The best-ever traditional scones

Scones have long been the ultimate afternoon tea snack to enjoy alongside a hot cuppa with some friends or family. And this super simple recipe is the best one to turn to if you’re in the mood for the traditional, plain scones without all the fuss of added extras.

These are incredibly light and barely require any effort to whip up, making them perfect for inviting the grandkids into the kitchen for a little extra assistance. Don’t forget to top them off with the delicious pairing of jam and cream and you’re good to go!

Ingredients

• 350g self-raising flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 85g butter, cut into cubes
• 3 tbsp caster sugar
• 175ml milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• squeeze lemon juice
• beaten egg, to glaze

Method

1. Heat oven to 220C. Tip flour into large bowl with salt and baking powder. Stir to combine. Add butter, then rub in with fingers until mixture resembles fine crumbs then stir in sugar.
2. Put milk in jug and heat in microwave for about 30 secs until warm, but not hot. Add vanilla extract and lemon juice, then set aside.
3. Put a baking tray in oven. Make well in dry mix. Add liquid and combine quickly with cutlery knife.
4. Scatter flour onto work surface and tip dough out. Dredge dough and hands with flour. Fold dough over 2-3 times until it begins to smoothen out. Pat into round about 4cm deep. Take 5cm cutter and dip it into flour. Cut out four scones.
5. Brush tops with beaten egg. Carefully place onto hot baking tray. Bake for 10 mins until risen and golden on the top. Eat just warm or cold.