Master Scones Recipe with Blueberries: A British Classic for All Seasons
There’s something undeniably comforting about the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the house. Growing up, every Sunday morning my Nonna would wake up before the sun to make a batch of her famous scones — a tradition she learned from her own mother when they lived in England for a few years. Though she loved classic plain scones, she often folded sweet, plump blueberries into the dough for a delightful pop of flavor.
Today, I’m sharing a perfected version of this Master Scones Recipe, tender, buttery, and bursting with blueberries — an absolute treat for both summer picnics and cozy winter afternoons.
Why You’ll Love This Master Scones Recipe
• Versatile: Perfect for any season.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples you already have.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under an hour.
• Incredibly Fluffy: Thanks to a few traditional techniques.
• Delightfully British: Serve with clotted cream and jam for a true afternoon tea experience.
Ingredients for Master Scones Recipe
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons (70g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup (180ml) whole milk, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 cup (150g) fresh blueberries (or frozen, unthawed)
• Optional: Demerara sugar for sprinkling
Equipment
• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush
• Cooling rack
How to Make the Perfect Master Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for creating that signature flaky texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour the wet ingredients in. Gently mix until just combined.
Step 5: Fold in the Blueberries
Carefully fold the blueberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch (2.5cm) thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter for a traditional look.
Step 7: Bake
Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle with Demerara sugar if desired.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Let the scones cool on a wire rack. Serve slightly warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam.
Tips for the Best Scones Ever
• Cold Butter is Key: Keep everything cold to ensure the butter doesn’t melt before baking.
• Don’t Overmix: Handle the dough gently; overmixing makes tough scones.
• Frozen Blueberries? No problem! Just fold them in straight from the freezer.
• Height Matters: Pat the dough thick — about 1 inch — for taller, fluffier scones.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Variations to Try
• Lemon Blueberry Scones: Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest for a citrusy twist.
• White Chocolate and Blueberry: Fold in 1/2 cup white chocolate chips.
• Gluten-Free Version: Substitute with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
How to Serve Your Blueberry Scones
Classic British Style:
Split a warm scone, slather it with clotted cream, and top with a spoonful of blueberry jam. Pair with a steaming pot of Earl Grey tea.
Modern Take:
Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze for a sweet touch — simply whisk powdered sugar with a little lemon juice until pourable!
Looking for More Berry Breakfast Delights?
If you love starting your day with fruity, comforting bakes like these blueberry scones, you’ll definitely want to try a few other favorites from our collection. This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a protein-packed morning treat that’s as nourishing as it is satisfying, while the Easy Breakfast Cheese Danish brings a creamy, flaky twist to your breakfast table — perfect for weekend brunches or indulgent mornings.
FAQs About Master Scones Recipe
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the dough, shape the scones, then freeze them on the baking sheet. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Why are my scones flat?
Probably overworked dough or warm butter. Keep everything cold and mix lightly!
Can I use other fruits?
Absolutely — raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries work beautifully too.
Final Thoughts
This Master Scones Recipe is a beautiful blend of tradition and freshness, a taste of Britain in every bite. Whether you enjoy them on a warm sunny morning with fresh fruit or a chilly afternoon by the fire, these blueberry scones will quickly become a beloved favorite in your kitchen.
And in case you’re wondering — no, a scone is not just a biscuit! If you’re curious about what makes a scone truly unique (and why it’s not to be confused with its American cousin), I highly recommend this fantastic read: A Scone Is Not a Biscuit by Bon Appétit.
Let me know if you give them a try — and don’t forget to share your photos or your own delicious twists in the comments!