Ingredients
3 cups plain flour
1/2 level tsp salt
120 g butter
1/2 cup fresh milk
3 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 cup powdered milk (optional)
1/2 cup white sugar
1 tsp vanilla essence
2 large eggs.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Bake Soft and Tasty Scones
1. Preparing the Oven and Baking Trays
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and achieve that perfect golden brown color. While the oven is heating up, grease two baking trays with a bit of butter or line them with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and powdered milk. Sifting helps to aerate the flour and ensures that all the dry ingredients are well combined, leading to a lighter and fluffier scone.
3. Incorporating the Butter
Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for creating the crumbly texture that scones are known for. The butter should be well distributed throughout the flour but still retain small pieces that will melt during baking, creating pockets of tenderness.
4. Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs, white sugar, vanilla essence, and milk. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
5. Combining the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the egg mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
6. Shaping the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together, then shape it into a round. Roll the dough out to a thickness of about 2.5 cm (1 inch). Using a 7.5 cm (3 inch) biscuit cutter or a small glass, cut out the scones and place them on the prepared baking trays. Gather any scraps of dough, gently knead them together, and cut out additional scones.
