Buttermilk Cheese Scones · Chef Not Required... from www.chefnotrequired.com
Introduction
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast recipe? Look no further than buttermilk scones! These flaky and buttery scones are perfect for a cozy morning at home or for serving guests. Plus, they're incredibly versatile and can be customized with various add-ins, such as dried fruit or chocolate chips. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to make perfectly moist and tender buttermilk scones that will become a family favorite in no time.
Ingredients
To make buttermilk scones, you'll need the following ingredients:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk, cold
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make buttermilk scones:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest (if using).
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough or the scones will be tough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently until it comes together into a smooth ball. Flatten the dough into a disk that's about 1 inch thick.
Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the disk into 8 equal wedges.
Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk or heavy cream.
Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes or until they're golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Serve the scones warm or at room temperature with your favorite jam or butter.
Nutrition
The nutritional information for one buttermilk scone is as follows:
Calories: 290
Total Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 420mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 8g
Protein: 5g
Variations
Once you've mastered the basic buttermilk scone recipe, feel free to experiment with different add-ins to create your own unique flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Cranberry Orange Scones
Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dough before mixing.
Cinnamon Raisin Scones
Add 1/2 cup of raisins and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dough before mixing.
Chocolate Chip Scones
Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough before mixing.
Tips and Tricks
Follow these tips and tricks to ensure that your buttermilk scones turn out perfectly every time:
Use cold butter and buttermilk for the best texture and flakiness.
Don't overmix the dough or the scones will be tough.
Be gentle when kneading the dough to avoid overworking it.
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into wedges for a clean cut.
Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra buttermilk or heavy cream for a golden brown crust.
Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Conclusion
Buttermilk scones are a classic breakfast treat that are easy to make and customize to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and some basic baking skills, you can create delicious and tender scones that will impress your family and friends. Whether you prefer them plain or with add-ins like cranberries, chocolate chips, or cinnamon, these scones are sure to become a staple in your breakfast rotation.
