Mary Berry Sultana Scones Recipe

If you love classic British baking, this Mary Berry Sultana Scones Recipe is a wonderful choice. These traditional scones are light, fluffy, and packed with sweet juicy sultanas throughout. They are quick and easy to make, making them perfect for afternoon tea, weekend baking, or special occasions. With a preparation and baking time of around 30 minutes, even beginner bakers can achieve excellent results.

Ingredients

For the Scones

450g self-raising flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
75g cold butter, diced
50g caster sugar
100g sultanas
2 large eggs
225ml milk
Extra flour for dusting

For the Glaze

1 large egg, beaten

How to Make Mary Berry Sultana Scones Recipe

Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C or 200°C fan. Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Mix the dry ingredients: Place the self-raising flour and baking powder into a large mixing bowl and stir together.
Rub in the butter: Add the cold diced butter and rub it into the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
Add the sugar and sultanas: Stir in the caster sugar and sultanas until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Combine the wet ingredients: Beat the eggs with the milk in a jug until smooth.
Make the dough: Pour the egg mixture into the bowl and mix gently until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing.
Shape the scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently roll to about 2cm thick. Cut out rounds using a floured cutter.
Arrange and glaze: Place the scones on the prepared tray and brush the tops with beaten egg.
Bake: Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the scones are golden brown and well risen.
Cool and serve: Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for the Best Mary Berry Sultana Scones

Why are my scones not rising properly?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh and avoid twisting the cutter when cutting the dough.

How do I keep scones light and fluffy?

Handle the dough as little as possible and avoid kneading it heavily.

Can I use raisins instead of sultanas?

Yes, raisins work well, although sultanas provide a slightly softer texture and sweeter flavour.

Why are my scones dry?

Too much flour or overbaking can dry out scones. Measure ingredients accurately and watch the baking time carefully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.
Enjoy with butter and a cup of tea.
Pair with lemon curd for a citrus twist.
Serve as part of a traditional afternoon tea spread.

Storage

Room Temperature

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Keep refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 5 days. Warm slightly before serving.

Freezing

Freeze cooled scones in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and refresh in the oven before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 230 kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Sodium: 180mg

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

FAQs

Can I make Mary Berry sultana scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container.

Can I freeze unbaked scones?

Yes, place the cut scones on a tray, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag and bake directly from frozen.

What can I serve with sultana scones?

They pair beautifully with clotted cream, jam, butter, lemon curd, or fresh fruit preserves.

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, add an extra 2 teaspoons of baking powder for every 450g of plain flour.