If you enjoy traditional British baking, these Mary Berry Treacle Scones are a wonderful treat to make at home. Soft, lightly spiced, and enriched with the deep caramel flavor of black treacle, they have a tender crumb and a beautifully golden finish. They are simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for afternoon tea. The recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick homemade bake.
Ingredients
For the Treacle Scones
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 teaspoon mixed spice
- Pinch of salt
- 85g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
- 50g soft brown sugar
- 100g black treacle
- 150ml milk
- 1 large egg
For Finishing
- Extra milk for glazing
For Serving
- Butter
- Strawberry jam
- Clotted cream (optional)
How to Make Mary Berry Treacle Scones Recipe
- Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.
- Mix the dry ingredients: Place the self-raising flour, mixed spice, and salt into a large mixing bowl and stir together.
- Rub in the butter: Add the chilled butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Add the sugar: Stir in the soft brown sugar until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the wet mixture: Warm the black treacle slightly so it becomes easier to mix. Whisk together the treacle, milk, and egg.
- Make the dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 2cm thick. Cut out rounds using a 6cm cutter.
- Arrange and glaze: Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and brush the tops lightly with milk.
- Bake the scones: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until well risen and golden brown on top.
- Cool and serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack for a few minutes before serving warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.

Tips for the Best Treacle Scones
How do I keep treacle scones light and fluffy?
Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking develops gluten and can make the scones dense.
Should I warm the treacle first?
Yes. Slightly warming the treacle makes it easier to mix evenly into the liquid ingredients.
Why didn’t my scones rise properly?
Check that your self-raising flour is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter when cutting out the scones.
Can I add dried fruit?
Absolutely. Raisins, sultanas, or chopped dates work particularly well with the rich treacle flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with salted butter.
- Enjoy with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
- Pair with a cup of English breakfast tea.
- Serve alongside homemade marmalade.
- Add a drizzle of honey for extra sweetness.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Refresh in a warm oven before serving.
Refrigerator
Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days in a sealed container. Allow to come to room temperature before eating.
Freezing
Freeze the cooled scones in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature and warm gently before serving.
Nutrition
- Calories: 245 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Protein: 5g
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 220mg
Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes used.
FAQs
Can I use golden syrup instead of treacle?
Yes, but the flavor will be lighter and less rich. Black treacle gives these scones their distinctive traditional taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the dough, cover it well, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I freeze unbaked treacle scones?
Yes. Freeze the cut rounds on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen with a few extra minutes added.
What is the best way to serve treacle scones?
They are best served slightly warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream and a hot cup of tea.
Mary Berry Treacle Scones Recipe
Course: Breakfast, Snack, DessertCuisine: BritishDifficulty: Easy10
scones15
minutes15
minutes30
minutes245
kcal30
minutesTraditional British treacle scones with a soft crumb, rich molasses flavor, and a lightly spiced finish. Perfect served warm with butter or jam.
Ingredients
350g self-raising flour
1 tsp mixed spice
85g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
50g soft brown sugar
100g black treacle
150ml milk
1 large egg
Pinch of salt
Extra milk for glazing
Butter or jam for serving
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (180°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Mix flour, mixed spice and salt in a large bowl.
- Rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
- Stir in the brown sugar.
- Warm the treacle slightly and mix it with the milk and egg.
- Pour into the flour mixture and mix gently to form a soft dough.
- Roll out to about 2cm thickness and cut into rounds.
- Place on the prepared tray and brush tops with milk.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until risen and golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving warm with butter or jam.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough or the scones may become heavy.
- Warm treacle slightly for easier mixing.
- Best enjoyed fresh on the day of baking.
