Fluffy Buttermilk Scones Recipe: Golden Goodness Every Time

Crafting delightful buttermilk scones brings pure morning magic to your kitchen.

Soft, flaky pastries emerge from simple ingredients waiting to surprise you.

Bakers often overlook how straightforward these treats can be.

British traditions shine through each crumbly, tender bite of these classic breakfast delicacies.

Gentle mixing and careful folding create remarkable textures that feel like culinary poetry.

Warm, golden edges and a tender center promise a delectable experience that transforms ordinary moments.

Gather your ingredients and let’s bake something extraordinary that will make your breakfast memorable.

Storing James Martin Buttermilk Scones Made Simple

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper, keeping them fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap completely cooled scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, preserving quality for up to 3 months.
• Separate scones with parchment paper before freezing to prevent sticking, allowing easy single-serving defrosting.
• Warm refrigerated scones in a 300F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave frozen scones for 20-30 seconds until heated through, restoring their tender texture and fresh-baked warmth.

FAQs About James Martin Buttermilk Scones

• What makes buttermilk important in this scone recipe?

Buttermilk helps create a tender, light texture and adds a subtle tangy flavor. It also helps activate baking powder for better rising and creates a softer crumb compared to regular milk.

• How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on the edges and top. The scones should sound slightly hollow when tapped and have a crisp exterior with a soft, fluffy interior.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While possible, buttermilk is recommended. If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

• Why should I grate frozen butter into the flour?

Why James Martin Buttermilk Scones Are A Favorite

• Craft Quickly: These scones come together in mere minutes, perfect for busy mornings or spontaneous baking sessions.
• Minimal Mess: Using just one bowl and basic ingredients means less cleanup and stress in the kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Swap in different mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruits, or nuts to create your personal flavor adventure.
• Beginner-Friendly: Simple technique of grating frozen butter creates flaky texture, making this recipe approachable for novice bakers.

Ingredients Needed For James Martin Buttermilk Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides the base structure for the scones.
• Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.

• Buttermilk: Provides moisture and a tangy flavor that tenderizes the scones.
• Frozen Butter: Creates flaky layers when grated into the dry ingredients.

• Jam, Cream, Butter: Delicious toppings that complement the scones' rich texture and flavor.

How To Make James Martin Buttermilk Scones

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Set your oven to 400°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it or covering with parchment paper.

Step 2: Blend Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and a pinch of cinnamon. Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly mixed.

Step 3: Incorporate Chilled Butter

Using a box grater, quickly grate frozen butter directly into the dry ingredient mixture. Toss the butter shreds through the flour using your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Create Dough

Pour buttermilk into the flour-butter mixture. Gently fold the liquid into the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stop mixing as soon as the dough comes together – avoid overworking.

Step 5: Shape The Scones

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Quickly pat the dough into a circular shape about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 equal triangular wedges.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small spaces between each piece. For a golden finish, brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the scones turn a beautiful golden brown color and look slightly crisp on the edges.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Remove scones from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite jam, clotted cream, or a pat of soft butter.

Helpful Tips For James Martin Buttermilk Scones

• Freeze Butter for Flakiness: Grate frozen butter into the dry ingredients for ultra-light, tender scones with delicate layers that melt in your mouth.
• Handle Dough Minimally: Mix buttermilk just until combined to prevent tough, dense scones by avoiding overworking the dough.
• Check Golden Perfection: Watch closely during baking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown color without burning, which indicates ideal texture and flavor.
• Serve Immediately Warm: Enjoy scones fresh from the oven for maximum softness and best taste, pairing perfectly with clotted cream or your favorite jam.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives or use dairy-free buttermilk substitutes to accommodate different dietary preferences.

Tasty Changes For James Martin Buttermilk Scones

• Gluten-Free Herb Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend, add dried rosemary and thyme for savory flavor.
• Vegan Coconut Scones: Swap buttermilk with coconut milk, use cold coconut oil instead of butter, add shredded coconut for texture.
• Low-Carb Cheese Scones: Substitute flour with almond meal, mix in sharp cheddar cheese, sprinkle with parmesan before baking.
• Fruit-Packed Berry Scones: Fold in fresh blueberries or chopped strawberries, top with raw sugar for extra crunch and sweetness.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Buttermilk Scones

• Pair with Clotted Cream and Strawberry Preserves: Spread rich, velvety clotted cream and sweet, tangy strawberry preserves on warm scones for a classic British teatime experience.
• Complement with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant cup of Earl Grey tea, its bergamot notes perfectly balancing the buttery, tender scones and cutting through their richness.
• Match with Lavender Honey: Drizzle delicate lavender-infused honey over scones for a floral, sweet touch that elevates the traditional breakfast treat.
• Serve alongside Fresh Berries: Arrange a colorful medley of ripe raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries to add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness to the scones.

Buttermilk Scones Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 22-25 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delightful buttermilk scones bring British bakery charm straight to kitchen counters with golden, flaky perfection. Crisp edges and tender centers promise a delectable breakfast or afternoon tea companion you’ll savor down to the last crumbly bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup (170 grams) frozen, grated butter
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk

Dry Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup (67 grams) sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 400°F and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or light greasing.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of components.
3. Using a box grater, carefully shred the frozen butter directly into the dry mixture, quickly working to create a coarse, crumbly texture.
4. Pour buttermilk into the dry ingredients, gently folding with minimal stirring to maintain a light, tender consistency.
5. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly floured surface, carefully shaping into two circular discs approximately 3/4 inch thick.
6. Slice each disc into six even wedges, separating them slightly to allow even heat circulation.
7. Arrange the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving small spaces between each piece for optimal browning.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown exterior and light, flaky texture.
9. Remove from oven and let cool briefly before serving alongside your favorite accompaniments like jam, clotted cream, or softened butter.

Notes

• Chill your butter thoroughly before grating to ensure flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
• Use cold buttermilk and handle the dough minimally to prevent tough, dense results and maintain a light crumb.
• For gluten-free adaptation, substitute all-purpose flour with a high-quality gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for better binding.
• Experiment with mix-ins like dried fruit, chocolate chips, or citrus zest to customize flavor without compromising the classic scone structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 175 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 230 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg