Sugary Scone Delights

1. Preheat the Oven

• Set your oven to 200°C (or 180°C for a fan oven) / gas mark 6. This will ensure that your oven is hot enough for the scones to rise properly.

2. Prepare the Butter and Flour

• Gather Ingredients: Measure out 85g diced butter and 350g self-raising flour.
• Mix Butter and Flour:
  • If using a food processor: Add the diced butter to the flour. Pulse until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs. This usually takes about 10-15 seconds.
  • If mixing by hand: Place the flour in a large mixing bowl, add the diced butter, and use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine crumbs.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients

• Combine: Add ¼ tsp salt, 1½ tsp bicarbonate of soda, and 4 tbsp caster sugar to the flour mixture.
• Stir: Use a whisk or a fork to mix these dry ingredients together well. This helps distribute the salt and sugar evenly.

4. Add Milk

• Measure Milk: Pour 200ml warmed milk (make sure it’s at room temperature) into the bowl with the dry ingredients.
• Mix Gently: Using a cutlery knife or spatula, gently stir the mixture until the milk is just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but come together without being overly mixed.

5. Shape the Dough

• Flour Your Surface: Sprinkle some flour on your work surface to prevent sticking.
• Turn Out the Dough: Place the dough onto the floured surface.
• Fold Gently: With floured hands, fold the dough over itself a couple of times, being careful not to overwork it. You want to keep it light and airy.

6. Roll and Cut

• Pat Down: Gently pat the dough into a round shape, about 1 inch thick.
• Cut Out Scones: Use a floured cutter (about 5-7 cm in diameter) to stamp out rounds. Press straight down without twisting the cutter to ensure even rising.
• Reform Trimmings: Gather the trimmings, pat them together gently, and cut out more rounds until all the dough is used.

7. Brush and Decorate

• Prepare for Baking: Place the scone rounds on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Milk Wash: Use a pastry brush to lightly brush the tops of the scones with a splash of extra milk. This will help them achieve a golden color while baking.
• Add Sugar: Sprinkle crushed sugar cubes on top for extra sweetness and a nice crunchy texture.

8. Bake

• Bake the Scones: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the scones are risen and golden brown.
• Check for Doneness: Tap the bottom of a scone; it should sound hollow if they are fully cooked.
• Cool Slightly: Once done, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

9. Serve

• Enjoy the scones warm, possibly with butter, jam, or clotted cream!