Mary Berry Plain Scones Recipe

Mary Berry Plain Scones are a classic British bake known for their light texture, golden tops, and soft, fluffy centers. These traditional scones are simple to make and require only a handful of pantry ingredients, making them perfect for afternoon tea, breakfast, or a quick homemade treat. They have a delicate buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with jam, clotted cream, honey, or butter. This easy recipe takes around 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for beginner and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

For the Plain Scones

225g self-raising flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
55g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
25g caster sugar
150ml milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

For the Glaze

1 egg, beaten

For Serving

Clotted cream
Strawberry jam
Butter

How to Make Mary Berry Plain Scones Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C or 200°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place a shelf in the middle 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 butter cubes and rub them into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the sugar: Stir in the caster sugar until evenly distributed.
Make the dough: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Mix gently with a knife until a soft dough forms.
Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it to about 2cm thick.
Cut the scones: Use a round cutter to stamp out scones. Avoid twisting the cutter as this can affect the rise.
Glaze the tops: Place the scones onto the prepared tray and brush the tops with beaten egg.
Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the scones are well risen and golden brown on top.
Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.

Tips for Perfect Mary Berry Plain Scones

Why are my scones not rising properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter when cutting the dough. Press straight down for the best rise.

How do I keep scones light and fluffy?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough develops gluten and can make the scones tough.

Should the butter be cold or soft?

Cold butter creates steam during baking, helping the scones rise and develop a light texture.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the dough, cut out the scones, and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Enjoy with butter and honey.
Pair with a cup of tea or coffee.
Serve alongside fresh berries.
Use for a traditional afternoon tea spread.

Storage

Room Temperature

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

Refrigerator

Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Reheat briefly before eating.

Freezing

Freeze baked scones in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm in the oven before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 220 kcal
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Sodium: 220mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I make plain scones without self-raising flour?

Yes. Use plain flour and add 3 teaspoons of baking powder for a similar result.

Can I freeze unbaked scones?

Yes. Freeze the cut scones on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.

Why are my scones dry?

Too much flour or overbaking can cause dry scones. Measure ingredients carefully and remove them as soon as they are golden.

Can I add raisins or currants?

Absolutely. Stir around 75g of raisins or currants into the dough before adding the milk.