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 recognized 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.

Scones 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

Scones 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 scones that will put the coffee house versions to shame.

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 the scones flaky.

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

If you've never made scones 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.

Just remember the primary key to flaky scones is to KEEP IT COLD!!!

Almond-Crumb Scones

The almond streusel topping in this Almond-Crumb Scone recipe can be adapted to other recipes where a topping would be nice.

Apple Scone Recipe

This first Apple Scone Recipe uses apple juice for the liquid giving additional apple flavor.

Apricot Scone

Dried Fruit is a great addition to a scone recipe. Apricot Scone recipe uses dried apricots and grated orange zest for additional flavor.

Basic Scone Recipe

Many variations of scones can be achieved from a Basic Scone Recipe.

Bisquick Scone Recipe

I understand that in England there's a Bisquick Scone Recipe on the back of the bisquick box.

Blueberry Scone

A Blueberry Scone is good for you!

Cherry Scones

All three of these Cherry Scones recipes use dehydrated cherries.

Cinnamon Scone Recipe

This Cinnamon Scone recipe is a typical scone recipe with a touch of cinnamon.

Raspberry Scone Recipe

Here are three Raspberry Scone Recipe variations.

Starbucks Copycat Caramel Scones

Even though this copycat Starbucks Copycat Caramel Scones is pretty close to the real thing it is not the proprietary recipe from Starbucks.

Starbucks Date Scones

This is the Starbucks Date Scones Recipe just as it was sent to me.

Starbucks Maple Nut Oat Scones

The maple syrup in the dough and the maple extract in the glaze give this Starbucks Maple Nut Oat Scones Recipe it's great maple flavor.

Starbucks Orange Oatmeal Scones

Starbucks Orange Oatmeal Scones make great breakfast fare.

Strawberry Scones

Strawberries and whipped cream are a great combination. Try serving Strawberry Scones with a dollop of whipped cream on top.

You Might Need:

• Nordic Ware Cast Aluminum Mini-Scone Pan