Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones are light, fluffy, and beautifully tender with a delicate buttery flavor and a golden top. The buttermilk helps create a soft texture while adding a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with jam and cream. This classic British bake is simple enough for beginners and delivers bakery-style results every time. From start to finish, these scones take around 30 minutes, making them ideal for afternoon tea, weekend baking, or a quick homemade treat.

Ingredients

For the Buttermilk Scones

450g self-raising flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
75g cold unsalted butter, cubed
50g caster sugar
250ml buttermilk
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
Extra flour for dusting

To Serve

Strawberry jam
Clotted cream
Butter

How to Make Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C or 200°C fan. Line a large baking tray with baking paper and place a shelf in the center of the oven.
Mix the dry ingredients: Add the self-raising flour and baking powder to a large mixing bowl and stir together.
Rub in the butter: Add the cold cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the sugar: Stir the caster sugar through the breadcrumb mixture until evenly distributed.
Make the dough: Pour in the buttermilk and mix gently with a knife or spatula until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Shape the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently pat it out to approximately 2.5cm thick.
Cut the scones: Use a floured round cutter to cut out scones. Press straight down without twisting to help them rise evenly.
Apply the glaze: Beat the egg with the milk and lightly brush the tops of the scones.
Bake: Arrange the scones on the prepared tray and bake for 10 to 12 minutes until well risen and golden brown.
Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving with jam and clotted cream.

Tips

Why are my scones not rising properly?

Use fresh baking powder and avoid twisting the cutter when cutting the dough. Twisting seals the edges and reduces the rise.

How do I keep scones soft and fluffy?

Handle the dough gently and mix only until combined. Overworking develops gluten and creates tougher scones.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours before baking.

What makes buttermilk better than regular milk?

Buttermilk adds a slight tang and reacts with the raising agents to produce a softer, lighter texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
Enjoy with butter and honey.
Pair with a pot of English breakfast tea.
Serve alongside fresh berries.
Add lemon curd for a traditional afternoon tea treat.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm briefly before serving for the best texture.

Refrigerator

Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Allow to come to room temperature or warm gently before eating.

Freezing

Freeze baked scones in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 210 kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 290mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes used.

FAQs

Can I make buttermilk scones without buttermilk?

Yes. Mix 250ml milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and leave for 10 minutes before using.

Why are my scones dry?

Too much flour or overmixing the dough can result in dry scones. Measure carefully and handle gently.

Can I add raisins or currants?

Yes. Stir 75g of raisins or currants into the dough before adding the buttermilk.

Can I freeze unbaked scones?

Yes. Freeze the cut scones on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.