Sultana scones are a classic British treat that has become a beloved part of many kitchens around the world. These soft, golden-brown scones, filled with sweet sultanas, are comfort food. The combination of freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream is pure bliss, and each bite brings back nostalgic memories of family gatherings and joyful kitchen moments. Whether you’re making them for an afternoon tea or as a snack, this sultana scones recipe is sure to impress.
Making sultana scones is surprisingly easy. With just a few basic ingredients like sultanas, flour, baking powder, sugar, butter, eggs, and milk, you can create light, fluffy scones with minimal effort. The key is to handle the dough gently to maintain that perfect texture. The addition of baking powder ensures a wonderful rise, resulting in a soft, airy inside and a crispy, golden-brown top. These scones are quick to prepare and can be on the table in no time.
Once baked, this sultana scones recipe is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re packing them for a picnic, serving them at a family gathering, or enjoying them for breakfast, they’re sure to be a hit. Add generous amounts of clotted cream and jam for the ultimate indulgence, or enjoy them on their own for a quick snack. The versatility of sultana scones makes them a great option for any time of the day. Once you’ve baked them, you’ll find yourself making them again and again for those special moments.
What Are Sultana Scones?
Sultana scones are a variation of the traditional British scones that are made with the addition of sultanas, or golden raisins. These scones have a slightly sweeter and fruitier taste than classic scones, making them a perfect treat for those who love a little extra flavor in their baked goods. The texture is light and fluffy on the inside, with a slightly crisp golden-brown top.
Scones, in general, are a staple of British baking and are often served as part of an afternoon tea. The key difference with the sultana scones recipe is the addition of the dried fruit, which gives them a delightful burst of sweetness with every bite. Whether you enjoy them with jam and clotted cream or just on their own, sultana scones are a perfect addition to any tea or breakfast spread.
Ingredients for Sultana Scones
To make sultana scones recipe, you’ll need a few simple ingredients. While the ingredients are easy to find and simple to use, the key is in how you combine them and how you handle the dough. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need:
Ingredient Purpose: Self-raising flour gives the scones their rise and light texture. Butter (cubed, at room temperature) adds richness and tenderness to the scones. Caster sugar sweetens the scones without making them overly sweet. Sultanas (or golden raisins/raisins) provide the signature sweetness and texture. Baking powder helps the scones rise and gives them a light and fluffy texture. Extract adds. Vanilla extract adds a hint of warmth and depth to the flavor. Lemon juice enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness of the scones. Eggs (and one extra for glazing) bind the ingredients together and help with the glaze for a golden finish. Milk moistens the dough and adds richness. Salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
Tips for Choosing the Right Ingredients:
- Self-raising flour: If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with plain flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 250g of flour.
- Butter: Make sure the butter is at room temperature to blend easily into the dough.
- Sultanas: You can use raisins as a substitute, but sultanas provide a slightly sweeter, more delicate flavor.
How to Make Sultana Scones
Making sultana scones recipe is easy and doesn’t take long. With the right technique, you’ll have fresh, fluffy scones in no time. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your scones:
Prepare the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) or 425°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt. This will ensure the dry ingredients are well-combined and free of lumps.
Add Butter
Cut the butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until it resembles breadcrumbs. This step is key to getting the soft, crumbly texture of the scones.
Add the Sugar, Sultanas, and Vanilla
Stir in the caster sugar and sultanas. Add a small splash of vanilla extract for added flavor.
Make the Dough
Create a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk and lemon juice. Add the beaten egg for extra richness. Stir gently with a spoon until the mixture just comes together, careful not to overwork the dough, or your scones will be tough.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick round. Use a round cutter to cut out the scones. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to ensure a good rise.
Bake the Scones
Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and brush the tops with the remaining beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and risen. Let them cool on a wire rack before serving.
Can Raisins Be Used Instead of Sultanas?
Yes, you can substitute raisins for sultanas in this recipe. While sultanas tend to be slightly sweeter and lighter in texture, raisins work just as well. Both types of dried fruit will add sweetness and moisture to your scones. The main difference is that raisins are typically darker and may have a more intense flavor, while sultanas are lighter and plumper.
Real-world Example:
At a local bakery, they used sultanas for their scones, but when they ran out, they switched to raisins. The scones were still delicious, but customers noticed that the raisins gave a richer, more robust flavor. So, if you’re looking for a deeper taste, go for raisins; if you want something milder and sweeter, stick with sultanas.
Do You Put Jam or Cream First?
When it comes to serving sultana scones recipe, the age-old debate about whether to put jam or cream first can spark lively discussions. The answer? It depends on where you’re from.
- In the UK, the traditional way to serve scones is to spread clotted cream first, followed by jam. This method ensures the cream stays soft and easy to spread.
- In Cornwall, Locals argue that jam should go first, followed by a generous dollop of cream.
How to Serve Sultana Scones:
- Cream First: Spread a generous amount of clotted cream on each scone, then top with your favorite jam. Raspberry or strawberry jam is a classic choice.
- Jam First: If you prefer, you can spread the jam first, then add the cream on top.
Both methods work, so feel free to choose the one that you enjoy most!
Tips for Perfect Sultana Scones
Achieving a perfect sultana scones recipe involves more than just following the recipe. Here are a few expert tips to ensure your scones are light, fluffy, and golden-brown every time:
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gently mix the dough. Overworking it can lead to tough scones.
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to making scones with a flaky, tender texture. If the butter is too soft, it won’t create the desired crumb.
- Keep Your Oven Hot: A hot oven helps the scones rise quickly and develop a golden-brown top. Preheat your oven fully before baking.
- Don’t Twist the Cutter: When cutting out your scones, press the cutter straight down without twisting. This helps the scones rise evenly.
Final Thoughts
Baking sultana scones recipe is a delightful experience that combines the warmth of tradition with the joy of homemade treats. These soft, fluffy scones, dotted with sweet sultanas, are the perfect comfort food, whether enjoyed at a family gathering, afternoon tea, or simply as a snack with a cup of tea. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, yet the results are incredibly satisfying. With just a few ingredients, you can create a batch of scones that are both delicious and easy to make.
One of the highlights of the baking sultana scones recipe is their versatility. You can adjust the sweetness and texture by experimenting with different types of dried fruit, like raisins or currants. The ability to enjoy them with or without clotted cream and jam also makes them perfect for any occasion. Whether you prefer to serve them as part of a special brunch, afternoon tea, or simply as an afternoon snack, sultana scones never fail to impress.
Remember, the key to achieving perfect scones is handling the dough gently, avoiding overworking it, and using cold ingredients, especially butter. Once you master the basic recipe, you can start experimenting with different add-ins or toppings to make them your own.
The sultana scones recipe provided is just the beginning of your baking journey. With practice and a little creativity, you can become a scone-making expert. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and enjoy the comforting aroma of freshly baked scones filling your home. Happy baking!
FAQs
Can I make sultana scones without self-raising flour?
Yes! If you don’t have self-raising flour, you can substitute it with plain flour and add 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 250g of flour. This will give you the same rise and light texture.
How do I keep my sultana scones from being too dry?
Ensure that you use cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. Adding just enough milk to bring the dough together is key to keeping your scones moist and soft.
Can I freeze sultana scones?
Yes, you can freeze sultana scones either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, place them on a tray, freeze, then transfer them to a bag. Bake from frozen for about 15 minutes.
How long should sultana scones be baked for?
Sultana scones typically bake for 10-12 minutes in a preheated oven at 220°C (200°C fan) or 425°F. They should be golden brown and risen when done.
What’s the best way to store sultana scones?
Store sultana scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep them fresh longer, wrap them in foil and freeze them for up to 3 months.
