Name: Coronation Crown Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-487558H12M1S
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 160 ml milk; 1 Darjeeling teabag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf tea); 15 g honey; 300 g self-raising flour; 75 g butter, cold and cubed; 25 g caster sugar; 1 egg, beaten; Clotted cream; Strawberry jam

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Short Description
These Coronation Crown Scones are a beautiful and delicious twist on the classic British scone. Infused with Darjeeling tea and honey, these soft and flaky scones are topped with a crown-like ring, making them perfect for a royal celebration or afternoon tea. Serve them warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a true treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These scones are incredibly light, flaky, and packed with a delicate tea flavor thanks to the Darjeeling infusion. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness, and the crown-shaped top gives them a unique, elegant look. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or celebrating a special occasion, these Coronation Crown Scones are sure to impress with both their flavor and presentation!

Ingredients

160 ml milk
1 Darjeeling teabag (or 1 tsp loose-leaf tea)
15 g honey
300 g self-raising flour
75 g butter, cold and cubed
25 g caster sugar
1 egg, beaten
Clotted cream, to serve
Strawberry jam, to serve

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Infuse the Milk with Tea

Infuse the milk: Place the Darjeeling teabag (or loose-leaf tea) into a small saucepan and pour in the milk. Heat gently over low heat until the milk is steaming, then turn off the heat and let the tea steep for 30 minutes. Remove the teabag or strain the milk into a small jug, then stir in the honey until well combined.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven: Set the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 3: Prepare the Scone Dough

Make the dough: In a large bowl, combine the self-raising flour and cubed cold butter. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs with some small bits of butter left for a flaky texture. Stir in the caster sugar.
Add the milk mixture: Gradually pour the infused milk and honey mixture into the flour mixture, stirring with a round-bladed knife until a rough dough forms. If the dough feels too dry, add a little more milk. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and briefly knead it to bring it together into a smooth ball.

Step 4: Shape the Scones

Roll and cut the dough: Gently roll the dough to about 3 cm thick and use a 6 cm round cutter to punch out scone shapes. Gather the remaining dough, reroll, and cut out more scones to make 10 in total.
Form the crown: Use a pair of scissors to snip small triangles around the edges of each scone from the outside in. Gently press the snipped points upwards to create a crown-like ring around each scone. The triangles should stand proud, making the scones look like little crowns.

Step 5: Chill the Scones

Chill the dough: Place the shaped scones on a tray and chill them in the fridge for 1 hour to firm them up. This step is important to ensure the scones hold their shape while baking.

Step 6: Egg Wash and Bake

Brush with egg wash: After chilling, brush the tops and crown points of the scones with the beaten egg wash.
Bake the scones: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are risen, golden brown, and fully cooked through.

Step 7: Serve

Cool and serve: Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. Split them in half and serve warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10 scones
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Chill Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Variations

Different Flavors: Swap the Darjeeling tea for Earl Grey or another black tea for a different flavor. You can also add a few drops of rose or orange blossom water to the dough for a floral twist.
Sweet Add-ins: Add dried fruits like raisins, currants, or cranberries to the dough for extra sweetness and texture.
Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular self-raising flour for a gluten-free version.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat scones in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their flakiness.

FAQs

1. Can I make these scones without the tea?

Yes, you can skip the tea and simply use milk, though the subtle tea flavor adds depth to the scones. You could try adding a bit of vanilla extract for flavor if you prefer.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the scones, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to chill them for at least 1 hour before baking.

3. Can I freeze these scones?

Yes, you can freeze the scones either before or after baking. To freeze before baking, arrange the unbaked scones on a baking tray, freeze them until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 180°C (160°C fan) for 15-20 minutes. If freezing after baking, store the scones in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

4. Can I substitute the honey with sugar?

Yes, you can substitute honey with an equal amount of granulated sugar if you prefer, though the honey adds a nice moisture and flavor to the scones.

5. Can I use regular butter instead of cold butter?

For the best flaky texture, it’s recommended to use cold butter. If you don’t have cold butter, try chilling it in the fridge for a while before using it in the recipe.

6. Can I use a different oil instead of avocado oil?

Yes, you can substitute avocado oil with other neutral oils, such as vegetable oil or canola oil, depending on your preference.

7. How can I get a better rise on my scones?

Make sure your baking powder is fresh, and avoid overworking the dough to keep the scones light and fluffy. Chilling the dough also helps them rise better.

8. How do I make these scones vegan?

To make these scones vegan, substitute the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds + 2.5 tablespoons water) and use a plant-based milk and oil.

9. What’s the best way to store scones?

The best way to store scones is in an airtight container at room temperature, as they can dry out in the fridge. If you want them to last longer, store them in the freezer.

10. Can I make these scones without the egg wash?

Yes, you can skip the egg wash, but it gives the scones a golden, glossy finish. If you’re skipping it, you can brush them with a little plant-based milk instead.

Conclusion

These Coronation Crown Scones are a beautiful and delicious twist on traditional scones, perfect for any tea party or celebration. With their light and flaky texture, subtle tea infusion, and unique crown shape, they’re sure to impress your guests. Serve them warm with clotted cream and strawberry jam for an unforgettable treat!