Mary Berry Devonshire Scones Recipe

Name: Mary Berry Devonshire Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 450 g self-raising flour; 1 tsp baking powder; 75 g unsalted butter, chilled; 50 g caster sugar; 1 large egg; 200 ml buttermilk

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These classic Devonshire scones are soft, tall, and beautifully light, with a tender crumb and a gentle buttery flavour that pairs perfectly with clotted cream and jam. Made with buttermilk for extra softness, they are straightforward to prepare and ideal for both beginners and confident bakers. The dough comes together quickly with no specialist equipment. From start to finish, you can have warm scones on the table in about 30 minutes.

Ingredients

For the scones

450 g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
1 tsp baking powder
75 g unsalted butter, chilled and diced
50 g caster sugar
1 large egg
200 ml buttermilk, plus extra for glazing

How to Make Mary Berry Devonshire Scones Recipe

Oven preparation: Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan). Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with baking parchment.
Mixing the dough: Sift the flour and baking powder into a large bowl. Add the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar. Beat the egg lightly, then add it to the bowl with most of the buttermilk. Use a round-bladed knife to bring everything together into a soft dough, adding a little more buttermilk if needed.
Shaping: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead very gently, just until smooth. Pat it out to about 2.5 cm thick. Cut out rounds using a 5 cm cutter, pressing straight down without twisting.
Baking: Place the scones close together on the prepared tray. Brush the tops lightly with buttermilk. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until well risen and golden on top.
Cooling and assembling: Transfer to a wire rack and allow to cool slightly. Serve warm, split open with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Tips

Why are my scones not rising well?

Make sure your oven is fully preheated and avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent a good rise.

How do I keep scones light and fluffy?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it will make the scones heavy.

Can I make these without buttermilk?

Yes. Use the same amount of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar stirred in and left for 5 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam
Add a pot of strong tea for a traditional cream tea
Include fresh berries on the side for a lighter option

Storage

Room temperature

Keep cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Refrigerator

Scones can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days, though they are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

Freeze baked, unfilled scones for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature and warm briefly in the oven before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 240 kcal
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Protein: 6 g
Fat: 7 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Sodium: 180 mg

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary depending on ingredients used.

FAQs

What makes Devonshire scones different?

Devonshire scones are traditionally lighter and served with clotted cream and jam, often with the cream spread first.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?

It is best baked immediately, but you can cut out the scones and chill them for up to 1 hour before baking.

Should scones be close together when baking?

Yes. Placing them close helps them rise upwards rather than spread outwards.

Can I add fruit to this recipe?

You can add 75 g of sultanas or raisins to the dry ingredients if you prefer fruit scones.