A good scone can set the flavor for your afternoon tea. This is one of my standard scone recipes. It is one of the first scones that I ever made and is one that I serve with every tea that I have. I keep these currant scones in my freezer, ready for baking just in case a friend might stop by for a bit of afternoon tea.
These scones frequently make its way into a gift bag for my guests. Sometimes I make them as mini scones and include them in the gift.
Making the Currant Scones
You can make these scones by hand but my preferred method is in the food processor. So my comments will be referencing preparation in the food processor.
Assemble the ingredients. You will need all purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and sugar. Place all the dry ingredients in the food processor. Pulse your food processor to mix the dry ingredients.
Prepare the butter – make sure that its cold. Use unsalted butter. Cut the butter into small pieces and place in the food processor. Pulse until resembling small pea sized crumb.
Liquid Ingredients for the scones are buttermilk and an egg. In a measuring cup, mix the buttermilk and egg together. Pour into the flour and butter mixture. Pour in currants. Pulse until the dough starts to come together.
NOTE: If you are making these by hand, you will mix the dry ingredients in a bowl, using a pastry cutter or two knives, cut in the cold butter until it resembles pea sized crumbs. Mix the liquids as above. Combine with the flour and butter mixture, fold in the currants and continue with the steps below.
Working with the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5-6 times until the dough comes together. It make feel crumbly, but it will all bake well. Roll or pat out 1 1/2 inch height. Using a 2 1/4 inch biscuit cutter, cut out the scones. Place the scones on a silicon pad or parchment paper.
How to bake the scones. Using a pastry brush, coat the top with cream and some Turbinado or crystal sugar. Place in a 420 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Check frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. Take out of the oven and let cool on a rack.
Storing your scones. I make large batches and freeze unbaked. You can take out of the freezer and to the oven directly or bring to room temperature before baking.
You may not be able to find currants. I use Zante Currants also known as Corinth raisins, which are small seedless raisins that work very well in this recipes and are much easier to find.
These scones are a staple scone for me. They represent afternoon tea – I can taste the curd and cream already. Please come over….I will put the pot on and we can talk about the day and have a scone…a currant scone!
Currant Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all purpose flour and extra for work surface
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 3 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup cold, unsalted butter cut into small pieces
- ¾ cup dried currants I use Zaentz Currants, which are actually small raisins
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 420 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicon pad – I like to use a silicon pad.
- In food processor, mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and 2 tbsp of sugar. Pulse to mix.
- Place butter in food processor and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Combine the egg and the buttermilk together.
- Pour egg buttermilk mixture in and pulse until ball forms.
- Add currants and pulse.
- Transfer dough to lightly floured work surface. Knead dough 5-6 times or until mixture comes together. Roll and cut into desired sizes.
- Transfer to baking sheet.
This recipe was adapted from Martha Stewart’s Currant Scone recipe. You can find that recipe at http://www.marthastewart.com/336844/currant-scones?center=307033&gallery=342077&slide=281244
27 Comments
sharon wheet
thank you for sharing this delicious recipe with us! and I can say they are wonderful!
Beth
Thanks so much. They are one of my favorites.
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Lora
I love baking scones. I have never tried using a processor, need to try that next time. Didn’t realize you could freeze them. I’ll have to try your recipe next time I make them.
Beth
Thanks Lora. Just took some out this morning and put a little “Tea In A Box” for a friend. It works great and have been doing it for years. You can then just bake one or two for yourself! Glad that you enjoyed it.
D'Ann
I’m just learning how to cook and bake and this looks like I could handle it, but are currants next to raisins at the grocery store?
Beth
Hi D’Ann – I can’t find true currants in my store. So I use the Zant Currants that are really small raisins. Yes, they should be. I actually find them in my Sprouts store. If you have this store or a Whole Foods would. Otherwise if you ask the manager of your store, they are usually more than happy to order something in for you. Hope that helps. Otherwise, let me know. Thanks!
Lisa
These look so good! Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Angela
the touch of turbinado sugar on top I am sure is just to die for!
Beth
Thanks Angela. For sure – this scone with some curd and a nice English Breakfast and I am set!
Lisa Manderino
They look amazing! I want to try them!
Holly Bird
I love scones! This looks like an amazing recipe! I will be trying this very soon! Thank you!
Lisa
I’ve never made scones before…these look delicious! Saving for later.
Beth
Thanks Lisa. Scones are not hard to make and once you make that first batch, you will be on your way. Enjoy!
Kristen
What a great gift idea!
Beth
Hi Kristen – yes and the giver gets just as much of the blessing! Thanks.
Michelle
I have made so many scones in my life and this looks like a real tasty one. Thank you for sharing. I love the idea of gifting them with tea.
Beth
Thanks Michelle. As much for me as it is for them!
Maria Gustafsson
I love scones! I’m also a fan of eccles cakes which have currents
Eva
These sound delicious! I love to have a little something to snack on with my afternoon tea.
Beth
Thanks Eva. Me too!
Haley Kelley
We love scones! Can’t wait to try a new recipe
Beth
Hi Haley – this is one of many but one of my favorites for sure. Enjoy. Thanks.
Cindy
I love afternoon tea time and scones. I’m now plant based and gluten free. I’ll see if I can substitute vegan butter and gluten free flour. I’m excited to read all your ideas for tea.
Beth
Good morning Cindy – thanks so much for your comment. I have a couple really good gluten free scone recipes that I know can be adjusted for plant-based. Let me pull those and I will send them to you. I have used them in teas and gift boxes. The savories and the sweets go together pretty well with this in mind – the scones a little more thinking but still possible. Thanks and have a great day.
Michele
I have a confession to make, I have never tried one. The recipe sounds delicious so maybe it’s time I change that!
Beth
No confession needed. Easy to make, delicious to eat. Thanks.