Why You’ll Love this Buttermilk Raisin Scones Recipe
When you take your first bite of these buttermilk raisin scones, you’ll immediately understand why they’re a favorite in my kitchen.
The combination of tender, buttery layers with sweet bursts of plump raisins creates a delightful contrast that’s hard to resist. I love how easy they’re to make, allowing me to whip them up for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Plus, the aroma that fills the house while they bake is simply irresistible. Each scone is warm and comforting, making them perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying with a hot cup of tea.
You won’t regret trying these!
Ingredients of Buttermilk Raisin Scones
When it comes to baking, there’s something truly magical about gathering all the right ingredients. For these Buttermilk Raisin Scones, you’ll find that the components are simple yet essential to creating a delightful treat. So, let’s explore what you need to whip up a batch of these scrumptious scones.
Ingredients for Buttermilk Raisin Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into pieces
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 tablespoons golden raisins, plumped in hot water for 15 minutes, drained, and patted dry
Now that you have your shopping list ready, let’s talk about a few considerations when it comes to these ingredients. First off, the butter—make sure it’s chilled. This is key to ensuring those lovely flaky layers we all crave in a scone.
If you’re like me and can never seem to remember to take the butter out of the fridge ahead of time, don’t worry. Just pop it in the freezer for a few minutes; it’ll work like a charm.
As for the raisins, I prefer using golden ones because they add a nice sweetness and visual appeal, but feel free to swap them out for other dried fruits if you’re feeling adventurous.
After all, baking should be fun, right? So gather your ingredients, and let’s get ready to bake some deliciousness!
How to Make Buttermilk Raisin Scones
Making Buttermilk Raisin Scones is an enjoyable and rewarding experience, and I promise it’s easier than it sounds. To start, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 330 degrees F. While it’s heating up, grab a large cookie sheet and grease it lightly. A well-greased sheet is your best friend here; it’ll help guarantee those scones don’t stick and create a messy situation—trust me, I’ve been there.
Now, let’s get to the fun part: mixing the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Give it a good whisk to make sure everything is evenly mixed.
Next, it’s time to introduce the butter—6 tablespoons of chilled butter, cut into pieces. Here’s where you can really let loose: rub the butter into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it resembles fine meal. It can be a bit messy, but hey, that’s part of the joy of baking. Just think of it as a mini hand workout.
Once you have that fine meal texture, whisk together 2/3 cup of buttermilk, 2 large eggs, and 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract in a separate medium bowl until well blended. Gradually pour this mixture into your flour mixture, along with the 4 tablespoons of plumped golden raisins. Stir gently until you have moist clumps forming—don’t overdo it.
Then, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and give it a light knead, just four times to blend everything together. Now, shape it into an 8-inch round on your prepared cookie sheet. Using a small, sharp knife, score it into 8 wedges. This is a vital step; it’ll help the scones cook evenly.
Bake for about 25 minutes until they’re golden brown and a tester comes out clean. Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool slightly before re-cutting those wedges. Voilà, you’ve just made some delightful scones! How satisfying is that?
Buttermilk Raisin Scones Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to switch things up with your Buttermilk Raisin Scones, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try.
For a different flavor, use dried cranberries or chopped nuts instead of raisins. You could even add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
If you want a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Try swapping buttermilk for yogurt or sour cream for a tangy note.
And don’t hesitate to experiment with citrus zest, like lemon or orange, to brighten the flavor.
The possibilities are endless, so have fun creating your perfect scone!
What to Serve with Buttermilk Raisin Scones
While enjoying Buttermilk Raisin Scones, I love to pair them with a variety of accompaniments that enhance their delightful flavors.
A dollop of clotted cream adds a rich, velvety touch, while a smear of butter brings out the scone’s warmth. I often serve them alongside homemade jam, like raspberry or apricot, for a fruity contrast.
A cup of fragrant tea or coffee complements the sweetness perfectly. If I’m feeling indulgent, a drizzle of honey elevates the experience.
These combinations not only elevate the scones but also create a lovely, inviting atmosphere for sharing with friends or family!
Additional Tips & Notes
To get the best results from your Buttermilk Raisin Scones, I recommend using cold butter, as it helps create a flaky texture that’s hard to resist.
Also, don’t skip the step of plumping the raisins; it enhances their flavor and moisture. If you want an extra touch, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients for warmth.
For a golden finish, brush the top with a little buttermilk before baking.
Finally, enjoy these scones fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, they freeze well—just reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to indulge!