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Irresistible Hot Cross Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 127 reviews

These irresistible hot cross scones are a delightful twist on the traditional hot cross buns, featuring warm spices and dried fruit baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, they are tender, flaky, and lightly sweetened with a subtle cinnamon and nutmeg flavor, finished with an optional sweet icing glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, spoon and leveled
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)

Add-ins

  • 1/2 cup dried fruit (currants, raisins, or chopped dried apricots)

Optional Glaze

  • 1/2 cup icing sugar
  • milk or water to thin

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until fully combined to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will help create a flaky texture.
  4. Add Milk and Fruit: Pour in the whole milk and stir just until the dough begins to come together. Then gently fold in the dried fruit, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough.
  5. Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it 3 to 4 times to form a cohesive disc. Avoid over-kneading to keep the scones tender.
  6. Cut the Scones: Roll or pat the dough to about 1-inch thickness. Using a round cutter, cut out individual scones and place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Glaze and Bake: Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg to achieve a shiny, golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the scones are puffed and golden brown.
  8. Optional Icing: After baking, if desired, mix the icing sugar with a small amount of milk or water to create a drizzle consistency, then spoon over the cooled scones for a sweet glaze finish.

Notes

  • For best results, keep the butter as cold as possible to create flaky layers.
  • Do not overmix or over-knead the dough to avoid tough scones.
  • Feel free to customize the dried fruit according to your preference or seasonal availability.
  • The icing glaze is optional but adds a nice sweetness and decorative touch.
  • Serve warm with butter or your favorite jam for a delicious treat.

Keywords: hot cross scones, scones recipe, British baking, spiced scones, dried fruit scones, breakfast scones

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/irresistible-hot-cross-scones-recipe/