How to Make Authentic English Buttermilk Scones

Learn how to make authentic English buttermilk scones with this easy recipe. These scones are fluffy, with a slight sweetness, and delicious!

Years ago when I grew up on a cozy tree-lined street in a small upstate village we lived next door to Shirley. Shirley was born in England, had a darling accent, and held the most delicious scone recipe which she happily shared with my mother!

While it’s been years since I had Shirley’s or my mom’s scones, I couldn’t possibly forget their deliciousness and their distinct flavor. They were a little sweet, like a fluffy cloud, with a warm yummy inside. I have the best memories of growing up in on this little street for the first five years of my life!

When I discovered the recipe had been passed on to me from my mother, I thought I would try my hand at making them. While I still think I want to improve on the shape of them, the taste far surpassed my expectation and memory of them!

I’m so pleased to be able to share the recipe with you!

Here are a few other recipes you may enjoy!

How to Make the Best Spinach Quiche Without Crust Recipe

Easy Cappuccino Dessert to Make with Coffee

Quick Minestrone Soup Recipe You Can Make in 30 Minutes

Why use buttermilk in scones?

My first thought, is why not use buttermilk in scones? I mean, buttermilk on its own just sounds delicious, doesn’t it?

Buttermilk scones are a staple to any tea time, but their superior taste comes from their base of buttermilk. The buttermilk not only adds flavor but also gives the scone an incredibly light and tender crumb.

With every batch, you’ll get a golden-brown top that seals in moisture and adds another layer of flavor.

The Food Network’s Buttermilk Scone recipe calls for using butter. You can find the recipe here!.

Looking for a whole blog dedicated to scones? Kelly from The Scone Blog has you covered.

Harry and Davids’s Orange Scones with Maple and Pecan are a must-try. I’ll be baking these soon!

How to make scones with buttermilk?

Making buttermilk scones couldn’t be easier with this simple recipe.

• start by preheating the electric skillet to 300 to 350°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon cream of tartar, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Once the dry ingredients are incorporated, blend with a pastry blender until it resembles coarse crumbs.
• Next, slowly pour in 1 cup of buttermilk while stirring until everything is just moistened.
• When your buttermilk scone dough is ready, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 7”.
• Place on the prepared baking sheet and score into 8 wedges with a knife for easier cutting later but do not separate them quite yet!
• Brush the top of the dough with buttermilk then sprinkle lightly with sugar or sea salt; bake in preheated skillet for 25 minutes or until golden brown and let cool before serving.
• With just some basic pantry staples you can whip up buttermilk scones in no time!

Is buttermilk or heavy cream better for scones?

Heavy Cream or Buttermilk: Get the tastiest pastries imaginable with a splash of heavy cream or buttermilk. While heavy cream gives you that creamy flavor, the slightly more tart flavor of buttermilk gives you a distinct tang!

Authentic English Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Ingredients you will need:

• flour
• sugar
• cream of tartar
• baking soda
• salt
• sour cream or buttermilk

Perfect with tea

If ever there was a combination that went together, it’s a warm cup of tea and a delicious scone!

My favorite tea is called Field of Dreams from Saratoga Tea and Honey Co. The blend of flavors goes perfectly. If you’re considering a Spring event, birthday party, ladies’ brunch or just to have in the morning, I highly recommend both, the tea and scones!

Shoppable links below:

Once you taste these warm buttery buttermilk scones you’ll know why this definitely takes me back to my childhood when all that mattered was having a homemade treat with real butter offered by my loving mom.

What’s your favorite type of scone? I’d love to hear about it in the comments section below!