Buttermilk scones

Preheat the oven to 205°C (400°F). Lightly grease a baking tin and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix 3 cups of flour, ⅓ cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, 2 ½ teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of baking soda.

Add the ¾ cup butter and cut with a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture looks coarse.

Create a well in the centre and pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Gently mix until the ingredients are combined, being careful not to overmix.

Place the dough on a floured surface and divide it into two equal portions. Lightly knead each portion into ¾ inch thick with a 6-inch diameter. Cut each round into eight wedges and arrange them on the greased baking pans. Ensure they are evenly spaced, approximately 2 inches apart.

Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until they are lightly browned. Serve warm

Tips

Rather than using cold cubed butter, opt for frozen grated butter. Freeze the butter for at least half an hour beforehand, then grate it using a boxed cheese grater. Return the grated butter to the freezer while you prepare the remaining ingredients.

Variations

Indulge in the art of scone-making with a delightful array of recipe variations. Discover the richness of traditional fruit scones, perfect for a classic afternoon tea experience. For a zesty twist, lemon and poppy seed scones offer a burst of refreshing flavours. Feeling adventurous? Explore savoury options such as bacon scones with Parmesan cheese. Looking for new gluten-free scones ideas? Try this easy gluten-free pecan scones recipe topped with coffee icing – ideal for breakfast or a sweet snack. With these versatile recipes, there's a scone to suit every craving and occasion.

Storage

Homemade scones typically remain fresh for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container and kept in a kitchen cupboard or larder. If kept any longer, they may become slightly dry. If stored in the fridge, they will last for about a week.

These scones freeze wonderfully. Simply place them in the microwave for around 30 seconds, and they're ready to enjoy. While they may become more cakey than flaky after reheating, they still retain their deliciousness. When frozen, they can stay fresh for up to two weeks.