Scones

Ingredients

• 500 g plain flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 rounded tsp baking powder
• 2 heaped tbsp caster sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 110 g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 300 ml whole milk
• 1 large egg, beaten, for egg wash
• Clotted cream and jam, optional for serving

Instructions

Follow each step in order. The directions below are written so a beginner can understand what to do, what to look for, and when to move on to the next step.

1. Step 1.Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F), line a baking tray, and chill the cubed butter until the moment it is needed.
2. Step 2.Mix the flour, baking powder, caster sugar, and salt thoroughly so the raising agent is distributed through the large quantity of flour.
3. Step 3.Rub the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few small flakes still visible.
4. Step 4.Pour in the whole milk and mix gently with a table knife or hand just until a soft, slightly rough dough comes together.
5. Step 5.Turn onto a lightly floured surface, fold the dough over itself a few times for layers, and pat it out without heavy kneading.
6. Step 6.Cut straight down with a round cutter, avoiding a twisting motion, and gather scraps gently to cut the remaining scones.
7. Step 7.Arrange on the lined tray, brush only the tops with beaten egg, and keep egg wash away from the sides so they can rise freely.
8. Step 8.Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until tall and golden, then cool briefly on a rack and serve warm with optional jam and clotted cream.