Baker's Secret Ingredient Transforms Scones into Fluffy Delights
Few culinary pleasures rival biting into a warm, freshly-baked scone generously topped with jam and clotted cream. These beloved treats are surprisingly simple and quick to make at home, offering an ideal baking project for the Easter weekend.
The 20-Minute Scone Recipe That Delivers Perfection
Cooking and baking enthusiast Thanh Berthou, from Eat Little Bird, has shared her foolproof scone recipe that requires just 10 minutes of preparation and 10 minutes of baking time.
"Scones are really easy to make and, if you don't mind getting your hands a bit dirty, it's possible to make a batch of scones and have them ready to serve in less than 30 minutes," she explained.
Thanh revealed that for years she exclusively used Nigella Lawson's "Lily's Scones" recipe, but through experimentation eventually developed her own streamlined version.
Why Lard Makes All the Difference
The secret to her exceptional scones lies in one key ingredient: lard. While traditional scone recipes begin by rubbing cold butter into dry ingredients until achieving a crumbly texture, Thanh uses lard or vegetable shortening to "make the scones extra tall, fluffy and soft."
Though it might sound unconventional, lard's high fat content actually inhibits gluten formation when combined with flour, resulting in a noticeably softer, flakier texture that elevates the entire eating experience.
During the baking process, the fat creates air pockets that not only help the scones rise beautifully but also contribute to a wonderfully light and fluffy finish. Additionally, lard's moisture-retaining properties could significantly extend the shelf life of your scones, allowing you to enjoy them for longer periods.
Complete Recipe for Perfect Scones
Ingredients:
- 500g of plain flour
- 50g of unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- 25g (two tablespoons) of caster sugar
- 25g of lard or vegetable shortening
- Two heaped tablespoons of baking powder
- One teaspoon of salt
- 200ml to 300ml of full cream milk
- Egg wash (one egg and one tablespoon of milk)
Method:
- Begin by heating your oven to 220°C. Place a baking tray into the centre of the oven to warm through while you prepare the scone dough.
- For the dough, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder in a mixing bowl. Either use a stand mixer to bring everything together or simply stir it all with a spoon.
- Add the butter and lard (or vegetable shortening) and blend using a flat paddle attachment. If you don't own a stand mixer, rubbing the ingredients into the flour with your fingertips works equally well.
- Once the mixture starts to resemble damp sand, gradually pour in the milk. The goal is to add just enough milk so everything comes together into a cohesive dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle approximately 3cm thick. Avoid overworking the dough, as this can negatively affect the texture of your final scones.
- Cut them out using a round cookie cutter or a small glass, then place the scones onto the warmed baking tray.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 10 to 15 minutes until they achieve a lovely golden brown colour.
This simple yet transformative technique demonstrates how one ingredient adjustment can elevate a classic recipe to new heights of texture and flavour, making your homemade scones truly exceptional.
