Baking experts say scones will be taller and rise evenly if you avoid twisting the cutter when cutting out the dough. The simple step before baking can make a noticeable difference to the final result.
Why twisting the cutter harms scones
Scones are a beloved British treat, and while shop-bought packets are convenient, making them from scratch can offer a homemade taste. The dough itself is straightforward to prepare, as most basic recipes use the all-in-one method, mixing all ingredients in a single bowl.
The key is to avoid overworking the dough, which can develop excess gluten and melt the cold butter, resulting in a flat, dense scone. Instead, tip the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it down with the heel of your hand until it is around 2.5cm to 3cm thick.
The correct cutting technique
When cutting out the scones, it is essential not to twist the cutter. Press it straight down into the dough and lift it straight back up, removing the scone immediately so it does not reattach to the surrounding mixture.
Home Bake Academy explains: “Make sure you press the cutter straight down and lift it straight up, don’t twist it. Twisting the cutter seals the edges of the dough, which can stop the scones from rising evenly. For tall, even scones, it’s all about that clean cut.”
To help avoid sticking, dip the cutter in a bit of flour first, which should give a nice clean cut.
Placement on the baking tray
Once cut out, place the scones on a baking tray close together. Avoiding big gaps between each scone encourages the dough to rise straight upwards rather than spreading out, resulting in taller and softer scones as the sides are shielded from the oven’s heat.
Recipe website Taste.com.au said: “Dip the cutter into the extra flour before cutting out each scone. Use a straight-down motion to cut out the scones. Do not twist the cutter as this will cause the scones to rise unevenly during cooking. You can re-roll any scraps and cut more scones; however, these will be slightly less tender than the scones cut from the original dough and will rise less evenly. As you cut out the scones, place them on a baking tray about 1cm apart. Placing them this close together will also help them rise evenly.”
