If you’re looking for an easy, foolproof recipe for Simple Mary Berry Scones, this guide walks you through each step to achieve perfectly risen, buttery scones every time. Ideal for beginners and experienced bakers alike, this recipe delivers the traditional taste and texture that Mary Berry is known for—soft crumb, golden tops, and a light, delicate richness that pairs perfectly with jam and clotted cream.
Before baking, make sure you check out our other recipes for inspiration at Food Fables—for example, this easy breakfast collection offers more simple morning ideas that pair beautifully with homemade scones.
Why This Mary Berry Scone Recipe Works
This recipe follows Mary Berry’s classic technique: cold butter, proper dough handling, and a hot oven. The result? Scones that rise high, stay soft, and never turn dense or crumbly.
Whether you’re baking for afternoon tea, a brunch spread, or a last-minute treat, these Simple Mary Berry Scones take just 20 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 350g self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 85g cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 tbsp caster sugar
- 175ml milk (preferably whole)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for glazing)
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Guide to Simple Mary Berry Scones
1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Start by mixing your self-raising flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt in a large bowl. This creates a light base and ensures even distribution of leavening.
2. Rub in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter and use your fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Keeping the butter cold helps your scones rise higher and prevents spreading.
3. Add the Milk and Vanilla
Warm the milk slightly, then stir in the vanilla extract. Pour it into the dry mixture and use a knife to gently bring the dough together. Do not overmix—this is key for soft, tender scones.
4. Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently fold it a few times to smooth it out, then shape it into a round about 2cm thick. Avoid using a rolling pin to prevent flattening the dough.
5. Cut Out the Scones
Using a 5cm cutter, press straight down without twisting (twisting seals the edges and reduces rise). Place them onto a lined baking tray.
6. Glaze and Bake
Beat the egg and brush the tops lightly. Bake your Simple Mary Berry Scones in a preheated oven at 220°C (200°C fan) for 10–12 minutes, or until risen and golden.
7. Cool and Serve
Transfer to a wire rack and allow them to cool slightly. Serve with strawberry jam and clotted cream for the full afternoon-tea experience.
Tips for the Best Simple Mary Berry Scones
- Use very cold butter – it creates flaky layers.
- Don’t overwork the dough – it makes scones tough.
- Cut straight down – no twisting!
- Bake at a high temperature – ensures a fast rise.
For more baking inspiration and additional tea-time recipes, explore our Food Fables homepage to strengthen your internal food blog linking structure.
For additional references on traditional British scones, the BBC Good Food guide is a widely trusted culinary resource:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/classic-scones
(Used as a credible external reference to boost SEO authority.)
Variations You Can Try
Fruit Scones
Gently fold in 75g of sultanas before shaping the dough.
Cheese Scones
Add 100g grated mature cheddar and reduce sugar to 1 tsp.
Lemon Scones
Add zest of 1 lemon to the dry mix for fragrant citrus notes.
Serving Suggestions
These Simple Mary Berry Scones are perfect for:
- Afternoon tea
- Weekend brunch
- A quick homemade treat
- picnics or special occasions
Top with clotted cream first if you’re in Cornwall or jam first if you’re team Devon—the delicious debate continues!
Conclusion
Mastering Simple Mary Berry Scones is easier than you think, especially with this step-by-step guide. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and foolproof instructions, you’ll bake scones that are light, airy, and beautifully golden every time. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or as part of a classic cream tea, this recipe is guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
1. What makes Mary Berry scones different?
Mary Berry’s method focuses on cold butter, gentle handling, and a hot oven, resulting in lighter, taller scones with a tender crumb.
2. Can I freeze Mary Berry scones?
Yes! Once cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat for 5–7 minutes at 180°C to refresh.
3. Should scones be soft or crumbly?
Traditional British scones should be soft and fluffy inside with a slightly crisp top—not dry or overly crumbly.