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Perfectly Tall and Fluffy Buttermilk Scones

Close-up of several flaky, square scones stacked on a white plate, showing their layered interior.
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Make bakery-style scones at home using cold ingredients and a simple folding technique. This recipe yields tender, light scones perfect for afternoon tea or breakfast.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. This step is key for flakiness.
  4. Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the cold buttermilk. Use a fork to gently mix until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will look shaggy.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a rough rectangle about 1 inch thick.
  6. Fold the dough in thirds, like a business letter. Turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the folding process one more time. This layering builds height.
  7. Pat the dough out again to about 1 inch thick. Use a 2-inch round biscuit cutter to cut out the scones. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to keep the sides straight for a tall rise.
  8. Place the cut scones close together on the prepared baking sheet. For extra height, you can gently press them against each other.
  9. In a small bowl, whisk the egg and milk/cream together to create an egg wash. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the wash.
  10. Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones are risen.
  11. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving. Serve warm with jam and clotted cream.

Notes

  • Keep all wet and dry ingredients cold. Cold butter creates steam pockets, resulting in a tall, fluffy texture.
  • When cutting the scones, press the cutter straight down. Twisting seals the edges and prevents a high rise.
  • For a sweeter finish, drizzle with a simple glaze made from 1 cup powdered sugar mixed with 2 tablespoons of milk or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/perfect-tall-fluffy-buttermilk-scones/