Name: Easy Sultana Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 500g self-raising flour, sieved, plus extra for dusting; 175g softened butter, cut into small pieces; 3 tbsp caster sugar; 150g sultanas; 2 eggs, lightly beaten; a splash of milk, plus extra for brushing; Clotted cream; Jam

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Introduction

These easy sultana scones are a delightful treat perfect for teatime or a cozy snack. Light and fluffy, they are studded with sweet sultanas and can be enjoyed with clotted cream and jam for a traditional touch.

Two slices of raisin bread are placed on a white plate with a green pattern. Each slice has a small amount of yellow butter melting on top. The bread looks soft and has small dark raisins scattered throughout. The plate is on a white marbled surface with a clear jar of red jam and a butter knife with a white handle resting beside it. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

500g self-raising flour, sieved, plus extra for dusting
175g softened butter, cut into small pieces
3 tbsp caster sugar
150g sultanas
2 eggs, lightly beaten
A splash of milk, plus extra for brushing
Clotted cream and jam, to serve (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment.
Step 2: Place the flour and butter into a large bowl. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour, allowing the mixture to fall from a short height. Continue until it resembles fine breadcrumbs with air incorporated.
Step 3: Add a pinch of salt, caster sugar, sultanas, eggs, and enough milk to bring the mixture together into a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones tender.
Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Dust a rolling pin with flour and roll the dough out to about 2cm thick.
Step 5: Cut the dough into squares or triangles using a sharp knife. Place the scones on the prepared baking tray, spacing them to allow room for spreading.
Step 6: Brush the tops with a little milk and bake for 10 minutes until golden and risen.
Step 7: Allow the scones to cool until just warm, then serve with clotted cream or butter and jam if desired.

Tips & Variations

Try adding chopped candied orange peel, lemon peel and zest, diced apricots, or dates for a fruity twist.
For a savoury option, replace the sugar and sultanas with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a little dry mustard powder.
The uncooked dough freezes well—shape and freeze the scones before baking to enjoy fresh later.

Storage

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm gently in the oven or microwave before serving. Leftover scones can also be frozen once baked; thaw and reheat before eating.

How to Serve

Two pieces of raisin bread are placed on a white plate with a green pattern. Each bread piece has a rough, crumbly texture and is spread with uneven patches of melted light yellow butter. The bread's color is light brown with visible raisins scattered inside. The plate is on a wooden surface, and part of a glass jar with red jam and a butter knife with a white handle are visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raisins instead of sultanas?

Yes, raisins can be used as a substitute for sultanas with a similar sweet flavor, though sultanas tend to be plumper and juicier.

How can I make the scones lighter and fluffier?

Rubbing the butter into the flour until it resembles fine breadcrumbs and avoiding overworking the dough helps incorporate air, resulting in lighter, fluffier scones.