These are not American scones that are filled with chocolate chips and covered in glaze. To quote Jerry Seinfeld, "not that there's anything wrong with that." This recipe is for British scones - the perfect vehicle for clotted cream, or butter, and jam - a must for any holiday tea.
*this recipe was developed for my friends at Imperial Sugar
What makes a British Scone Different from an American Scone?
British scones are more closely related to American biscuits. While a British "biscuit" is what we would call a crunchy cookie! Sometimes made with raisins or sultanas, British scones are on the plain side compared with American scones, which are typically heavily flavored and topped with a drizzle or glaze.
You might notice that these scones are smaller than what you're used to. And the Brits don't eat them for breakfast; scones are served with tea in the afternoon.
When we visited England earlier in the year, scones were a highlight of our tea at Kensington palace. Actually, everything was a highlight because it was absolutely dreamy.
While testing several batches, I discovered the trick to the highest rise - letting the cut scones rest on the cookie sheet before baking. Resting at room temperature is vital!
What you see here is a scone that rested at room temperature versus a scone that rested in the refrigerator! What a difference! I also tested baking without a rest, and they were flat as well. Resting a room temp is where the magic happens, baby. Sorry I called you baby.
How to Eat a British Scone
From what I've gathered, the proper way to eat a scone is to split it and spread clotted cream (or butter) and jam on both sides. Never sandwich the sides back together. If serving with clotted cream, spread the jam first, then the cream. If serving with butter, it's butter first, then jam. Very proper.
I'm partial to Irish butter on my scones. Hey, I might love England, but my Irish heritage is strong.
Make these for a holiday tea, baby shower, wedding shower...or, you know, Thursday.
You'll find my full recipe over on Imperial Sugar! Make them, and let me know on Instagram if you're TeamClottedCream or TeamButter!
FAQs
American scones use much more butter than British scones, and they usually have quite a bit more sugar. The extra butter is what makes them so much denser. This is not really a good or bad thing, as British scones pile on plenty of sugar (in the form of preserves/jam) and butter or clotted cream as toppings.
What are British scones called in America? ›
A Biscuit (U.S.) Is a Scone (U.K.)
Both baked goodies use flour, fat, liquid and a leavening agent. The main differences are that scones tend to have less butter (because you'll add butter to it when you eating it — or else, clotted cream or jam) while American biscuits tend to have more butter and light layers.
What is the difference between a biscuit and a scone in the UK? ›
"Scones are typically made using a quick bread method with a higher ratio of liquid to flour, and sometimes no butter at all," says Snyder. In contrast, biscuits have a high ratio of butter, and the lamination process needed to achieve flaky layers is a key differentiator to scones.
What is the American version of a scone? ›
Biscuits and scones have the same British ancestor, but the early Southern colonists' version included butter, lard, buttermilk, and soft wheat, plentiful in the South. Over time, this fluffy and layered bread evolved into a regional commodity: the Southern biscuit.
What do British call biscuits and gravy? ›
Scones and Gravy: The English Equivalent
In England, the closest counterpart to biscuits and gravy would be scones and gravy. However, it's important to note that the gravy in this context refers to a savory sauce, rather than the creamy, sausage-infused gravy that is synonymous with the American version.
How do British eat scones? ›
Scoop out clotted cream and jams onto your plate, enough for one scone. Break apart a small bite-sized portion of scone with your hands or if using a knife, cut the scone horizontally. Use a knife to slather on cream and jam onto the broken-off piece of scone. The bite-sized piece of scone should be eaten in 1-2 bites.
What do the British call American cookies? ›
American cookies are baked desserts, often sweet, that range in texture and density. Hard or crisp cookies are called biscuits in the U.K. while the chewier dessert can be identified as a cookie.
What do British call crackers? ›
In British English, crackers are sometimes called water biscuits, or savoury biscuits.
What is a dinner biscuit called in England? ›
In Britain, what Americans refer to as “biscuits” are known as “scones.” British biscuits are actually what Americans call “cookies.” The term “biscuits” in the United Kingdom typically refers to sweet, crumbly, and sometimes buttery bakes treats, distinct from the soft, bread-like biscuits found in the United States.
Do Americans have scones with gravy? ›
American Scones. There are quite a few videos online where British (or Commonwealth) people try American Biscuits and Gravy. They always say that American's just call scones "biscuits", and they usually confirm that understanding after they try the recipe.
British scones are traditionally drier, lighter, plain in flavor, and significantly less sugary than American scones and are commonly served for breakfast or with afternoon tea as a bready snack. America's Test Kitchen claims that butter is one of the major differences between English and American scones.
What's the difference between a scone and a shortcake? ›
Whereas a scone has a shorter, more biscuity crumb, a shortcake is almost half cake and half scone. (These shortcakes also have cream in the dough, to add a further layer of indulgence.
What is an American English scone? ›
A staple of most coffee shops, the American scone is frequently large and triangular shaped with a rustic, craggy exterior. Compared to an English scone it is more buttery and contains fruit in the center such as blueberries, raspberries and topped with a sprinkling of sugar.
What does an American scone look like? ›
American scones are traditionally triangle-shaped. Simply pat the dough into a rough circle and use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut it into wedges. This technique also helps prevent you from overworking the dough.
Are scones and English muffins the same thing? ›
Fast Breads by Early & Morris describe a scone as “lighter than a biscuit, smoother than an English muffin, heavier than a muffin, and thicker than a flat bread.”
Why do Americans make triangle scones? ›
On the other hand, American scones are triangular, crumbly, and sweet. The triangular shape comes from folding a sheet of dough to incorporate layers. They often include eggs and more butter than the English scones.
