bowl, beat the egg with the milk. Pour the egg mixture over the dry ingredients and mix again until combined.
5. Finally, add the sugar and vanilla sugar, mixing gently to avoid developing gluten from the flour.

Step 2: Shaping the scones

1. Sprinkle a little flour on a work surface and turn out the dough. Knead gently just until it becomes compact, being careful not to overwork it to maintain a fluffy texture.
2. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for an hour. This step is essential for achieving fluffier scones.
3. After an hour, remove the dough from the fridge and roll it out on a floured surface, forming a sheet about 0.5 cm thick.
4. Use a round cutter (or a glass) to cut circles from the dough. Place them on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.

Step 3: Baking

1. Preheat the oven to 150°C (medium).
2. Bake the scones for 15 minutes or until they turn golden. Don’t forget to check on them from time to time!
3. Once done, let them cool on a wire rack.

Step 4: Serving

1. Use a pastry brush to remove excess flour from the scones.
2. Serve them warm, alongside fig jam, Nutella, or honey, and don’t forget a cup of tea or warm milk to complete the culinary experience.

Practical tips

- Ingredient variations: You can add raisins, chocolate, or nuts to the dough for an extra flavor boost. Additionally, replacing part of the milk with yogurt will add a richer texture.
- How to keep scones fresh: If you don’t consume them immediately, store them in an airtight container. They can be kept for up to 3 days, but I recommend enjoying them as soon as possible to savor the fluffy texture.
- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use whole wheat flour? Yes, but the scones will have a different, denser texture.
- Can I freeze the scones? Absolutely! You can freeze the unbaked scones and bake them directly from the freezer, adjusting the baking time.

Nutritional benefits

These sweet scones are a source of complex carbohydrates and, due to the butter and egg, also provide healthy fats. Additionally, honey or fig jam adds a note of antioxidants. Generally, one scone contains about 150 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

Serving recommendations

These scones are perfect for a brunch with friends or as a dessert at a festive meal. You can pair them with various drinks: black tea, coffee, or even a glass of warm milk with cinnamon.

Scones are an excellent choice to bring an air of elegance to any moment of the day. So, get ready to impress your family and friends with this traditional yet modern recipe that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!