buttermilk scones – recipesshubb

Buttermilk Scones (Tender, Flaky, and Bakery-Style)

Buttermilk scones are a timeless classic, loved for their tender crumb, lightly crisp edges, and rich buttery flavor. Whether served warm with jam and clotted cream or enjoyed plain alongside a cup of tea or coffee, these scones strike the perfect balance between rustic and refined.

Unlike dry or crumbly scones, this buttermilk version is soft and moist on the inside, thanks to the acidity of buttermilk, which reacts with baking powder to create a beautifully light texture. This recipe is simple, reliable, and perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.

Why Use Buttermilk in Scones?

Buttermilk plays a key role in creating perfect scones:

Adds a subtle tangy flavor
Helps create a soft, tender crumb
Reacts with leavening for better rise
Keeps scones moist without being heavy

If you don’t normally bake with buttermilk, this recipe alone makes it worth keeping on hand.

Ingredients

For the Scones

2½ cups all-purpose flour
⅓ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1 cup cold buttermilk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Add-Ins

½ cup raisins or currants
½ cup chocolate chips
½ cup fresh or frozen berries
Zest of 1 lemon or orange

For Brushing

2 tablespoons buttermilk or heavy cream
Coarse sugar (optional)

Equipment Needed

Large mixing bowl
Pastry cutter or fingertips
Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Sharp knife or bench scraper

How to Make Buttermilk Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining. These bits of butter are what create flaky layers.

Step 4: Add Buttermilk

Make a well in the center of the bowl and pour in the cold buttermilk and vanilla extract. Gently stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix—the dough should look slightly shaggy.

If using add-ins, fold them in gently at this stage.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a round about 1 inch thick. Avoid kneading, as this will make the scones tough.

Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for classic shapes.

Step 6: Bake

Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops lightly with buttermilk or cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the scones are risen and lightly golden on top.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Scones are best enjoyed warm.

Serving Suggestions

Buttermilk scones are wonderfully versatile and can be served:

With butter, jam, honey, or clotted cream
Alongside tea or coffee
As part of a brunch spread
With fresh berries and whipped cream

They can be sweetened further or enjoyed plain, depending on preference.

Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Scones

Keep everything cold: Cold butter and buttermilk are essential for flaky scones.
Don’t overwork the dough: Handle gently to avoid toughness.
Use a sharp cutter: Press straight down to help scones rise evenly.
Bake on the middle rack for even browning.

Storage and Freezing

Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Variations

Cheese Scones: Reduce sugar to 1 tablespoon and add 1 cup shredded cheddar
Lemon Scones: Add lemon zest and drizzle with lemon glaze
Blueberry Scones: Fold in fresh or frozen blueberries
Whole Wheat Scones: Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour

Final Thoughts

These buttermilk scones are everything a great scone should be—soft, flaky, lightly sweet, and incredibly satisfying. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers consistent, bakery-quality results every time.