Classic Cream Scones

You're best off describing scones to a German by saying that they are like a cross between a Kuchen (cake), a Plaetzchen (cookie), and a Broetchen (roll), but are very unique and not really like anything else found in Germany. My German husband *loves* this recipe: Classic Cream Scones (from Simply Scones, by Leslie Weiner and Barbara Albright)

• Ready In: 1 hr 25 mins
• Yields: 14 scones

Ingredients

• 2  cups all-purpose flour
• 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
• 2  teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄3 cup unsalted butter, chilled
• 1⁄2 cup heavy cream (whipping)
• 1  large egg
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1⁄2 cup currants or 1⁄2 cup raisins (optional)
• 1  egg, mixed with 1 teaspoon water for glaze (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425F.
2. Lightly butter a baking sheet. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the butter into 1/2-inch cubes and distribute them over the flour mixture. With a pastry blender or two knives used scissors fashion, cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the cream, egg, and vanilla.
4. Add the cream mixture to the flour mixture and stir until combines.
5. Stir in the currents/raisins (optional). With lightly floured hands, pat the dough into a 1/2-inch thickness on a lightly floured cutting board.
6. Using a floured 2 1/2-inch-diameter round biscuit cutter or a glass, cut out rounds from the dough and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Gather the scraps together and repeat until all the dough is used.
7. Lightly brush the tops of the scones with the egg mixture, if desired.
8. Bake for 13-15 minutes, or until lightly browned.
9. Remove the baking sheet to a wire rack and cool for 5 minutes.
10. Using a spatula, transfer the scones to the wire rack to cool.
11. Serve warm or cool completely and store in an airtight container.
12. Makes about 14 scones.
13. Variation: Add about 1 1/2 teaspoons of grated lemon peel to the dry ingredients.
14. My variation: Classic Scones 280 grams all-purpose flour 65 g granulated sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/8 teaspoon salt 110 g unsalted butter, chilled 6 tablespoons milk 1 large egg 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar 125 g raisins Preheat oven to 220C.
15. Directions as above.