Better Than Starbucks Scones

Are scones really cookies? Well, I guess if you go by the traditional definition it's really a quick bread similar to an American biscuit.

The difference is a scone is flaky.I guess a good definition would be a cross between an American biscuit and piecrust.

Like a lot of our ancient foods these delicacies have evolved over time. Originally they were triangular shaped bread made from oats and baked on a griddle.

Today they are almost always made with wheat flour and they are baked in the oven. Today's version would probably not be at all by the people that indulged the original.

Scones traditionally were a treat served by the English at afternoon tea. But thanks to the coffee houses like Starbucks scones are now popular in the U.S.

They can be sweet or savory. But since this is a cookie recipe site we're going to deal with the sweet only.

How to Make a Tender and Flaky Scone

These cookies are not difficult to make. Once you get the ingredients assembled, most recipes only require fifteen minutes of prep time and another fifteen minutes or so of baking time. A mix is even quicker.

But there is a key to making flaky, tender biscuits that will put the coffee house versions to shame.

Make sure all the ingredients are thoroughly chilled!

Not only the ingredients but also the mixing utensils and bowls as well. After combining the dry ingredients I place them in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

The butter should be chilled to the point that it crumbles when you try to slice it. And it should be cut into pieces before cutting it into the flour.

The entire chilling process is to keep the butter in a solid state. The chunks of butter will melt as the scones bake leaving them flaky.

This might be overkill but it�s the way I do and the ones that I�ve made have always been tender and flaky.

If you�ve never made them before you�re in for a treat. Pick a good recipe and follow it exactly your first time. And then venture out on your own.

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