Cream Tea Recipe
Cream tea is a simple British treat made with warm scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam. This Cream Tea Recipe is easy, cozy and perfect for slow afternoons.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg beaten
- 1/2 cup strawberry jam
- 1 cup clotted cream
- 4 cups brewed black tea
- Sugar or milk for serving optional
Instructions
Prepare the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking tray with baking paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier after baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
- Add flour, baking powder, sugar and salt to a large bowl. Stir everything together until evenly combined. This creates a light base for your homemade scones.
Add the Butter
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces. Rub it into the flour using your fingertips. Stop when the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs with a few small butter pieces remaining.
Add the Milk
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a wooden spoon. Mix just until a soft dough forms. Avoid overmixing because it can make the scones heavy.
Shape the Dough
- Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Gently press it to about one-inch thickness. Use a round cutter to make eight small scones.
Prepare for Baking
- Arrange the scones on your prepared baking tray. Leave a little space between them. Brush the tops lightly with beaten egg for a beautiful golden finish.
Bake the Scones
- Bake the scones for about 12 to 15 minutes. They should rise well and become lightly golden. Remove them when the tops look cooked and the centers feel firm.
Cool the Scones
- Transfer the warm scones to a wire rack. Let them cool for several minutes. They are best served slightly warm, rather than completely cold.
Prepare the Cream Tea
- Split each scone gently in half. Spread strawberry jam over the bottom half. Add a generous spoonful of clotted cream, then place the top half over it.
Brew the Tea
- Brew strong black tea while the scones rest. Serve it hot in your favorite cups. Add milk or sugar if you enjoy your tea that way.
Notes
- Keep the butter cold for lighter, softer scones.
- Do not overwork the dough.
- Use a sharp cutter for better rising.
- Press the cutter straight down instead of twisting it.
- Bake the scones immediately after shaping.
- Use homemade strawberry jam for extra freshness.
- Try raspberry jam for a slightly sharper flavor.
- Add a little lemon zest for a fresh citrus note.
- Replace vanilla with almond extract for a different taste.
- Serve with whipped cream if clotted cream is unavailable.