11 Buttery Scones Recipes for Teatime Treats

Nothing beats the comforting ritual of teatime, where the aroma of freshly baked scones fills the air, evoking a sense of warmth and nostalgia. I still remember my childhood afternoons in my grandmother’s cozy kitchen in the English countryside, where she’d whip up batches of buttery scones straight from her well-worn recipe book. The golden, flaky layers slathered with clotted cream and jam were the highlight of every visit, teaching me early on that simple ingredients could create pure magic.

Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my own kitchen, pushing the boundaries of the classic scone with bold flavors and unexpected twists. In a world that’s always rushing, these buttery delights remind us to slow down, sip tea, and savor the moment. Whether you’re hosting friends or treating yourself, scones are the ultimate versatile teatime treat—crispy on the outside, tender within, and endlessly adaptable.

Classic Plain Buttery Scones

These timeless scones are the foundation of any teatime spread, made with generous amounts of cold butter for that signature flaky texture. Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed), 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1 egg (for wash). Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter until crumbly, stir in buttermilk to form dough, pat into a 1-inch thick round, cut into 8 wedges, brush with egg, and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes until golden. They’re perfect for pairing with jam and cream, offering a neutral canvas that’s buttery, light, and satisfying without overwhelming flavors—ideal for purists.

Health perks include being quick to make (under 30 minutes) and customizable for lower sugar diets.

Strawberry Jam-Filled Buttery Scones

Elevate the classic with swirls of sweet strawberry jam baked right in for a fruity surprise. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1/3 cup strawberry jam, coarse sugar for topping. Combine dry ingredients and butter, mix in cream, fold in jam gently, shape into rounds, sprinkle sugar, bake at 425°F for 15 minutes. The jam creates gooey pockets amid flaky layers, making these a delightful, indulgent treat that’s still easy for beginners.

They provide a burst of antioxidants from the fruit and pair beautifully with tea for an afternoon pick-me-up.

Lemon Zest Buttery Scones

Bright and zingy, these scones burst with fresh lemon flavor, cutting through the richness of butter. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, zest of 2 lemons, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 2 tbsp lemon juice, glaze (1 cup powdered sugar + lemon juice). Rub zest into sugar, mix with dry ingredients and butter, add wet ingredients, bake rounds at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, drizzle glaze. The citrus perks up your palate, balancing buttery tenderness with a refreshing tang that’s perfect for spring brunches.

Vitamin C from lemons boosts immunity, and they’re a lighter scone option.

Blueberry Burst Buttery Scones

Juicy blueberries stud these scones, adding natural sweetness and pops of color to the buttery base. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 cup fresh blueberries, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla. Fold berries into crumbly dough, form triangles, bake at 400°F for 18 minutes. The fruit keeps them moist while the butter ensures flakiness, creating a summery treat that’s healthier than many pastries.

Antioxidant-rich blueberries support heart health in this crowd-pleasing bake.

Cheese and Chive Savory Buttery Scones

For savory fans, sharp cheddar and fresh chives make these scones irresistibly buttery and herby. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp mustard powder, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 cup grated cheddar, 1/4 cup chopped chives, 3/4 cup milk. Mix in cheese and chives, add milk, bake wedges at 425°F for 12-15 minutes. They’re hearty enough for breakfast or soup sides, with butter providing richness and cheese adding umami depth.

Protein from cheese makes them more filling and satisfying.

Chocolate Chip Dream Buttery Scones

Indulgent chocolate chunks melt into flaky layers for a decadent twist on scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup chocolate chips, 3/4 cup heavy cream. Stir chips into dough, shape and bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Butter and chocolate create a cookie-like scone that’s heavenly with coffee, offering comfort in every bite.

A mood-boosting treat with minimal effort.

Cranberry Orange Buttery Scones

Tangy cranberries and orange zest deliver festive flavor in these vibrant scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, zest of 1 orange, 3/4 cup dried cranberries, 3/4 cup buttermilk, orange glaze. Mix zest and cranberries in, bake at 400°F for 14 minutes, glaze after cooling. The combo brightens buttery dough, perfect for holidays with antioxidants galore.

Supports digestion with fiber from cranberries.

Cinnamon Raisin Delight Buttery Scones

Warm cinnamon and plump raisins infuse these scones with cozy, spiced butteriness. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/2 cup raisins, 3/4 cup milk. Fold in raisins, bake at 425°F for 12 minutes. Ideal for autumn tea, the spices enhance butter’s richness for a homey vibe.

Blood sugar-friendly with cinnamon’s benefits.

Earl Grey Infused Buttery Scones

Subtle tea notes from Earl Grey make these scones elegantly buttery and aromatic. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 2 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves (ground), 3/4 cup milk infused with tea, glaze. Infuse milk, mix dough, bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Sophisticated for high tea, with calming bergamot flavors.

Relaxing and caffeine-light.

Bacon Maple Buttery Scones

Smoky bacon and maple syrup turn scones savory-sweet and ultra-buttery. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/2 cup chopped cooked bacon, 1/4 cup maple syrup, 3/4 cup cream. Mix in bacon and syrup, bake at 400°F for 16 minutes. Breakfast perfection with protein punch.

Balanced macros for energy.

Almond Honey Buttery Scones

Toasted almonds and honey drizzle add nutty crunch to flaky butter scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1/2 cup chopped almonds, 3/4 cup buttermilk, honey for drizzling. Toast almonds, mix in, bake at 425°F for 12 minutes. Naturally sweet and gluten-friendly adaptable.

Heart-healthy almonds provide good fats.

Whether you’re a scone novice or seasoned baker, these 11 buttery recipes promise flaky perfection for any teatime. Grab your tea, preheat the oven, and treat yourself to a batch today—your taste buds will thank you!