FREE Recipe of the Month

French Vanilla Scones

There’s something rather special about warm scones fresh from the oven, served with a pot of tea or coffee. These light, buttery vanilla scones are perfect for a leisurely weekend breakfast, afternoon tea with friends or, in my case, while sitting down to plan next month’s newsletter!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups self raising flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ cup caster sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 80g cold butter, diced
  • 1½ cups buttermilk
  • 1 tsp vanilla bean paste (or good quality vanilla extract)
  • Extra buttermilk for brushing

To serve

  • Whipped cream
  • Raspberry jam
  • A light dusting of icing sugar (optional)

Method

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Combine the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt in a large bowl.
  3. Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
  4. Stir together the buttermilk and vanilla, then gently mix into the dry ingredients until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
  5. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat the dough to about 3cm thick.
  6. Cut out rounds using a scone cutter and place them close together on the tray.
  7. Brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk.
  8. Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until well risen and lightly golden.
  9. Serve warm with whipped cream, raspberry jam and your favourite cup of tea.

Pearl’s Tip

If you’re entertaining, warm the scones in the oven for a couple of minutes just before serving. A little vanilla bean paste gives them a wonderful café style flavour, and they pair beautifully with a classic Earl Grey or French Vanilla tea.