English Toffee Scones Recipe
Overview
Recipe Name: English Toffee Scones
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Description: Delightfully rich and buttery, these English Toffee Scones combine the classic scone texture with sweet, crunchy toffee bits. Perfect for a morning treat or an afternoon tea, these scones are sure to impress with their tantalizing aroma and exquisite flavor. Simple to make and irresistibly delicious, they are a wonderful addition to any baking repertoire.
Recipe Category: Scones
Keywords: Quick Breads, Breads, Lunch/Snacks, Grains, Scottish, European, Kid Friendly, Potluck, Christmas, < 60 Mins, Oven, Easy
Servings: 8
Calories per Serving: 239.2
Aggregated Rating: 5 stars
Review Count: 1
Nutritional Content per Serving:
- Fat: 9.7g
- Saturated Fat: 5.8g
- Cholesterol: 46.8mg
- Sodium: 173.3mg
- Carbohydrates: 33.2g
- Fiber: 0.8g
- Sugar: 9.2g
- Protein: 4.6g
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 4 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup toffee chips
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (for topping)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking.
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Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, and baking powder until evenly distributed.
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Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cut-up butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overmix; you want small pieces of butter visible throughout the dough for a flaky texture.
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Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
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Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The dough should be moist but not overly sticky.
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Incorporate Toffee Chips: Fold in the toffee chips, distributing them evenly throughout the dough.
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Form the Dough: Lightly flour your hands and a clean work surface. Turn the dough out onto the surface and shape it into a ball. Flatten it into an 8-inch diameter circle.
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Prepare for Baking: Transfer the dough circle to an ungreased cookie sheet. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges. Slightly separate the wedges to ensure they bake evenly.
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Add Topping: Sprinkle the top of the scones with the brown sugar, giving them a touch of added sweetness and a beautiful golden finish.
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Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations
1. Butter Matters: Use high-quality unsalted butter to enhance the flavor of your scones. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for achieving a tender, flaky texture.
2. Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a measuring cup, then adding enough milk to reach the 4-tablespoon mark. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
3. Toffee Chips: Feel free to use store-bought toffee chips or make your own. If you prefer a less sweet scone, you can reduce the amount of toffee chips or omit them altogether.
4. Glazing Options: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled scones. Mix powdered sugar with a little milk or cream and vanilla extract until you reach a pourable consistency.
5. Add-ins: Customize your scones by adding chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon to the dough.
6. Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones in a resealable bag. Thaw and warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- With Coffee or Tea: English Toffee Scones pair perfectly with a cup of freshly brewed coffee or a pot of your favorite tea.
- With Clotted Cream: For a traditional touch, serve these scones with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of jam.
- As a Dessert: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the scones for a decadent dessert treat.
Cultural and Historical Context
Scones have a long and storied history in British baking, dating back to the early 16th century in Scotland. Traditionally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, modern scones are typically baked and come in a variety of flavors. The addition of toffee, a confection made by caramelizing sugar with butter, brings a delightful twist to the classic scone, adding a rich, buttery sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
The popularity of scones spread throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, becoming a staple in tea time rituals. Today, scones are enjoyed worldwide and are often associated with afternoon tea—a quintessentially British custom that epitomizes elegance and hospitality.
Conclusion
English Toffee Scones are a delightful fusion of traditional British baking and modern sweet flavors. Their crisp exterior and soft, buttery interior make them an irresistible treat for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them with a simple cup of tea or dress them up with your favorite toppings, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your home. Happy baking!
This recipe brings together the comforting warmth of scones and the indulgent sweetness of toffee in a delightful and easy-to-make treat. Enjoy the journey of creating and savoring these scones, and share the joy with friends and family for a truly memorable experience.
