Soft, buttery, and perfectly tender, these homemade scones are a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. Lightly sweetened and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, they are simple to make and even easier to enjoy!

Cuisine: British
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 8
Why You’ll Love Making It
- Light & Flaky Texture – Cold butter and minimal mixing create the perfect, bakery-style scones.
- Easy to Customize – Add chocolate chips, dried fruit, or citrus zest for a fun twist.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve them for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat with tea or coffee.
- Make-Ahead Friendly – Freeze before or after baking for a quick homemade snack anytime.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour – Spoon and level the flour for accurate measurement to avoid dense scones.
- 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Gives the scones their light, airy rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 6 tablespoons (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed – Cold butter creates flaky layers in the scones.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy whipping cream, plus more for brushing – Adds richness and moisture.
- 1 large egg – Helps bind the dough and provides structure.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar – Creates a smooth, sweet glaze.
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) milk – Adjust to reach the perfect drizzling consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract – Enhances the flavor of the glaze.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined. This helps distribute the leavening agent for an even rise.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter. This is key to achieving flaky scones.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients & Form the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the mixture starts to come together. The dough will be slightly crumbly, but that’s normal!
Lightly flour your work surface and transfer the dough onto it. Using your hands, gently press it together to form a ball, then flatten it into a 7-inch circle, about ¾ inch thick.
Step 3: Shape & Chill the Scones
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 5-10 minutes to firm up the butter. This step helps create the flakiest texture.
Step 4: Bake the Scones
Before baking, brush the tops of each scone with a little heavy cream for a golden finish. If skipping the glaze, you can sprinkle some coarse sugar for extra crunch.
Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18-22 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden and the scones are baked through. Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 5: Make the Vanilla Glaze
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk 1 teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
Once the scones have completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top and allow it to set for 10-15 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make the scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and freeze the unbaked scones for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
How do I store leftover scones?
Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.