The BEST Scones Recipe

The BEST Scones Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 250 calories per serving. Recipe by Preppy Kitchen on YouTube.

Prep: 53 min | Cook: 12 min | Total: 1 hr 15 min

Cost: $4.87 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 2.5 cups All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 0.25 cup Granulated Sugar (fine granulated)
  • 2.5 teaspoons Baking Powder (double‑acting)
  • 0.5 teaspoon Sea Salt (fine)
  • 0.33 cup Unsalted Butter (ice‑cold, cut into pea‑sized pieces)
  • 0.75 cup Heavy Cream (cold)
  • 1 Large Egg (room temperature or cold)
  • 1 tablespoon Vanilla Extract (pure vanilla)
  • 0.5 cup Dried Apricots (chopped)
  • 0.5 cup Pecans (toasted and roughly chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon Coarse Sugar (sprinkled on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet

    Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 400°F

  2. Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl whisk together 2½ cups all‑purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2½ teaspoons baking powder, and ½ teaspoon sea salt until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Cube Ice‑Cold Butter

    Cut 1/3 cup (76 g) ice‑cold butter into pieces just under 1 inch. Keep the butter in the freezer for 5–10 minutes beforehand so it stays firm.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Mix Wet Ingredients

    In a smaller bowl whisk together ¾ cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract until smooth.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Chill Wet Mixture and Prepare Mix‑Ins

    Place the wet mixture in the refrigerator while you chop the mix‑ins. Roughly chop ½ cup dried apricots and ½ cup toasted pecans into small pieces.

    Time: PT10M

  6. Incorporate Butter into Dry Mix

    Using a pastry cutter, work the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture until the butter resembles pea‑sized crumbs. Do not over‑mix; small lumps are essential.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Add Mix‑Ins

    Stir the chopped apricots and pecans into the butter‑flour mixture until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT1M

  8. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

    Pour the chilled cream mixture over the dough and gently fold with a fork until the flour is just hydrated and the mixture looks shaggy.

    Time: PT2M

  9. Shape and Cut Dough

    Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, pat it into a 7‑inch disc about 1‑inch thick, and cut into eight equal wedges using a bench scraper or floured knife.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Chill Wedges

    Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and chill in the freezer for at least 15 minutes (or refrigerate up to 24 h).

    Time: PT15M

  11. Brush and Sprinkle

    Brush the tops of the chilled scones with about 1 tablespoon heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

    Time: PT2M

  12. Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 10‑12 minutes, or until the tops are a deep golden brown.

    Time: PT12M

    Temperature: 400°F

  13. Cool and Serve

    Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with jam, clotted cream, or butter.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
250
Protein
4 g
Carbohydrates
30 g
Fat
13 g
Fiber
2 g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains nuts

Allergens: Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, Tree nuts

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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The BEST Scones Recipe

Recipe by Preppy Kitchen

Flaky, buttery American‑style scones that are soft and fluffy inside with a crisp golden top. Add dried apricots and toasted pecans for extra flavor, or keep them plain. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an on‑the‑go snack.

EasyAmericanServes 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
56m
Prep
12m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 18m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$4.87
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Keep the butter ice‑cold and work it into pea‑sized pieces.
  • Do not over‑mix the dough; a shaggy texture is desired.
  • Shape the dough to a 7‑inch disc about 1‑inch thick for proper interior moisture.
  • Chill the wedges for at least 15 minutes before baking.
  • Bake until the tops are golden brown, not over‑browned.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot oven and baking sheet with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife or bench scraper carefully when cutting the dough.
  • Keep cold butter from melting on the counter to prevent soggy scones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of American‑style scones in United States breakfast cuisine?

A

American‑style scones evolved from British scones but became a distinct breakfast treat in the U.S., often served with coffee, jam, or clotted cream. They are celebrated for their quick preparation and versatility, making them a staple at brunch tables and weekend breakfasts.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of scones in American cuisine?

A

In the Northeast, scones are often plain or flavored with berries, while the South favors sweeter, cake‑like scones with mix‑ins such as pecans, apricots, or chocolate chips. Some regions add cornmeal for a grainier texture.

cultural
Q

How is the authentic traditional way to serve American‑style scones in the United States?

A

Traditionally, scones are served warm, split in half, and slathered with butter, jam, or clotted cream. They are commonly paired with a hot cup of coffee or tea during breakfast or brunch.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations are American‑style scones traditionally associated with in U.S. culture?

A

Scones are popular at weekend brunches, holiday breakfasts, and tea parties. They also appear at bake‑sales and are a favorite treat for school fundraisers because they can be made in large batches.

cultural
Q

What makes these buttery scones special or unique in American cuisine?

A

The key to their light, fluffy interior is the use of ice‑cold butter cut into pea‑sized pieces, which creates steam pockets during baking. The addition of a cream brush and coarse sugar topping gives a crisp, glossy finish that sets them apart from denser biscuit‑style scones.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making buttery scones from Preppy Kitchen?

A

Common errors include letting the butter warm up before mixing, over‑mixing the dough, and baking scones that are too thin. Each of these leads to dry, flat scones instead of the desired tender, airy texture.

technical
Q

Why does this buttery scones recipe use a cream brush on the tops instead of an egg wash?

A

A cream brush adds richness and a subtle sweetness without the glossy sheen of an egg wash, which can make the scones look too shiny and add extra protein that changes the crumb texture.

technical
Q

Can I make these buttery scones ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, shape the wedges, freeze them for at least 15 minutes, then bake from frozen. Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerate for up to 3 days.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the buttery scones are done?

A

The tops should be a deep golden brown with a slight sheen from the cream brush, and the edges should be crisp. When tapped, the scones should sound hollow, indicating a light, airy interior.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen specializes in approachable, home‑cooked recipes that blend classic techniques with modern twists, focusing on breakfast and brunch dishes, quick meals, and detailed cooking tutorials.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Preppy Kitchen's approach to American breakfast cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Preppy Kitchen emphasizes precise temperature control, the science behind ingredient temperatures (like ice‑cold butter), and clear step‑by‑step visuals, making seemingly tricky recipes like scones feel simple and reliable compared to more casual cooking channels.

channel

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