Light, airy, and beautifully golden, Mary Berry buttermilk scones recipe is a timeless treat perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy weekend bake. These scones have a delicate crumb, thanks to the richness of buttermilk, which adds a slight tang and extra tenderness. Whether served with clotted cream and jam or simply with butter, they’re an absolute delight.
The magic of this recipe lies in its simplicity—requiring just a handful of ingredients yet producing bakery-quality results. With a quick prep time and minimal effort, you can have freshly baked scones ready in no time. Plus, the use of buttermilk ensures they stay wonderfully moist. Follow this foolproof method for the perfect batch every time!
Recipe at a Glance
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 8-10 scones
- Difficulty Level: Easy
- Dietary Suitability: Vegetarian
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 225g (1 ¾ cups) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 50g (¼ cup) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 25g (2 tbsp) caster sugar
- 120ml (½ cup) buttermilk
- 1 egg, beaten (for glazing)
Substitutes and Optional Ingredients
- No buttermilk? Use 120ml milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes.
- Sweeter scones? Add an extra tablespoon of sugar.
- Flavor twists: Stir in a handful of raisins, currants, or lemon zest for added depth.
Equipment You’ll Need for Buttermilk Scones
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fingertips
- Rolling pin
- 5cm round cutter
- Baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipes: Step-by-Step Guide
Time needed: 15 minutes
Follow these simple steps to make this delicious buttermilk scones.
- Preheat your oven
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, sift the flour and baking powder together.
- Rub in butter
Add cubed butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs.
- Add sugar
Stir in caster sugar evenly.
- Pour in buttermilk
Gradually mix in buttermilk until a soft dough forms—don’t overwork it.
- Roll and cut
Lightly flour a surface, roll the dough to 2cm thickness, and cut out rounds with a cutter.
- Glaze and bake
Brush tops with beaten egg and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden.
- Cool and serve
Let them cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.
Nutrition Facts & Dietary Info
Each batch makes 8-10 scones, with each scone providing approximately:
| Nutrient | Amount per Scone |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 25g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 7g |
| Sugar | 5g |
- Vegetarian-friendly. Contains dairy but no meat products.
- Gluten warning. Use gluten-free self-raising flour if needed.
Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Light and fluffy texture. The buttermilk keeps the scones moist and airy.
- Quick and easy. Minimal prep, few ingredients, and a short baking time make this ideal for any skill level.
- Perfect for any occasion. Enjoy with tea, at brunch, or as a delightful homemade treat.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Scones
- Use cold butter. This ensures a flaky, tender texture by creating air pockets in the dough.
- Don’t overmix. Overworking the dough makes scones dense instead of light and fluffy.
- High oven temperature is key. The high heat helps the scones rise quickly, giving them a beautiful golden crust.
Fun Variations & Ingredient Swaps
- Cheese Scones: Add 50g grated cheddar for a savory twist.
- Fruit Scones: Mix in 50g dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, for a sweeter version.
- Zesty Lemon Scones: Stir in 1 tsp lemon zest for a refreshing citrus touch.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
- Rolling too thin. Scones should be about 2cm thick before baking for the best rise.
- Skipping the glaze. The egg wash adds a gorgeous golden finish.
- Opening the oven door early. This can cause the scones to collapse before they set.
How to Store & Serve Buttermilk Scones
Storing
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving
- Classic way: Serve warm with clotted cream and jam.
- Savory twist: Pair with butter and a slice of cheese for a delicious snack.
- Reheating: Warm in an oven at 160°C (320°F) for 5 minutes or in a microwave for 10 seconds.
Similar Recipe: How to make Mary Berry Chicken and Leek Pie Recipe
Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones Recipe FAQs
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, buttermilk provides a superior texture and flavor. If you don’t have it, mix 120ml milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a similar effect.
How do I make my scones rise higher?
Ensure your oven is fully preheated, use fresh baking powder, and avoid rolling the dough too thin. Keeping the butter cold also helps create a good rise.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can shape and freeze the unbaked scones. When ready to bake, pop them straight into the oven from frozen, adding an extra 2-3 minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for the perfect buttermilk scones recipe, this is it! These scones are light, fluffy, and full of flavor, making them ideal for tea time or a weekend treat. With simple ingredients and a foolproof method, they come together effortlessly. Serve them warm with cream and jam for the ultimate indulgence!