Mary Berry's delicious fruit scones are a delightful treat that can brighten up any tea time or breakfast spread. Known for their light, fluffy texture and rich flavor, these scones are perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the ingredients, method, and tips for making the perfect fruit scones.
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Ingredients 🥮
To create these lovely fruit scones, you'll need the following ingredients:
<table> <tr> <th>Ingredient</th> <th>Quantity</th> </tr> <tr> <td>Plain flour</td> <td>225g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Baking powder</td> <td>2 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Salt</td> <td>1/2 tsp</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Butter</td> <td>50g (cubed)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Sugar</td> <td>25g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Dried mixed fruit (or fresh fruit)</td> <td>100g</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Milk</td> <td>150ml</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Egg (for glaze)</td> <td>1 (beaten)</td> </tr> </table>
Important Note: "You can substitute the mixed fruit with chocolate chips or nuts if you prefer a different flavor."
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Step-by-Step Method 🍽️
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the preparation.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven 🔥
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C for fan ovens) or 425°F. This ensures that your scones will bake evenly and rise beautifully.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients 🥣
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the plain flour, baking powder, and salt. This aerates the flour, making the scones light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Butter 🧈
Add the cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Be gentle; you don’t want to melt the butter.
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Step 4: Mix in Sugar and Fruit 🍇
Stir in the sugar and dried mixed fruit. This adds sweetness and texture to your scones.
Step 5: Add Milk 🥛
Make a well in the center of the mixture and pour in the milk. Using a knife, mix the milk into the dry ingredients until it forms a soft dough. Avoid over-mixing as this can make the scones tough.
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Step 6: Shape the Dough ✋
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a couple of times just to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
Step 7: Cut Out Scones 🍽️
Use a floured scone cutter (or a glass) to cut out rounds from the dough. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gather any scraps and repeat until all the dough is used up.
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Step 8: Glaze the Scones 🥚
Brush the tops of the scones with the beaten egg. This gives them a lovely golden color when baked.
Step 9: Bake the Scones 🍰
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the scones are risen and golden brown.
<div style="text-align: center;"> <img src="https://tse1.mm.bing.net/th?q=Baking Scones" alt="Baking Scones" /> </div>
Step 10: Cool and Serve 🥳
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm with clotted cream and jam for a classic touch!
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Tips for Perfect Scones 📝
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and milk are cold to maintain the flaky texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix until just combined to keep your scones light and airy.
- Experiment with Flavors: Try adding lemon zest, chocolate chips, or nuts to vary the flavor.
- Storage: Keep any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
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Mary Berry's delicious fruit scones are a scrumptious addition to your baking repertoire. With just a handful of ingredients and a little time, you can create a delightful treat that’s sure to impress family and friends. Enjoy the sweet, comforting taste of homemade scones that can be customized in a variety of ways to suit your palate!