Irresistible Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream Recipe – Fluffy, Buttery & Perfect for Afternoon Tea

Difficulty:

2/5

Serves:

8 PEOPLE

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream Recipe

Nothing says classic British hospitality quite like warm, freshly baked Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream. This timeless recipe combines a tender, buttery crumb with a beautifully golden crust, making every bite rich, comforting, and satisfying. Featured on Feed My Soul… V!, hosts Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco share an approachable recipe that allows home bakers to recreate one of the most beloved treats from traditional afternoon tea with ease.

The Inspiration

Traditional British scones are prized for their light texture, tender crumb, and subtle sweetness that pairs beautifully with rich clotted cream and fruit preserves. While simple in appearance, achieving the perfect rise and delicate interior requires just a few careful techniques—minimal handling, cold butter, and a hot oven.

On Feed My Soul… V!, Vanessa Gianfrancesco & Stefania Gianfrancesco celebrate recipes that combine timeless traditions with approachable home cooking. Their version stays true to classic British baking while keeping the preparation quick and accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you’re recreating an authentic English afternoon tea, celebrating Mother’s Day, hosting a bridal shower, or simply baking for family and friends, these classic scones provide the perfect foundation for an elegant yet comforting spread.

Ingredients

1 2/3 cups all purpose flour
2 1/2 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp white sugar
pinch table salt table salt
3 tbsp butter
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
1 egg

Methods

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
In a food processor add the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Pulse to mix together well. (You can just mix the ingredients in a bowl if you prefer the manual method)
Pulse in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal. (or just use your fingertips to rub the butter through the dry ingredients until the same texture is achieved.)
Whisk together the milk, egg and vanilla. Reserve a few teaspoons of the liquid to brush on top of the scones. This helps them brown nicely)
Add the liquid to the dry ingredients and stir in quickly with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. It should be a little sticky. Don’t over work the dough or your scones will get tough and not rise well.
Turn the dough out onto a well floured board or counter top.
Lightly sprinkle the top of the dough with flour and just using your hands, form the dough into a round about 3/4 of an inch thick.
Using a 1 1/2 inch biscuit cutter, cut out your scones and place them about 2 inches apart on a parchment lined baking sheet.
Re-roll the scraps and cut out the rest of the scones. Brush the tops of all the scones with the reserved milk and egg liquid.
Pop the scones into the hot oven for about 12-15 minutes or until the tops of the scones are evenly browned. Cool on a wire rack.
Serve with thick or clotted cream and your favorite jam.

Serving Suggestions

These Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream are the heart of any traditional afternoon tea and pair beautifully with freshly brewed Earl Grey, English Breakfast, Darjeeling, or fragrant herbal teas. Their tender texture and buttery flavor also complement freshly brewed coffee or hot chocolate, making them just as enjoyable for brunch as they are for afternoon gatherings.

For an authentic tea party presentation, arrange the warm scones on a tiered serving stand alongside classic finger sandwiches, mini quiches, petit fours, macarons, and seasonal fruit. Offer a variety of preserves—including strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and apricot—so guests can customize each scone to their taste. Rich clotted cream provides the traditional finishing touch, creating the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

This Scones with Jam and Clotted Cream recipe celebrates one of Britain’s most iconic baked treats with a straightforward method that consistently produces light, fluffy, and beautifully golden scones. Every bite offers a delicate balance of buttery richness, subtle sweetness, and tender texture that pairs perfectly with luxurious clotted cream and vibrant fruit jam.

Find more recipes from Feed my Soul, V! here!