13 Buttery Scones Recipes for High Tea
There’s something utterly nostalgic about the flaky, buttery embrace of a fresh scone paired with a steaming cup of Earl Grey. I still remember my childhood afternoons at my grandmother’s house in the English countryside, where high tea was a sacred ritual. She’d pull out her well-worn recipe tin, and the air would fill with the rich aroma of cold butter cut into flour. Those scones, split open with clotted cream and strawberry jam, were the highlight of my week—simple yet indulgent, evoking a sense of timeless elegance.
Lately, I’ve been on a scone experimentation kick in my own kitchen, tweaking classic recipes to amp up that buttery tenderness while incorporating seasonal twists. From infusing lavender to swirling in dark chocolate, I’ve tested over two dozen variations to perfect these for modern high tea gatherings. In a world that’s always rushing, scones remind us to slow down, savor the layers of flavor, and share a moment with loved ones.
Whether you’re hosting a fancy afternoon tea or just treating yourself, these buttery scones elevate any occasion with their melt-in-your-mouth texture and versatility.
Classic Plain Buttery Scones
These timeless scones are the foundation of any high tea spread, boasting a golden exterior and impossibly tender crumb thanks to generous cold butter. 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 heavy cream, 1 egg (for wash). Mix dry ingredients, cut in butter until pea-sized, stir in cream to form dough, pat into a 1-inch thick round, cut into 8 wedges, brush with egg, bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes until golden.
Their simplicity shines, pairing perfectly with clotted cream and jam; they’re naturally gluten-adaptable and deliver that authentic British flakiness without much fuss, making them ideal for beginners.
Strawberry Jam-Filled Buttery Scones
Swirled with homemade strawberry jam, these scones ooze fruity sweetness inside a buttery shell. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup strawberry jam, 1 egg wash. Combine drys, cut in butter, add buttermilk for dough, roll flat, spread jam, fold and cut into rounds, bake at 400°F for 16-20 minutes.
The jam keeps them moist and adds a burst of summer flavor, offering a gourmet twist that’s antioxidant-rich from berries and perfect for impressing guests at tea.
Lemon Zest Buttery Scones
Bright lemon zest infuses these scones with citrusy perfume, balancing the rich 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 heavy cream, 2 tbsp lemon juice, glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice). Cut butter into drys with zest, add wet to dough, shape into wedges, bake 400°F 15 minutes, drizzle glaze.
Vitamin C from lemon boosts immunity; their refreshing tang cuts through butter’s richness, making them a lighter high tea star.
Blueberry Buttery Scones
Bursting with juicy blueberries, these scones stay tender with frozen berries to prevent mush. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 cup frozen blueberries, 3/4 cup buttermilk. Mix drys, cut butter, fold in berries and buttermilk gently, drop into rounds, bake 400°F 18-22 minutes.
Antioxidant-packed blueberries promote heart health; the contrast of tart fruit and buttery dough creates addictive texture.
Chocolate Chip Buttery Scones
Decadent dark chocolate chips melt into buttery bliss for a sweet high tea treat. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup heavy cream, 1 cup dark chocolate chips. Incorporate chips into butter-flour mix, add cream, form rounds, bake 400°F 15-18 minutes, dust with sugar.
Mood-boosting chocolate pairs with sustained energy from scones; they’re crowd-pleasers for indulgent afternoons.
Cheddar Cheese Buttery Scones
Savory and sharp, these cheese scones flip the script for high tea cheese boards. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 cup grated sharp cheddar, 3/4 cup buttermilk, black pepper. Mix cheese into butter-drys, add buttermilk, wedge-shape, bake 400°F 15 minutes.
High-protein cheddar satisfies savory cravings; butter ensures flakiness, perfect with soup or tea.
Cranberry Orange Buttery Scones
Tangy cranberries and orange zest create a festive, butter-drenched holiday vibe. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, zest of 1 orange, 3/4 cup cream, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, orange glaze. Fold cranberries into dough, bake 400°F 16-20 minutes, glaze.
Cranberries aid digestion; zesty brightness enhances butter’s depth for year-round appeal.
Earl Grey Buttery Scones
Tea-infused with Earl Grey, these scones echo high tea’s essence in every buttery bite. 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 (ground), 3/4 cup milk steeped with tea, glaze. Infuse dough with tea, shape and bake 400°F 15-18 minutes.
Calming bergamot aids relaxation; pairs seamlessly with tea for an immersive experience.
Cinnamon Raisin Buttery Scones
Warm cinnamon and plump raisins evoke cozy comfort in buttery form. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 cup buttermilk, 1/2 cup raisins, cinnamon sugar top. Mix spices and raisins in, bake 400°F 17 minutes.
Blood-sugar stabilizing cinnamon; nostalgic flavors make them high tea favorites.
Pistachio Buttery Scones
Nutty pistachios add crunch and green vibrancy to ultra-buttery scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 3/4 cup cream, 1/2 cup chopped pistachios, pistachio drizzle. Fold nuts in, bake 400°F 16 minutes.
Heart-healthy pistachios provide healthy fats; exotic twist elevates tea time.
Lavender Buttery Scones
Delicate lavender lends floral sophistication to these tender butter scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 tbsp dried lavender, 3/4 cup buttermilk, honey glaze. Infuse lavender, form scones, bake 400°F 15 minutes.
Stress-relieving lavender; subtle herb butter harmony for refined high tea.
Apple Cinnamon Buttery Scones
Chunky apples and cinnamon swirl into autumnal buttery perfection. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 1 cup diced apple, 1 tsp cinnamon, 3/4 cup cream. Mix apples gently, bake 400°F 18-22 minutes.
Fiber-rich apples aid digestion; warming spices comfort any tea gathering.
Matcha Buttery Scones
Vibrant matcha green tea powder dusts these earthy, butter-forward scones. Ingredients: 2 cups flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tbsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 cup cold butter, 2 tbsp matcha powder, 3/4 cup buttermilk, white chocolate drizzle. Whisk matcha in drys, bake 400°F 15-18 minutes.
Antioxidant matcha boosts metabolism; unique color and flavor wow guests.
Elevate your next high tea with these 13 buttery scone recipes—each one promises that perfect flaky bite. Grab your cold butter, preheat the oven, and invite friends over for an afternoon of pure delight. Which will you try first? Share your bakes in the comments!
