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The Ultimate Fluffy Buttermilk Scones

A stack of freshly baked, tall, fluffy scones with golden-brown tops piled on a white plate.
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Follow this straightforward recipe to bake tall, flaky, and buttery scones using buttermilk for a moist texture. This recipe works well for plain scones or as a base for fruit additions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream (for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add the cold butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
  4. Make a well in the center and pour in the cold buttermilk. Mix gently with a fork until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat or roll the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
  6. Using a sharp, floured biscuit cutter (about 2.5 inches wide), cut straight down through the dough to create rounds. Do not twist the cutter, as this seals the edges and prevents rising.
  7. Place the cut scones close together on the prepared baking sheet. For taller scones, place them touching; for crispier edges, space them slightly apart.
  8. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and milk or cream for the egg wash. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with the wash.
  9. Bake for 14 to 18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • For the flakiest texture, keep all ingredients, especially the butter and buttermilk, very cold.
  • If you want to add blueberries or chocolate chips, gently fold 1 cup of additions into the dough after adding the buttermilk.
  • To achieve maximum height, press the cutter straight down without twisting.
  • Serve warm with jam and clotted cream for a classic afternoon tea experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/ultimate-fluffy-buttermilk-scones-recipe/