Sourdough Scones
Sourdough scones bring together the crumbly delight of traditional scones with the tangy richness of sourdough. Whether you use sourdough discard or an active starter, this recipe makes tender scones. They are full of flavor and easy to prepare.
The Master Scones Recipe is your ultimate guide to creating perfect, flaky scones every time. Whether you are making classic scones or trying eggless butter scones, this recipe easily adapts to your tastes. These butter scones do not have eggs, which makes them tender and crumbly. The rich flavor of butter enhances every bite.
Scones are great for breakfast, tea time, or dessert. They are easy to customize with sweet or savory add-ins. You can add fruits, chocolate chips, or herbs. With this recipe, you’ll master the art of baking scones that are as delicious as they are simple to make!
What Are Sourdough Scones?
The Basics of Sourdough Scones
Sourdough scones are a creative way to use sourdough discard or starter, blending classic scone dough with a tangy twist. These scones are light, flaky, and irresistibly tender. Accordingly, they’re perfect for reducing waste. Also, they bring a fresh spin to traditional recipes, but you’ll need to adjust baking times slightly.
Ingredients That Make Sourdough Scones Unique
The addition of sourdough starter or discard is what sets these scones apart. It adds a depth of flavor that traditional scones lack, making them truly special. Also, this ingredient elevates the taste significantly, but it’s essential to measure carefully. So, generally, sourdough scones have a distinct charm.
The Role of Sourdough Starter in Baking
Sourdough starter, whether active or as discard, ferments the flour mixture, creating a tender crumb and unique tang. It also pairs wonderfully with both sweet and savory add-ins.
Why Choose Sourdough Scones?
Health Benefits of Using Sourdough Starter
Sourdough fermentation helps break down gluten, making it easier to digest. It also enhances nutrient absorption and adds probiotics to your diet.
Enhanced Flavor and Texture
Thanks to the sourdough starter, the scones boast a complex flavor profile and a moist, tender texture. The tangy notes balance out sweetness beautifully. Accordingly, this makes them unique. Also, the starter contributes to the texture, but it’s the combination of flavors that stands out. So, they’re an excellent addition to your baking repertoire.
A Sustainable Approach to Baking
Making sourdough scones is a great way to reduce waste by using sourdough discard. A sustainable and delicious baking choice exists! So, this recipe is both practical and tasty. Generally, it’s a creative way to repurpose your starter.
How to Make Perfect Sourdough Scones
Necessary Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for perfect sourdough scone:
- Key Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice (optional for seasonal flavor)
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Add-Ins:
- Chocolate chips
- Dried fruits like cranberries or raisins
- Nuts or seeds
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Bench scraper
- Pastry cutter
- Rolling pin
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step-by-Step Recipe for Sourdough Scones
Preparing the Sourdough Starter
If you’re using sourdough discard, let it come to room temperature before incorporating it into the scone dough.
Mixing the Dough
- In a mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, mix the wet ingredients: sourdough discard, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually stir this into the flour mixture until just combined.
Shaping and Cutting the Scones
- Turn the scone dough onto a floured surface and gently bring it together using a bench scraper.
- Roll the dough into a 1-inch thick circle or rectangle.
- Use a knife or biscuit cutter to cut the dough into your desired shapes.
Baking to Perfection
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the tops with heavy cream for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the tops are lightly golden. Allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack.
Tips for Baking the Best Sourdough Scones
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Avoid overworking the scone dough—it can make the scones tough instead of tender.
- Keep the butter and wet ingredients cold to ensure flakiness. Accordingly, this step prevents the butter from melting prematurely. Also, it contributes to the dough’s structure, but chilling the ingredients beforehand is crucial for success.
How to Achieve Flaky and Soft Scones
So, Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally. This creates layers, resulting in tender scones with a light texture. Also, overworking the dough can make it tough, but keeping it cold ensures flakiness. So, work quickly to retain the desired texture. Generally, this technique is key to perfect scones.
Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Scones
Pairing with Sweet Toppings
- Spread with clotted cream and jam for a classic treat.
- Drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.
Pairing with Savory Toppings
- Serve with herbed butter or cream cheese.
- Pair with soups or stews for a hearty meal.
Conclusion
Sourdough scones are a tasty and flexible treat. They mix the flaky texture of classic pumpkin sourdough scone with the tangy flavor of sourdough. Whether you enjoy them plain, sweet, or savory, these scones are sure to impress. So, why not give them a try today?
FAQs
Yes, sourdough discard is perfect for scones, adding a tangy flavor without the need for additional leavening. Accordingly, it enhances the overall taste. Also, it’s a great way to reduce waste, but the discard must be fresh, so the flavor remains vibrant.
Use a bench scraper or knife to shape the dough into triangles or circles. So, achieving even portions becomes simple. Generally, this step ensures uniform baking.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Accordingly, this helps maintain freshness. Also, freezing preserves their texture, but ensure they are properly sealed to avoid freezer burn.
Absolutely! Chocolate chip sourdough scones are a delicious variation. Also, they add a delightful sweetness to the tangy base. But remember, the chocolate chips should be folded in gently, so they don’t break. Generally, this is a crowd-pleasing option.
Yes, brushing the tops with heavy cream helps achieve a golden, shiny finish. Accordingly, this simple step enhances the appearance of the scones. Also, it contributes to their texture, but make sure not to overdo it, so the scones bake evenly.
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Sourdough Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sourdough discard
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice optional
- 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Chocolate chips dried fruits, or nuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
- Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Mix sourdough discard, heavy cream, and vanilla in a separate bowl. Add to the dry ingredients.
- Gently mix until the dough comes together. Avoid overmixing.
- Transfer dough to a floured surface and shape into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut into 8 wedges or rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with heavy cream and bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden.
- Let the scones cool completely before serving.
