Afternoon Tea Scones: 7 Best Cream Pairings for Your Perfect Tea Experience

Q: 1. What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?

Scones and biscuits are often confused, but there are key differences between the two. While both are quick breads, scones are typically sweeter and denser, often served with clotted cream and jam during afternoon tea . Biscuits, particularly in American cuisine, are usually lighter, fluffier, and less sweet, commonly served with savory dishes like gravy or fried chicken.

Q: 2. Can I make scones in advance?

Yes, you can prepare afternoon tea scones ahead of time. You can make the dough, shape the scones, and then freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time). This method ensures that you have freshly baked afternoon tea scones ready for your tea party, without the last-minute rush.

Q: 3. Can I freeze scones?

Absolutely! Scones freeze very well, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw them—just bake them directly from the freezer. For baked afternoon tea scones , allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

Q: 5. How should I store leftover scones?

If you have any leftover afternoon tea scones , they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, you can also wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Just remember to let the scones cool completely before wrapping and storing them.

Q: 6. How do I know if my scones are done baking?

Scones are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature using a kitchen thermometer; it should be around 200°F (93°C). If you’re uncertain, you can also use the "toothpick test"—insert a toothpick into the center of a scone ; if it comes out clean, your scones are ready.

Q: 7. Can I make scones without dairy?

Yes, dairy-free scones are possible! You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of cow's milk. For a bit of richness, you can also use dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based cream. These substitutions will create soft, flaky afternoon tea scones that are just as delicious as the traditional version.

Q: 8. What is the best way to serve scones for afternoon tea?

The best way to serve afternoon tea scones is to present them fresh from the oven, still warm if possible. Arrange them on a tiered tray or a serving plate alongside clotted cream, jam, and tea. Be sure to break the scones (not cut them) and offer a variety of jams and creams for guests to choose from. A selection of teas should be served alongside, allowing each guest to find their perfect pairing.

Q: 9. How can I make my scones lighter and fluffier?

To make your afternoon tea scones lighter, ensure that you don’t overmix the dough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid dense scones . Also, make sure that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents will not give your scones the rise they need. Using cold butter and not overworking the dough also helps in achieving a light, flaky texture.

Q: 10. Are there variations to the traditional scone recipe?

Yes! Afternoon tea scones are very versatile and can be made in various flavors. Common variations include: Fruit Scones: Add dried fruits like raisins, currants, or cranberries. Cheese Scones: Incorporate cheese into the dough for a savory version, perfect for pairing with soups or salads. Herb Scones: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a savory twist. Spiced Scones: Use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warming, flavorful scone.

Question 1

1. What is the difference between a scone and a biscuit?

Accepted Answer

Scones and biscuits are often confused, but there are key differences between the two. While both are quick breads, scones are typically sweeter and denser, often served with clotted cream and jam during afternoon tea. Biscuits, particularly in American cuisine, are usually lighter, fluffier, and less sweet, commonly served with savory dishes like gravy or fried chicken.

Question 2

2. Can I make scones in advance?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can prepare afternoon tea scones ahead of time. You can make the dough, shape the scones, and then freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply pop them in the oven straight from the freezer (you may need to add a few minutes to the baking time). This method ensures that you have freshly baked afternoon tea scones ready for your tea party, without the last-minute rush.

Question 3

3. Can I freeze scones?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Scones freeze very well, either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, just shape the scones and place them on a baking sheet, then freeze. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a zip-top bag or airtight container. When you're ready to bake, no need to thaw them—just bake them directly from the freezer. For baked afternoon tea scones, allow them to cool completely before freezing. Reheat them in the oven to bring them back to life.

Question 4

4. What jam is best with scones?

Accepted Answer

The jam you choose depends on your personal preferences and the type of scones you're serving. Traditional strawberry or raspberry jam is a popular choice for fruit scones. For more adventurous palates, you can try apricot, fig, or even marmalade. If you’re serving savory scones (like cheese scones), chutneys or savory spreads can work well instead of sweet jams.

Question 5

5. How should I store leftover scones?

Accepted Answer

If you have any leftover afternoon tea scones, they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. To keep them fresh, you can also wrap them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. For longer storage, freezing is the best option. Just remember to let the scones cool completely before wrapping and storing them.

Question 6

6. How do I know if my scones are done baking?

Accepted Answer

Scones are done when they are golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also check the internal temperature using a kitchen thermometer; it should be around 200°F (93°C). If you’re uncertain, you can also use the "toothpick test"—insert a toothpick into the center of a scone; if it comes out clean, your scones are ready.

Question 7

7. Can I make scones without dairy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, dairy-free scones are possible! You can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of cow's milk. For a bit of richness, you can also use dairy-free yogurt or a plant-based cream. These substitutions will create soft, flaky afternoon tea scones that are just as delicious as the traditional version.

Question 8

8. What is the best way to serve scones for afternoon tea?

Accepted Answer

The best way to serve afternoon tea scones is to present them fresh from the oven, still warm if possible. Arrange them on a tiered tray or a serving plate alongside clotted cream, jam, and tea. Be sure to break the scones (not cut them) and offer a variety of jams and creams for guests to choose from. A selection of teas should be served alongside, allowing each guest to find their perfect pairing.

Question 9

9. How can I make my scones lighter and fluffier?

Accepted Answer

To make your afternoon tea scones lighter, ensure that you don’t overmix the dough. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined to avoid dense scones. Also, make sure that your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents will not give your scones the rise they need. Using cold butter and not overworking the dough also helps in achieving a light, flaky texture.

Question 10

10. Are there variations to the traditional scone recipe?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Afternoon tea scones are very versatile and can be made in various flavors. Common variations include:
Fruit Scones: Add dried fruits like raisins, currants, or cranberries.
Cheese Scones: Incorporate cheese into the dough for a savory version, perfect for pairing with soups or salads.
Herb Scones: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or chives for a savory twist.
Spiced Scones: Use spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger for a warming, flavorful scone.

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition