Make scones

Learn how to make scones in just a few easy steps.

Afternoon tea is just not the same without warm scones.Learn how to make scones in just a few easy steps.

Step 1

First preheat your oven to 230°C. It’s important to have the oven preheated to give the scones that immediate heat burst which will create a lighter scone.

Step 2

Then sift three cups of self raising flour in a bowl.

Step 3

Add a pinch of salt, one teaspoon castor sugar and 50 grams of chopped, cold butter and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour.

Step 4

Be sure to lift your hands during this process as this helps to aerate the mixture.

Step 5

Make a well in the centre of the mixture and add one and a quarter cups of milk.

Step 6

Use a round bladed knife (like a butter knife) to stir the milk into the flour, using a cutting action.

Step 7

The dough should be soft but sticky,, so add more milk if necessary.

Step 8

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured work surface and very gently knead until the dough just comes together. It’s important to knead very lightly, as heavy, long kneading develops the gluten in the flour and creates denser, heavier scones.

Step 9

Use your fingertips to gently pat the dough to a 2cm-thick disc. Avoid using a rolling pin as this is too heavy for scone dough. The trick to scones is to be as light handed as possible.

Step 10

Dip a pastry cutter into flour to help prevent it from sticking, and then gently press on the dough to cut. Place the scones, side by side, onto a lined or floured oven tray.