Scones with Clotted Cream

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Scones with clotted cream is a quintessential part of British cuisine, particularly associated with the tradition of afternoon tea. This classic pairing features warm, fluffy scones sliced in half and topped with rich clotted cream and fruity jam—most commonly strawberry or raspberry.



2. Origin and History

  • Scones trace their origins to Scotland in the early 16th century, originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle.

  • Clotted cream comes from the southwest of England, particularly Devon and Cornwall, where it has been made for centuries by slowly heating full-fat cow's milk to create a thick, rich cream.

  • The combination of scones, clotted cream, and jam became a central part of afternoon tea, a tradition introduced by Anna, the Duchess of Bedford, in the 1840s.

3. Key Components

🥐 Scones

  • Texture: Light, fluffy, and crumbly.

  • Flavors: Plain, fruit (e.g., currant or raisin), or sometimes cheese for savory versions.

  • Ingredients:

    • Flour

    • Butter

    • Sugar

    • Baking powder

    • Milk or cream

    • Eggs (optional)

    • Salt

🥛 Clotted Cream

  • Texture: Thick, spreadable, rich, and slightly grainy.

  • Flavor: Mildly sweet and creamy with a buttery finish.

  • Production: Made by gently heating full-fat milk or cream for several hours, then allowing it to cool slowly so the cream rises and thickens.

🍓 Jam

  • Typically strawberry jam is used, but raspberry, blackberry, or apricot can also be used.

4. Serving Tradition

☕ Afternoon Tea Presentation

  • Served as part of a multi-course afternoon tea alongside finger sandwiches, small cakes, and pots of loose-leaf tea.

  • Traditionally served warm or freshly baked.

🇬🇧 Devon vs Cornwall Debate

  • Devon method: Clotted cream is spread first, then jam on top.

  • Cornwall method: Jam goes first, followed by clotted cream.

  • This has been a playful cultural debate for years!

5. Variations

  • Fruit Scones – With raisins, currants, or cranberries.

  • Cheese Scones – Savory version with grated cheese and herbs.

  • Gluten-Free or Vegan Scones – Adapted for dietary needs.

  • Flavored Scones – Infused with lemon zest, orange peel, lavender, etc.

6. Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 350–450

  • Fat: 20–30g (especially with clotted cream)

  • Carbs: 30–40g

  • Protein: 5–7g

  • Sugar: 8–15g (depending on jam used)

7. Tips for Perfect Scones

  • Use cold butter for a flaky texture.

  • Don’t overwork the dough to keep them light.

  • Bake at a high temperature for a golden crust and soft center.

  • Serve immediately or warm slightly before serving for best taste.

8. Cultural Significance

  • A symbol of British hospitality and elegance.

  • Frequently served in tea rooms, hotels, and during cream teas in the UK.

  • Celebrated during events like National Cream Tea Day (last Friday in June, UK).

9. Fun Fact

Queen Elizabeth II reportedly enjoyed her scones with jam first, in the Cornish style!

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