fruit scones recipe

they're quick to make, easy to learn and they never fail to impress with their taste. there's just something about scones, especially fruit scones, that they’re so hard to resist.

as scone fans, just thinking about enjoying them sends our imagination into overdrive. we can practically see them puffing up perfectly in the oven, with those fruits adding to the visual appeal.

it’s hard to resist the temptation of wanting them now, right? if that’s how you feel about fruit scones, we totally understand. to help you with that we’re going to share an easy recipe that lets you make buttery fruit scones that are perfect for whenever you like.

what are fruit scones?

fruit scones are round breads made with wheat flour, sugar, unsalted butter, baking powder, milk and dried fruits. much like classic scones, the fruity ones are puffy and have a flaky texture. what makes them different, is the addition of dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, blueberries and cranberries. no, we didn’t overlook fresh fruits! they might be a bit trickier to make, but they're definitely not uncommon!

these easy-to-make treats are really popular in the uk and australia. it’s hard to say whether their popularity comes from their taste and texture (which, in our opinion, is outstanding) or their versatility to be a perfect fit for afternoon tea, breakfast or simply as an outstanding snack.

speaking of taste and texture, they’ve a crispy and flaky exterior and a contrasting soft and moist interior which pair deliciously with classic combinations like jam and clotted cream or other creative combinations like caramel sauce, curds or cheese.  

step-by-step recipe for fruit scones

this recipe for fruit scones ticks all the boxes for its simplicity and ease of preparation, making it doable for anyone to make some nice and fluffy fruit scones.

Total Servings:-

8

Preparation Time:-

15 Minutes

Cooking Times:-

10 minutes

Nutritional Value:-

307 calories, 10g fat, 49g carbs, 7g protein

Recipe Category:-

snack

Cuisine:-

british

equipment

• baking tray
• fluted 5cm cutter
• pastry brush
• large bowl

ingredients

• 350g self-raising flour (plus extra for dusting)
• 75g salted butter (cold and cubed)
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3 tbsp sugar
• ¼ tsp salt
• 200ml milk
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 125g dried fruits
• 1 beaten egg (to glaze)

instructions

1. preheat the oven: set your oven to preheat at 220°c (fan – 200°c) and prepare the baking tray by lining it with baking paper.
2. mix the dry ingredients: use a decently large bowl to whisk together the self-raising flour, baking powder, sugar and salt.
3. make butter-flour crumbs: start by cutting the butter into small cubes and adding them to the flour mixture. now, gently work the butter into the flour until the mixture has the look and feel of coarse breadcrumbs. basically, you'll be pinching and rubbing the butter into the flour until it forms small, pea-sized pieces. keep doing this until the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour – it’ll help you get the flakiness in the scones.
4. mix in milk: add milk, lemon juice and vanilla extract to the butter-flour mixture. now use a fork to combine all the ingredients and be careful not to knead the dough excessively – let it just come together. at the start, the dough might look quite wet, however, it’ll have a sticky and moist consistency by the end of the step.
5. add the dried fruits: sprinkle the dried fruits evenly over the dough and lightly fold it a couple of times to evenly distribute the fruits throughout. you can also add the fruits during each fold to ensure that every part of the dough is packed with them.
6. shape and fold the dough: sprinkle flour over the kitchen counter. transfer the dough onto the floured surface, then add some more flour on top and onto your hands. next, fold the dough over a couple of times until it becomes smoother. then, gently shape it into a rough round or square – about 3cm thick.
7. cut out the scones: using a 5cm cutter dipped in flour, press it into the dough to cut out the scones. carefully transfer each scone onto the baking tray you prepared, ensuring they are evenly spaced apart.
8. utilise the remaining dough: gently press together the dough that’s left after cutting out the scones. then shape it into a round to cut out more scones.
9. apply egg wash and bake: using a pastry brush, coat the top of the scones with the beaten egg. if you prefer an egg-free option, you can instead use milk (just a heads up – it may start dripping down the sides, so be careful). then, bake for 10 minutes.
10. enjoy: them warm or let them cool down before serving. pair them with whipped cream, clotted cream or jam.

tips for perfecting your fruit scones

when trying out the recipe for fruit scones, many of us face some challenges. the most common ones among these relate to scones not rising properly or ending up tough and dry. but don't worry! our tips are here to help you overcome these and other challenges.

• the key to success in making scones lies in handling the dough carefully. it's crucial to not knead the dough too much. when you knead it lightly, it develops less gluten, resulting in loose and crumbly scones.
• ensure the butter is cold because it melts during baking and releases water as steam, which contributes to the scones rising.
• avoid overly juicy fruits, as their excessive moisture can create sticky patches in your scones. if you're using them, eliminate the moisture by roasting them before adding them to the dough.
• sift your dry ingredients together to remove any lumps and ensure thorough mixing. this enhances the chances of getting an even rise in the scones.
• fresh baking powder is crucial for scones to rise. replace it if it's been in your cupboard for over a year as it loses potency.
• apply a thoroughly beaten egg for an even, light golden-brown colour on your scones. eggs that aren't beaten enough can result in a patchy appearance.

serving suggestions and pairings

once you’ve mastered the recipe for fruit scones, it’s time to explore pairings. we’ve provided classic combinations and others that complement these treats perfectly. to complete the experience, enjoy them with a steaming cup of english breakfast tea or a refreshing herbal tea.

• jam and cream. there's nothing quite like the classic combination of jam and cream on a fruit scone.
• topped with blueberries. spread your scones with creamy cheese, then pile on the juicy blueberries to make scones simply irresistible.
• lemon curd. if you like a tangy taste, pair your fruit scones with some lemon curd and whipped cream.
• nutella and marshmallows. slather your scones with nutella and then sprinkle on some mini marshmallows for an amazing treat.
• fig jam and blue cheese. for an outstanding experience, pair your scones with a delicious combination of fig jam and blue cheese. the sweet and savoury contrast creates a unique blend.

conclusion

this recipe for fruit scones isn't just easy to follow – it's almost foolproof. we’ve tried and tested it, and it never disappoints in delivering light, fluffy and delicious scones every time.

now you don't have to wait for a special occasion to try this simple recipe for fruit scones. in fact, these scones are perfect for pampering yourself whenever you need a pick-me-up during your midday slump.

now, get ready to experience the joy of baking and enjoying homemade fruit scones! and don’t forget to keep our tips in mind to get the perfect fruit scones every time.

faqs on fruit scones

q. how do i store fruit scones to keep them fresh?

a. before you store the scones, allow them to cool completely to prevent sweating. then store them in a clean airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. although it’s better to consume them fresh, you can store them for longer by freezing them. remember to reheat before consuming.

q. can i freeze fruit scone dough for later use?

a. freezing the dough of scones is a fantastic way to plan ahead for a tea gathering or a nice breakfast for loved ones. simply prepare the dough, cut it into wedges and freeze. when the time comes, just take the frozen dough out, bake and enjoy.

q. what fruits work best in scones?

a. various fruits can enhance the flavour of scones – common choices include dried fruits like raisins, sultanas, dried cranberries and blueberries. for a tropical taste, you can use dried mango and pineapple. if you’re using fresh juicy fruits, remember to remove or reduce their juices significantly.

q. are there any gluten-free alternatives for this recipe?

a. you can easily make gluten-free scones by substituting regular four with gluten-free flour mix. additionally, ensure you use gluten-free baking powder and carefully select all other ingredients to ensure they're gluten-free.