Simple Scones

You don't have to be a professional baker to make perfect scones! This super simple scone recipe is as approachable as it is irresistible.

What Is a Scone?

The word "scone" can mean slightly different things depending on where you're located. American scones (like the ones this recipe makes!) are typically sweet, dense, and dry. They're usually triangular and can contain mix-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts.

Scone Ingredients

This bakery-worthy scone recipe is easy to make with basic ingredients you likely already have on hand. If not, here's what to add to your grocery list:

· Flour: This scone recipe starts with all-purpose flour.
· Sugar: You'll need white sugar for the dough and to top the scones.
· Leaveners: Baking soda and baking powder act as leaveners, which means they help the scones rise.
· Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
· Butter: Make sure the butter is frozen before you incorporate it into the dough for the flakiest results.
· Raisins: You can also use dried currants.
· Sour cream: Sour cream lends moisture and subtle tangy flavor.
· Egg: An egg adds moisture and helps bind the scone dough together.

How to Make Scones

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make scones at home:

1. Mix the dry ingredients, then work the butter into the dough using your fingers.
2. Add the raisins.
3. Whisk the sour cream and egg together.
4. Stir the egg mixture into the flour mixture.
5. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and pat into a circle.
6. Sprinkle the dough with sugar and cut it into triangles.
7. Bake the scones in a preheated oven until golden brown.

Scone Variations

Mix it up with one of these variations on the basic scone recipe:

· For Cranberry-Orange Scones: Add a generous teaspoon of finely grated orange zest to the dry ingredients and substitute dried cranberries for the raisins.
· For Lemon-Blueberry Scones: Add a generous teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest to the dry ingredients and substitute dried blueberries for the raisins.
· For Cherry-Almond Scones: Add 1/2 teaspoon almond extract to the sour cream mixture and substitute dried cherries for the raisins.

How to Store Scones

Store the cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the fridge for up to one week.

Can You Freeze Scones?

Flash freeze the scones on a baking sheet for a few hours or up to overnight. Transfer the frozen scones to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Great and easy recipe," according to one Allrecipes community member. "I used almond flour and no fat Greek yogurt as substitutes and it came out really good!"

"This is my go-to scone recipe and I don't think I'll find one that's any better," says noahjr1980. "They always turn out flaky and buttery, and the base dough is versatile. You can use almost any dried fruits, add in nuts or seeds, swap in non-dairy fats and liquids."

"This is a great recipe," says Mary Blubaugh. "Super easy and the scone is moist … not dry at all. It's the perfect 'base' recipe. I will be making all the variations!"

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams