Indulge in the quintessential British classic – scones! Gordon Ramsay’s secret lies in a simple recipe that yields perfectly light and airy scones, ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. This recipe, designed to serve eight to ten people, is perfect for entertaining guests at home or large gatherings.
With just a few basic ingredients from your pantry, you can impress your guests with a warm, soft, and light teatime treat. Whether you prefer them with raisins, dried cranberries, or plain, these scones are equally delicious.
Ingredients:
* 250g self-raising flour
* 1 tsp baking powder
* Pinch of fine sea salt
* 45g unsalted butter, softened
* 1 tbsp caster sugar, plus extra to dust
* 50g sultanas (or dried cranberries)
* 1 large free-range egg
* 100ml ice-cold milk, plus extra to glaze
Method:
1.
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2.
In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
3.
Cut the butter into small pieces and rub it into the flour using your fingertips.
Lift the mixture high to incorporate air, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.4.
Stir in the caster sugar and then fold in the sultanas.
5.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and milk together.
6.
Pour about three-quarters of the egg and milk mixture into the flour blend and stir quickly with a large knife.
Add more of the mixture as needed until you have a soft, non-sticky dough. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle touch will ensure your scones rise beautifully.7.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Use a rolling pin or your hands to gently shape the dough to a thickness of 2 to 2.5 cm.8.
Cut out rounds with a 6cm cutter, reshaping and rolling out the trimmings to make a few more rounds.
9.
Arrange the scone rounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops with a little milk and sprinkle with extra sugar.10.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and have risen nicely.
To test for doneness, squeeze one lightly; it should feel springy.11.
Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
Serve warm, ideally within an hour of baking, for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy!
