What is the secret to light, fluffy scones?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Rub the butter into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs, then make a well and add the wet ingredients. Bring together with a knife, then gently pat (never roll vigorously) to about 2cm thick. Over-working develops gluten, which makes scones tough.

Should butter be cold or room temperature?

Cold butter, cut into small cubes. Cold butter creates small pockets in the dough that expand during baking, giving a lighter texture. Some bakers even freeze the butter and grate it in for the best results.

Why should I not twist the cutter?

Twisting the cutter seals the edges of the dough and prevents the scone from rising evenly. Press the cutter straight down and lift straight up for the tallest, most even rise.

How thick should the dough be?

About 2-2.5cm thick. Thinner dough gives flat scones, while thicker dough gives taller ones. Pat the dough gently to an even thickness — never use a rolling pin, as this overworks the dough.

Can I make scones with plain flour?

Yes, use the same quantity of plain flour plus 10g baking powder per 225g flour. Self-raising flour already contains raising agent, so it is more convenient. Add a small pinch of salt either way.

BakeCalcs

Scone Calculator

Calculate flour, butter, and milk quantities for scones based on batch size and cutter diameter.

Number of Scones

Cutter Size

Add dried fruit (sultanas)

How We Calculate This

This calculator scales a traditional British scone recipe. The yield depends on cutter size: a 6cm cutter gives about 8 scones from the base recipe, while a 5cm cutter gives about 10 and a 7cm cutter gives about 6.

Base Recipe (~8 Scones with 6cm Cutter)

225g self-raising flour
55g cold butter, cubed
25g caster sugar
150ml whole milk
1 large egg
10g baking powder, pinch of salt
Optional: 75g sultanas or raisins

Baking Tips

Preheat oven to 220°C (200°C fan / Gas 7)
Brush tops with beaten egg for a golden finish
Place scones close together on the tray for soft sides
Bake for 12-15 minutes until risen and golden

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are based on standard ratios and conversions. Results may vary with specific ingredients, equipment, and conditions.