This authentic Scottish Scones recipe is super easy to make and so flaky. Soft and crumbly, these delicate scones go wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or strong caffe’ latte.
A lazy Saturday morning deserves a scone fresh out of the oven slathered with your favorite jam. Any morning deserves a scone fresh out of the oven!
Authentic Scottish Scones recipe
I usually make pancakes or waffles on the weekend. My family recently has been requesting scones. I have been making scones over the years for the kids with different kind of chips (butterscotch, chocolate, white chocolate) and with fruits. I never make them with just freshly grated lemon zest.
I mentioned recently I’ve been finally catching up on recipes I wanted to try from Molly Wizenberg’s A Homemade Life. This was one of the recipes in the book I marked to try and it is a definite keeper!
What is a good scone?
My brother came over the other day and he was asking me what makes a really good, or rather, great scone? He asked how should the texture be? Hard? Soft? So I explained the texture should be crumbly and soft. Definitely it should not be tough and the less you work the dough, the more delicate your scone will be!
The tangy zest of the lemon mixed with the sweetness of the strawberry jam is exquisite. Delicate scones go wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or strong caffe’ latte (that’s the way I like them.
Scottish Scones
slightly adapted from Orangette
½ c milk (I used low-fat. You can use even heavy whipping cream if you like)
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
½ tsp salt
zest of one lemon
½ stick (2 ounces) unsalted butter, cubed and chilled
3 Tbs sugar
Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg and then set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
Rub the butter into the flour mixture, working until you have no lumps bigger than a pea. Add the sugar and toss to mix. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Bring dough together gently with a wooden spoon.
Turn dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead it no more than 12 times. [Apparently, twelve is the magic number here; surpass it at your own risk.] Pat dough into a round approximately 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges. Place on an ungreased baking sheet or a Silpat.
Using a pastry brush, brush milk onto the wedges.
Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a rack and serve with your favorite jam.
If you want to see some pretty scones with a sweet glaze, check out my darling friend Lindsey's delicious scones! Here are links to my Sour Cherry Scones with White Chocolate Chips and my Butterscotch Chip Scones. The Butterscotch Drop Scones are dangerous. That’s all I have to say.
My in-laws have been enjoying this wonderful Florida weather. We have been too! The intense humidity and days of temperature over 100 degrees are around the corner for us. This gorgeous sailboat passed in front of our view on one of her recent visits to the beach. I see them so often that I forget their beauty.
I take for granted the splendid colors of our ocean. I neglect to cherish simple images such as this as I’m sure my in-laws do the same with the beauty that surrounds them in Italy. I guess your eyes are no longer intrigued with what is common.
I smile every time I hear them say, “Che bello!” How beautiful. Yes, it is beautiful. I’m looking at the places I see every day with new eyes thanks to my in-laws. I appreciate my life a little bit more each day.
My mother-in-law was fascinated with these trees at the park the other day. She kept filming them and photographing them. The same spot, over and over again.
Can you think of somewhere in your city or town that you have taken for granted? Something simple and beautiful. Something that is unique and special? Take me to your city! Tell me all about it!
Thank you for stopping by and for your awesome comments!! I promise to post something I’ve recently made with Teresa (my mother-in-law). She moves so fast when she cooks it is difficult to photograph her!
Authentic Scottish Scones
Ingredients
- ½ cup milk you could use almond, oat or coconut milk
- 1 egg
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- zest of one lemon
- ½ stick 2 ounces unsalted butter, cubed and chilled (use vegan butter sticks if you like)
- 3 Tbs sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg and then set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt.
- Rub the butter into the flour mixture, working until you have no lumps bigger than a pea. Add the sugar and toss to mix. Add the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir to combine. Bring dough together gently with a wooden spoon.
- Turn dough out onto a lightly floured counter and knead it no more than 12 times. [Apparently, twelve is the magic number here; surpass it at your own risk.] Pat dough into a round approximately 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges. Place on an ungreased baking sheet or a Silpat.
- Using a pastry brush, brush milk onto the wedges.
- Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until golden. Cool on a rack and serve with your favorite jam.
Nutrition Disclaimer
Please keep in mind that the nutritional information presented below is an approximation and may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Elizabeth Ann (Elizabeth Ann's Recipe Box says
hmm. . . I love the hole in the wall restaurants that Houston has to offer! 🙂
Sandra says
Your Scones look very very tasty and pretty! for some reason I have never made them before, but will try your recipe one of these days:)
I love that photo of the tree, so unique as you said!
A Thought For Food says
You know how much I adore scones... and these look like ones I'd just love to have on a Sunday morning. In fact, I may just try them out this weekend!
Cher says
Those are very lovely. I confess - I am always adding "stuff" to my scones to keep the peeps interested. Something simple along side a cup of tea sounds lovely for a Saturday morning (before any one else is up, of course 🙂 )
Magic of Spice says
What a nice post, sounds like you and your in-laws are enjoying time together. Fabulous scones!
Anonymous says
Beautiful scones! That photo w the marmalade just made my mouth water.
Living on an island you would think I go to the beach often. I don't. I'm always so "busy" that beach trips get postponed over and over again. My favorite beach is 2 hours away, I'll tell my boyfriend to take me there soon 🙂
Angela@RecipesFromMyMom says
Lora, you make me ask myself - why wait until the weekend? Your recipe is easy enough to make any morning and would certainly be better than a bowl of cereal. Glad to hear you're feeling so good about life.
LunaMoth says
oh no! i have everything but the lemon! ill have to ask the rents if they can get me one this week, i really want to try these, i have strawberry jam in the fridge!
Anonymous says
all i can think right now is why don't i make scones more often?
Julie (TheLittleKitchen.net) says
Your scones look great! Bookmarking these!
scrambledhenfruit says
What a great reminder to appreciate the beauty around us that we so often take for granted! Your scones are lovely as well. We love scones for a leisurely weekend breakfast. 🙂
Amy says
Your scones look so delicious! Perfect crumb, and I love the addition of the lemon zest, I bet it really makes them pop!
Jennifer-Adventuresome Kitchen says
We have the best city park in Kansas City- Loose Park. It's enormous, there's a nice playground at one end, a fishpond, a rose garden where folks are always getting married, and then a vast expanse of large trees and grass. In the center of the park you can't hear the cars. Sometimes we go to fly kites (no power lines) or climb trees, and in the summer have a picnic dinner. In general I'm not a midwesterner, but coming to this park with its majestic trees always makes me feel content. I like the fireflies too.
On a food note- those scones look scrumptious. I will have to figure out how to make a GF adaptation!
All That's Left Are The Crumbs says
What a wonderful treat to wake up to in the morning. I am a big fan of scones too, especially with that latte you mentioned. Yours certainly look delicious.
I am very lucky to live where I do, and sometimes I take that for granted. We used to do pau hana on the beach each Friday night, with a picnic dinner. We haven't done it in ages, so thanks for the reminder to enjoy what you have.
Anonymous says
Yummy scones 🙂
Hester aka The Chef Doc says
Oh my... a scone recipe that doesn't need heavy cream! I'm so looking forward to trying these out! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
PS--the pictures look fabulous!
Amy Bakes Everything says
Beautiful! I want to try these - my scones are usually dry...yours look super moist, great job!
Sommer J says
They looks so beautiful and flaky! Perfect any time of day for me and carboholics 🙂
Sanjeeta kk says
Very rightly said ' 12 is the magic number' which gives this lovely rough texture to the scone. Love to have them with my hot tea on this Sunday 🙂
Becky says
I love scones, too, especially with a hint of lemon and jam. Yours are gorgeous.
Pegasuslegend says
Scones our a favorite here we make them at least twice a month all different ways your are perfection!
Lindsay @Eat, Knit, Grow says
Delicious looking scones and jam. Also, I am very jealous of your weather!
Nelly Rodriguez says
Those scones definitely look great! Thanks for sharing this recipe...
Place I take for granted? My parents house when I'm not here! Haha, it's just so great to be pampered all the time. Other than that, maybe the beach? I don't visit too often because I don't like to expose my skin to so much sun. And let me assure you, the sun on this island is like no other!
RavieNomNoms says
I am really drooling at my desk at work right now haha, those look amazing. With some butter and jam? Heeeaaveeen!
Anonymous says
I really enjoy scones, They are one of my fav comfort foods. Oddly, it's been a while since I've made them. Hmmm...I think that's about to change! Hope you are feeling well.
Pretend Chef says
Those scones look amazing with the jam. Delicious! I'm the kind of person who loves all of life's simple pleasures. I absolutely love hearing the birds chirping outside my window even when they wake me up an hour before I'm ready to. I actually got to watch them assemble a nest the other day and I'm looking forward to their babies again this Spring! Makes me giddy!
Georgia | The Comfort of Cooking says
Not until I was older did I enjoy scones, but now I love them for breakfast or with a cup of tea anytime. Thank you for sharing your beautiful nature photos, Lora! I definitely didn't appreciate the sprawling, green farm I grew up on enough, which I would give anything to visit today!
Karen says
I'm always nervous to make scones because I've had a few batches of heavy, dense ones. But this really makes me want to try again. Especially the picture with the strawberry jam! I could go for one of those right now!
Sandra says
Your scones look yummy and this post was very calming. Thanks I needed that.
Lizzy says
Mmmmmm....now why don't I have a plate of those lovely scones for my breakfast tomorrow? I'd love one with jelly.
I love when the red bud and tulip trees blossom in the spring...so gorgeous, but I don't always take the time to stop and admire. I will this year~
Susi's Kochen und Backen says
I love the simplicity of these scones. They are perfect to be enjoyed with some jam. Beautiful pictures of the sailboat and trees as well. Phoenix is quite breathtaking, especially with the beautiful desert sunsets we have.
Sprinkled with Flour says
Mmm, I love a good scone. These look so wonderfully chunky and delicious...something I could really sink my teeth into. Yum!
Happy When Not Hungry says
Your scones look delicious! I live in the DC Metro Area and I definitely forget just how beautiful all the monuments are down here. I see them all the time so take them for granted. I'm reminded of their beauty when I overhear tourists talking about them. I'm glad you're having a great time with your in-laws!
Kate@Diethood.com says
Latte and a scone = one very enjoyable moment!
Beautiful photos ... I wish I could have one of your scones!
The Mom Chef says
Scottish scones....just the name makes them a must-try and then seeing your pictures of them puts it over the top.
I can understand why your mother-in-law is taking pictures of that try. It's way cool. We have Pilot Mountain, a monadnock (a mountain that pushes up out of flat ground) that we love to visit whenever we can. It has a beautiful granite face and to be way up there and look out over North Carolina is breathtaking.
kita says
I'm telling ya, send those in-laws up this way when they are done with beautiful sunny Florida. Lol, as if the weather in my area would ever tempt anyone to leave Florida.
These scones sounds delish! Ive never tried making any sort of scone but Im thinking I should. 😀
Anonymous says
I have a slight obsession with scones! These look incredible..especially the picture of the scone with the jam slathered all over it! Yum! 🙂
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
I love this recipe--simple and delicious. the texture of your scones looks amazing!
Lindsey @ Gingerbread Bagels says
Oh how I love scones and I wish I had a million of your scones right now. Yes a million! 🙂 Thank you for mentioning my scones!
Beth says
I just recently made scones for the first time and loved them! Yours look terrific.
Thanks for helping take care of Monet with your guest post. That's truly kind of you.
Raina says
I love scones. Yours sound wonderful lemon flavor.
I do find that I take things around me for granted rushing from here to there never really paying attention; then sometimes I catch myself and take the time to stop and realize the beauty around me. I can see why you MIL was so fascinated by those trees; they are very unique looking, nothing like hat up north:)
DrWildcat says
This is the best recipe for scones I've ever come across. They turned out so light and crumbly! I have to admit I did use heavy cream but needed to use about another half cup of milk to get the right dough consistency.
Fell in love with scones during my travels in Scotland and this recipe is just like the ones I remember.
Many thanks...
Lora says
Hello-Thank you so much for letting me know you enjoyed the recipe! I would love to try scones in Scotland. That's so nice that this reminds you of the ones you had there. Happy Baking!
Julia says
I have been making these scones for years. Just wanted you to know, they are the best!! THANK YOU!
Lora says
Hi Julia-So happy you enjoy the scones recipe. They are our favorite!! Happy Baking! XX