Tea Party Scones: Buttery, and Flaky

If you’re dreaming of the perfect tea party spread, start with these delightful tea party scones that are as charming as they are delicious. This easy scone recipe combines all the best elements of a traditional scones recipe. Think flaky scones with a buttery crumb and soft center. Whether you’re hosting a Jane Austen tea party food affair or serving British tea party food for friends, this is truly the best scones recipe for the job. From a classic Butter Scones Recipe to fun Mini Scones, this homemade butter scones recipe is a must-have. These easy tea party scones are perfect as simple tea time snacks or centerpiece-worthy tea party treats. Keep reading for the basic tea party scone recipe, simple recipe variations and stunning scones presentation ideas!

Why I Love Making Tea Party Scones

I love tea party celebrations, and I attend or host them any chance I get. This easy tea party scones recipe was inspired by a recipe I saw years ago in The Oregonian newspaper. The problem? It called for buttermilk, and that’s not something I usually buy. Instead of buttermilk, I made faux buttermilk (one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts) and included that in the recipe. The scones turned out moist, slightly crispy on the outside, yet buttery and tender on the inside. Perfect for pairing with my favorite homemade jam. Over the years, I’ve developed some variations, which I include further on down. Let’s get started!

Tea Party Scones Equipment

A mixing bowl and baking sheet are the basic supplies needed for this recipe. If you have a pastry blender, great, but you can also use a couple of butter knives to cut in the butter. My pastry blender is a vintage one made by Androck and is very sturdy. Along with my vintage Pyrex mixing bowls, it’s one of my favorite kitchen tools.

Here’s a heavy-duty pastry blender that is similar. A pastry blender is also terrific for quickly chopping hard-boiled eggs, as I mention in my favorite kitchen shortcuts.

Tea Party Scones Ingredients

1 cup milk or buttermilk (if you have buttermilk, omit the lemon juice)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (bottled is fine)

3 cups flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup firm butter (1 and 1/2 sticks, cut into chunks)

Tea Party Scones Instructions

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

Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is about the size of small peas.

Make a well in the center of the butter-flour mixture and add your faux buttermilk all at once. You may stir the mixture with a fork until the dough pulls away from the side of a bowl, if you wish.

Once the liquid has been absorbed, I turn and press the dough gently down into the bowl a few times. This gathers up all of the loose butter-flour mixture.

Divide the dough into four parts. Shape each part into a ball and place on a lightly floured board. (I use an old bread board.) Lightly pat each ball into a circle.

Cut each circle into four parts and place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Place on a rack.

Serve warm topped with clotted cream (recipe further on down) or with homemade raspberry blueberry jam.

Watch the Video to See Scone-Making in Action

Common Tea Party Scones Questions

What is the secret to making good scones?

The secret to good scones lies in using cold ingredients, especially the butter, and not overmixing the dough. This helps create tender, flaky layers. Baking at a high temperature also helps them rise beautifully.

How many scones per person for afternoon tea?

Plan for one to two scones per person at afternoon tea, depending on the size of the scones and what else is being served. If you’re offering mini scones alongside other foods, two per guest is ideal.

What are the three main foods served at an afternoon tea?

The three main foods served at afternoon tea are finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and an assortment of sweets like cakes, tarts, or petit fours. These are typically served on a tiered stand in that order, savory to sweet.

What to serve with scones at a tea party?

Scones pair beautifully with clotted cream and fruit preserves like strawberry or raspberry jam. Add a variety of finger sandwiches, fresh fruit, and dainty pastries to round out your tea party spread. Don’t forget to serve with a pot of hot tea. Earl Grey or English Breakfast are popular choices.

What do the British serve with scones?

In Britain, scones are traditionally served with clotted cream and jam, often strawberry. They may also be accompanied by a pot of strong black tea, like Assam or Darjeeling. This combination is a staple of cream tea, a beloved British custom. Here is a jam-covered scone served at an afternoon tea presented by Knead Some Love Bakery.

What are the classic scones shapes?

Classic scones are typically round, cut with a biscuit cutter. However, triangular or wedge-shaped scones are also common, especially in American recipes (like the one I shared with you). Both shapes are widely accepted and delicious!

Easy Clotted Cream Recipe (Mock Version)

In a bowl, whip 1 cup of heavy cream until soft peaks form. Gently fold in 1/3 cup of mascarpone cheese until smooth and thick. Chill before serving. This quick version mimics the rich, creamy texture of traditional clotted cream, perfect for tea party scones!

Where to Find Real Clotted Cream

You can find real clotted cream in a few specialty spots, such as British or European specialty stores. You can also find clotted cream at online retailers. Amazon, British Food Depot, and Gourmet Food Store frequently stock jarred clotted cream.

Sweet Tea Party Scones Variations

Here are some delicious sweet scone variations to try for your next tea party or cozy bake session. Fold in 1/2 cup of each sweet addition after cutting in the butter or follow the linked recipe:

Raspberry White Chocolate Scones: Two great flavors that pair well with a lovely cup of tea.

Classic Currant or Raisin Scones: A British favorite with dried currants or raisins for subtle sweetness.

Lemon Blueberry Glazed Scones: Bright and zesty with fresh or frozen blueberries.

Orange Chocolate Chip Scones: Rich and indulgent, make them regular or mini-sized.

Cranberry Orange Scones: Tart cranberries and sweet orange zest make a festive, fruity combo.

Cinnamon Sugar Scones: Swirled or sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar for a comforting flavor.

Strawberries and Cream Scones: Fresh berries mixed into the dough or served with whipped cream.

Vanilla Bean Scones: Elegant and fragrant with specks of real vanilla bean or extract.

Maple Pecan Scones: Sweetened with maple syrup and studded with toasted pecans for a cozy bite.

Almond Glazed Scones: Topped with a sweet almond icing and sliced almonds for a bakery-style treat.

Savory Tea Party Scones Variations

Here are some delightful savory scone variations that are perfect for a tea party spread. Just fold in 1/2 cup of each of these additions after cutting in the butter:

Cheddar and Chive Scones: Sharp cheese and fresh herbs for a rich, savory bite.

Parmesan Rosemary Scones: Nutty parmesan with fragrant rosemary for an elegant and flavorful option.

Bacon and Cheddar Scones: Crispy bacon bits and melty cheddar make these a hearty favorite.

Sun-Dried Tomato and Feta Scones: Tangy and bold, perfect with a touch of olive oil or tapenade.

Spinach and Goat Cheese Scones: Earthy spinach and creamy goat cheese for a refined tea table treat.

Caramelized Onion and Thyme Scones: Sweet onions and savory herbs baked into golden goodness.

Ham and Gruyère Scones: These are delicious warm from the oven.

Herbed Cream Cheese Scones: Soft, tangy, and packed with fresh dill, parsley, or basil.

Blue Cheese and Walnut Scones: Bold and nutty, ideal with a drizzle of honey or a crisp apple slice.

Tea Party Scones

Discover the best homemade tea party scones recipe:Flaky, buttery, and easy to make with no buttermilk needed. Perfect for elegant gatherings!

5 from 4 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Dessert, Teatime

Cuisine American, English

Servings 16

Calories 300 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Large mixing bowl
• 1 Baking sheet
• 1 Pastry blender optional

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup milk or buttermilk (if you have buttermilk, omit the lemon juice)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (bottled is fine)
• 3 cups flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup firm butter (1 and 1/2 sticks, cut into chunks)

Instructions

 

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt until blended.
• Using a pastry blender or two butter knives, cut the butter into the flour mixture until the butter is about the size of small peas.
• Make a well in the center of the butter-flour mixture and add your faux buttermilk all at once. You may stir the mixture with a fork until the dough pulls away from the side of a bowl, if you wish.
• Once the liquid has been absorbed, turn and press the dough gently down into the bowl a few times. This gathers up all of the loose butter-flour mixture.
• Divide the dough into four parts. Shape each part into a ball and place on a lightly floured board. Lightly pat each ball into a circle.
• Cut each circle into four parts and place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake until golden, about 15 minutes. Place on a rack to cool.
• Serve warm topped with clotted cream or jam.

Keyword scone

More Food Inspiration

Thinking of working this easy tea party scone recipe into your tea party recipe collection? It’s always nice to have a plan when it comes to meals or parties. If you’re looking for a way to get more organized with your meal planning efforts, I’ve got something for you. Free, editable meal planners! The templates can be used over and over, as often as you need them. You can make as many duplicates as you like, and you’ll be able to save old meal plans for future reference. I hope it simplifies things for you.

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I hope you enjoy making tea party scones. May all of your tea party endeavors meet with great success!

Lisa Mitchell is a wife, mom, and school librarian who likes to create and share recipes, often using fresh ingredients from her family’s small Pacific Northwest farm. For more delicious, easy recipes, click on over to the Food page.