Raisin Scones: A Sweet and Simple Treat

Introduction

Scones are a classic British pastry that have made their way into cafes and homes around the world. With their slightly sweet flavor and crumbly texture, they make the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. One variation of the traditional scone is the raisin scone, which adds a delicious burst of sweetness to each bite. In this article, we'll take a look at what makes raisin scones so special and how to make them yourself.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make a batch of raisin scones, you'll need the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup raisins - 2/3 cup milk - 1 large egg Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cubed butter and cut it in with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse sand. Stir in the raisins. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir everything together until just combined. The dough will be sticky. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle that's about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 wedges. Place the wedges onto a lined baking sheet and brush the tops with a little bit of milk. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

While raisin scones are delicious on their own, there are a few variations and additions you can make to mix things up. Here are a few ideas: - Swap out the raisins for other dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, or apricots. - Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough for extra crunch. - Serve the scones with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a traditional afternoon tea experience. - Use the scones as a base for a breakfast sandwich with scrambled eggs and bacon. No matter how you choose to serve them, raisin scones are a sweet and simple treat that can be enjoyed any time of day. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of these tasty pastries in no time.