During the festive season in the United Kingdom, nothing quite captures the holiday spirit like a warm and cozy gathering with loved ones over a delightful spread of baked goods. In every corner of the country, the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the air signals the start of Christmas. Combine these traditional scones with dollops of decadent clotted cream for a truly indulgent treat that will surely become a favorite at your holiday table. These Scones with Clotted Cream are a classic British pairing that embodies comfort and joy in every bite.
**Scones with Clotted Cream**
**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– Clotted cream, for serving
– Strawberry jam, for serving
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat the Oven:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
3. **Cut in the Butter:** Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized lumps of butter remaining.
4. **Combine Wet Ingredients:** In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg until well blended.
5. **Form the Dough:** Make a well in the center of the flour and butter mixture. Pour the milk and egg mixture into the well. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to stir everything together until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. **Shape the Scones:** Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
7. **Cut Out the Scones:** Use a round cutter to cut out scones from the dough. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.
8. **Bake the Scones:** Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
9. **Serve:** Once the scones are baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with generous dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam on the side.
Enjoy these Scones with Clotted Cream as a delightful addition to your Christmas brunch or afternoon tea. The buttery, flaky scones paired with the rich and velvety clotted cream create a heavenly combination that is sure to impress your family and friends. Embrace the tradition of cozy holiday baking with this quintessentially British treat that will bring warmth and cheer to your home this festive season.
