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Jamie Oliver English Scones Recipe

Jamie Oliver English Scones Recipe

If you want to bring a touch of British charm to your baking, Jamie Oliver’s scones recipe is a fantastic place to start.

There’s nothing quite like the combination of crumbly scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam to evoke that quintessential English tea-time feel.

Using cold butter and minimal kneading are key tricks that make these scones delightfully crumbly and irresistible.

Plus, I love this method because it’s so straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both new and experienced bakers!

How to Make Jamie Oliver English Scones Recipe

Ingredients

  • 350 g Self-Raising Flour
  • 100 g Butter (cold)
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 50 g Caster Sugar
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • 2 Eggs
  • 150 ml Milk

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6.

Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.

Step 2:

Combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a mixing bowl.

Add in the cold butter, then use your thumbs and forefingers to rub it into the flour until you achieve a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 3:

Stir in the caster sugar, making sure it’s evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4:

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then mix in the milk.

Pour the egg and milk mixture into the well.

Step 5:

Using a spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.

The dough should be slightly sticky.

Step 6:

Lightly flour a clean surface.

Turn out the dough and knead it very briefly, just enough to bring it together.

Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 2-3 cm.

Step 7:

Use a round cutter to cut out your scones and place them on the prepared baking tray.

Brush the tops with a little milk to give them a golden finish.

Step 8:

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.

Allow to cool on a wire rack.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Cold Butter

Keep your butter as cold as possible to achieve the best texture.

Cold butter prevents it from melting into the flour during mixing, helping the scones stay flaky and light.

Avoid Over-Kneading

Over-kneading the dough can lead to tough scones.

You want the dough to come together, but don’t handle it more than necessary.

Sift Ingredients

Sifting the flour and baking powder together helps to evenly distribute the leavening agent.

This ensures a uniform rise during baking.

Use Fresh Baking Powder

I always make sure my baking powder is fresh and active.

Old baking powder may not give your scones the lift they need.

If in doubt, test it by adding a bit to hot water; it should bubble vigorously.

Brush with Milk or Egg Wash

For a golden and shiny top, brush your scones with milk or a beaten egg before baking.

This small step makes a big difference in the visual appeal of your scones.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver English Scones Recipe

berries with english scones

Classic Cream Toppings

You can’t go wrong with the traditional duo of clotted cream and strawberry jam.

This classic combination adds a rich, sweet, and tangy flavor that perfectly complements the buttery scones. Mmm, I love it in the mornings!

Fresh Fruits

Fresh fruits like berries or sliced peaches are wonderful choices.

Not only do they add a burst of color, but their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with the subtle flavor of the scones.

Savory Options

If you’re in the mood for something savory, try smoked salmon and cream cheese.

This combination offers a luxurious and slightly salty contrast that’s simply delightful.

Unique Pairings

For an unexpected twist, serve scones with honey and blue cheese.

The sharpness of the blue cheese with the sweetness of honey creates an intriguing balance of flavors.

Another creative option is fig preserves with a bit of prosciutto, providing a sweet and salty explosion in each bite.

Beverages

Complement your scones with a pot of Earl Grey tea or even a glass of sparkling wine.

These beverages add an extra touch of elegance to your scone experience.

Variations and Substitutions

Additional Mix-Ins

You can add various ingredients to your scone dough for extra flavor.

I will often mix in dried fruits like cranberries, raisins, or apricots.

Nuts such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts can give a nice crunch.

Different Flours

Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat or oat flour for a different texture.

Avoid using more than half alternative flours to maintain the structure.

Enhancing with Spices

Add warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to your flour mix.

A touch of vanilla or almond extract can also elevate the flavor profile.

Dairy-Free Options

Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives like almond or soy milk.

Ensure your substitute choices mimic the consistency of traditional ingredients.

Gluten-Free Adjustments

Opt for a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Ensure the mix includes xanthan gum to help bind the dough.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver English Scones

Leaving scones out can make them dry quickly.

Store them properly to keep them fresh.

Cooling

First, let your scones cool to room temperature entirely.

This may take 30-40 minutes.

Containers

Place a paper towel inside a plastic, glass, or ceramic container.

Arrange the scones on top, then cover them with another paper towel.

Close the container securely.

Storing

Store the container at room temperature.

Your scones should remain fresh for two to four days with this method.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overmixing the Dough

One of the biggest mistakes you can make is overmixing the dough.

When you overwork the dough, it can lead to scones that are tough and chewy, rather than light and flaky.

You should stop mixing as soon as the ingredients are combined and the dough just comes together.

Incorrect Butter Texture

Using the wrong butter texture can significantly impact your scones.

The butter should be cold and cut into small pieces to create a flaky texture.

If the butter melts or is too soft, it will be absorbed into the dough, making your scones heavy and dense.

Too Much Flour on the Surface

Adding too much flour to your work surface can cause the scones to be dry.

Use just enough flour to prevent sticking but not so much that it changes the dough’s consistency.

Lightly flouring the surface and your hands should be sufficient to handle the dough without altering its moisture level.

jamie oliver english scones hdr

Jamie Oliver English Scones Recipe

There's nothing quite like the combination of crumbly scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam to evoke that quintessential English tea-time feel.
Using cold butter and minimal kneading are key tricks that make these scones delightfully crumbly and irresistible.
Plus, the method is straightforward and easy to follow, making it perfect for both new and experienced bakers.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: British
Servings: 12

Ingredients

  • 350 g Self-Raising Flour
  • 100 g Butter cold
  • 1 tsp Baking Powder
  • 50 g Caster Sugar
  • 1 pinch Sea Salt
  • 2 Eggs
  • 150 ml Milk

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) or gas mark 6.
  • Prepare a baking tray by lining it with parchment paper.
  • Combine the self-raising flour, baking powder, and a pinch of sea salt in a mixing bowl.
  • Add in the cold butter, then use your thumbs and forefingers to rub it into the flour until you achieve a texture resembling coarse breadcrumbs.
  • Stir in the caster sugar, making sure it's evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • Create a well in the center of the flour mixture.
  • Beat the eggs in a separate bowl, then mix in the milk.
  • Pour the egg and milk mixture into the well.
  • Using a spoon, gently mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
  • The dough should be slightly sticky.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface.
  • Turn out the dough and knead it very briefly, just enough to bring it together.
  • Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 2-3 cm.
  • Use a round cutter to cut out your scones and place them on the prepared baking tray.
  • Brush the tops with a little milk to give them a golden finish.
  • Step 8:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the scones are well-risen and golden brown.
  • Allow to cool on a wire rack.

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