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Preheat Your Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key to achieving the perfect rise and golden color on your scones.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are evenly distributed. The cake flour gives the scones a delicate, tender crumb, while the baking powder ensures they rise beautifully.
Cut in the Butter:
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. It’s important to work quickly to keep the butter cold, as this will help create those desirable flaky layers in your scones.
Bring the Dough Together:
Slowly add a small amount of cold milk or cream (about 1/2 cup) to the mixture, stirring gently with a fork until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Shape and Cut the Scones:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle or circle about 1-inch thick. Using a round cutter or a sharp knife, cut the dough into your desired scone shapes. Gather any scraps, gently press them together, and cut out more scones.
Bake the Scones:
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving a little space between each one. For an extra golden finish, brush the tops with a bit of milk or egg wash. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are risen and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy:
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, with a generous spread of butter, clotted cream, and your favorite jam.
Tips and Conclusion
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