Discover the magic of scones and their various delicious varieties
Delicate Scones - A British Classic Winning a Place on Czech Tables
When you hear the word "scone," most people probably imagine a serene English afternoon, fine porcelain, a teapot, and a plate full of crumbly, golden treats served with butter and jam. This traditional British delicacy has been making its way into Czech households in recent years—and it's no wonder. Scones, or if you prefer English buns, are not only irresistibly tasty but also surprisingly simple to prepare. Whether you prefer the sweet classic or are tempted by the savory version with cheese, this article will guide you through everything you need to know about scones—from history to a tried-and-true recipe.
How Did Scones Actually Originate?
The origins of scones (often referred to in Czech as "skoóny" or "English buns") trace back to 16th-century Scotland. Early mentions refer to a simple cake prepared on a pan, which eventually transitioned to the oven and took on its familiar shape. Traditionally, scones were round, but later they began to be cut into triangles, similar to pizza, especially in the United States, where the sweet version of this pastry gained great popularity.
Today, there are countless variations of scones—sweet with raisins, chocolate, or cranberries, but also savory with cheese, herbs, or even bacon. In Britain, they are a beloved component of the so-called "cream tea," where they are served with thick clotted cream and strawberry jam. However, in modern cuisine, scones are finding their place as breakfast or brunch pastries, which can be adapted according to taste and season.
The Key is Butter and Patience
Although a scone recipe may seem simple at first glance—flour, butter, sugar, eggs, and baking powder—the success lies in the details. The basic rule is to work with really cold butter, which creates small pockets in the dough during baking, ensuring flakiness and lightness. Another crucial factor is the proper handling of the dough—it shouldn't be kneaded like bread but gently brought together to maintain its structure.
Overmixing the dough will "beat it up," resulting in tougher pieces without the desired lightness. This is where the magic of well-prepared scones lies—they should be slightly crisp on the outside, but moist and fluffy on the inside.
When mentioning butter, it's important to note that quality ingredients play a vital role. Using genuine butter with a high-fat content and good flour will enhance the final taste significantly. Ideally, you can opt for organic or local ingredients, making your homemade baking not only tastier but also more sustainable.
Sweet vs. Savory
While sweet scones have been a classic maintaining their popularity for decades, more people are discovering the charm of the savory version, especially the so-called "cheese scones." These savory scones are ideal not just for breakfast but also as a quick snack or an accompaniment to soup or salad.
Cheese scones are typically made with more pronounced types of cheese—mature cheddar, parmesan, or a combination of both works excellently. Mild herbs like thyme, chives, or rosemary are often added to the dough to add another layer of flavor. Some cooks also add a pinch of mustard or cayenne pepper for a spicier version.
An interesting example is a small café in Brno, which started offering homemade cheese scones as part of their weekend brunch menu. Customers loved them so much that this unassuming pastry became one of their best-selling products. "Initially, we offered them as a test, but people kept asking for them again and again. Today, the weekend menu doesn't exist without them," says the café owner.
Whether you prefer the sweet classic with jam or lean towards the savory, cheesy version, scones offer room for creativity and experimentation. You can easily adapt them to seasonal ingredients or current tastes.
Tried-and-True Scones Recipe—Sweet and Savory
To complement the theory, here are two basic recipes—a classic sweet one and a cheese version for savory pastry lovers.
Sweet Scones (about 8 pieces)
Ingredients:
- 250 g plain flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 75 g cold butter (cubed)
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk (plus a bit for brushing)
- Raisins or dried cranberries to taste
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add butter and quickly work it in with your fingers until a crumbly mixture forms.
- Stir in the egg and most of the milk to form a dough (add remaining milk if too dry).
- Incorporate the dried fruit, do not over-knead.
- Roll out to a 2–3 cm thick sheet and cut out circles.
- Brush with milk and bake at 200°C for about 12–15 minutes until golden.
Cheese Scones
Ingredients:
- 250 g semi-coarse flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 75 g cold butter
- 100 g grated cheese (cheddar, gouda, parmesan)
- 1 egg
- 100 ml milk (plus a bit extra)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
- Add butter to create a crumbly mixture.
- Stir in most of the cheese and the egg with milk.
- Form a dough and roll it out. You can sprinkle with remaining cheese.
- Cut out circles or triangles.
- Bake at 200°C for about 15 minutes until golden.
Both versions are best served warm, for example with butter, cream cheese, or jam. If you prepare them a day in advance, you can quickly reheat them in the oven, and they will taste fresh.
A Little Piece of England at Home
In today's times, when the trend is to slow down and enjoy small pleasures, scones are an ideal way to savor a moment of peace—whether alone or with someone close. They are simple, yet manage to feel special. They can be made from readily available ingredients and adapted in countless ways. Plus, they pair excellently with tea, coffee, or simply as a warming reward on a rainy afternoon.
As British author Mary Berry once said: "Baking scones is like a hug you can put on a plate." And isn't that just the reason to fall in love with them?
