Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Ingredients: 350g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 85g unsalted butter, cold; 3 tbsp caster sugar; 175ml buttermilk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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These classic buttermilk scones are soft, tall, and beautifully tender with a lightly crisp top and a rich, buttery crumb. The buttermilk adds a gentle tang and helps create a delicate texture that is perfect for splitting and filling. This is a simple, reliable bake suitable for beginners, yet satisfying for experienced home bakers. From start to finish, they are ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

For the scones

350g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp baking powder
85g cold unsalted butter, diced
3 tbsp caster sugar
175ml buttermilk, plus extra for glazing
1 tsp vanilla extract

To serve

Clotted cream or whipped cream
Strawberry or raspberry jam

How to Make Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Oven preparation: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Line a baking tray with baking parchment and set aside.
Mixing the dough: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the cold butter and rub it in using your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar. Make a well in the centre and pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Using a round-bladed knife, gently bring the mixture together to form a soft dough.
Shaping and cutting: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead very lightly, just enough to smooth it. Pat out to a thickness of about 2.5cm. Using a 5cm plain cutter, cut out the scones without twisting the cutter. Place them close together on the prepared tray for even rising. Brush the tops lightly with a little buttermilk.
Baking: Bake on the top shelf of the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until well risen and golden on top.
Cooling and serving: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with cream and jam.

Tips

Why are my scones not rising well?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and use fresh self-raising flour. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to help them rise evenly.

How do I keep scones light and fluffy?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it will make the scones dense rather than tender.

Can I make these without buttermilk?

If needed, mix 175ml milk with 1½ tsp lemon juice and leave for 10 minutes. This makes a good buttermilk substitute.

Should scones touch when baking?

Yes, placing them close together encourages a higher, straighter rise.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Enjoy with butter and honey for a simple treat
Pair with afternoon tea or a light breakfast
Add fresh berries on the side for extra freshness

Storage

Room temperature

Keep scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm gently before serving.

Refrigerator

Not recommended, as refrigeration tends to dry out scones.

Freezing

Freeze cooled scones in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and reheat briefly in the oven.

Nutrition

Calories: 290 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Sodium: 320mg

Nutritional values are approximate and provided as a guide only.

FAQs

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising?

Yes. Use plain flour and add 2½ tsp baking powder in total.

Why is my dough too sticky?

Different flours absorb liquid differently. Add a light dusting of flour, but keep the dough soft.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

Yes. Add up to 75g sultanas or raisins to the dry ingredients before adding the liquid.

How do I reheat scones properly?

Warm them in a 180°C oven for 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make them chewy.