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Wandile

Soft Buttermilk Scones

These soft and fluffy buttermilk scones are easy to make at home and perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a quick snack. Grating the butter helps create light, flaky layers without overworking the dough.
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Prep Time 40 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Servings: 14 people
Course: Breakfast, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method Video

Ingredients
  

  • 6 cups all purpose or cake flour
  • 6 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda bicarbonate of soda
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tsp cornflour
  • 450 g butter or baking margarine cold
  • 2 cups buttermilk cold
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Measuring cups and measuring spoons
  • Box grater for grating cold butter
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Rolling Pin (optional) you can gently pat with your hands
  • Round cutter or glass cup
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper or baking paper
  • Pastry brush

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C-220°C (390°F).
    Line your baking tray with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add: all purpose or cake flour, baking powder, baking soda, cornflour, salt, and sugar
    Mix everything well using a spoon or whisk.

Step 3: Grate the Cold Butter

  1. Take your cold butter straight from the fridge.
    Using a box grater, grate the butter into the flour mixture.
    This method helps create soft, flaky scones because the butter stays cold and distributes evenly.

Step 4: Rub Butter Into Flour

  1. Using your fingertips, lightly mix the grated butter into the flour until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs.
    Do not overmix.
    You want small bits of butter throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

  1. In a separate bowl, whisk together: eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract
    Mix until combined.

Step 6: Form the Dough

  1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
    Use a spoon or spatula to gently combine.
    Mix just until a soft dough forms.
    Do not overwork the dough, or your scones may become hard.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

  1. Lightly flour your work surface.
    Turn the dough out and gently pat it down to about 3cm thick.
    Avoid kneading too much.

Step 8: Cut the Scones

  1. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the scones.
    Place them on the prepared baking tray close together for softer sides, or spaced apart for crispier edges.
Step 9: Brush the Tops and Bake
  1. Mix: egg yolk and milk
    Brush the tops of the scones for a beautiful golden finish.
    Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown on top.
    Baking time may vary depending on your oven

Video