Sultana scones are a delightful twist on the classic British scone, adding a sweet and chewy texture with the addition of plump, juicy sultanas. These scones are perfect for a traditional afternoon tea or as a quick breakfast treat. Light and crumbly on the outside with a soft, tender interior, these scones pair beautifully with clotted cream, butter, and a dollop of your favorite jam. The mild sweetness from the sultanas balances perfectly with a buttery scone base, creating a comforting and satisfying bake that’s hard to resist.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- â…“ cup cold, unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup sultanas (or golden raisins)
- ¾ cup whole milk (or heavy cream)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Extra milk for brushing
- Optional: a sprinkle of demerara sugar for topping
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to evenly distribute.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
- Add Sultanas: Stir in the sultanas, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently pat or roll the dough to about ¾ inch thickness. Use a round cutter (around 2-3 inches in diameter) to cut out the scones. Re-roll any scraps and cut out more scones.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Brush the tops with a bit of milk and sprinkle with demerara sugar if desired.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and risen.
- Serve: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving warm with clotted cream, butter, and jam.
Enjoy these sultana scones fresh out of the oven, where their buttery crumb and sweet sultanas create the perfect combination for a comforting treat!
