Classic Currant Scones

In 'Flour' by Joanne Chang

• Ready In: 2 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 2 3⁄4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1⁄2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1⁄4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 cup dried currant
• 1⁄2 cup  cold unsalted butter, cut into 8 to 10 pieces
• 1⁄2 cup  cold fat-free buttermilk
• 1⁄2 cup  cold creme fraiche
• 1  cold egg
• 1  egg yolk, lightly beaten
• 2  tablespoons  sanding sugar or 2  tablespoons  pearl sugar or 2  tablespoons granulated sugar

Directions

1. Position an oven rack in the center of the oven; preheat to 350°.
2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, mix together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and currants on low speed for 10-15 seconds, or until combined.
3. Scatter the butter over the top and beat on low speed for about 30 seconds, or until the butter is somewhat broken down and grape-size pieces are still visible.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, creme fraiche, and whole egg until thoroughly mixed.
5. On low speed, pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour-butter mixture and beat for 20-30 seconds, or just until the dough comes together.
6. There will still be a little loose flour mixture at the bottom of the bowl.
7. Remove the bowl from the mixer stand.
8. Gather and lift the dough with your hands and turn it over in the bowl, so that is starts to pick up the loose flour at the bottom.
9. Turn over the dough several times until all of the loose flour is mixed inches.
10. Dump the dough onto a baking sheet and pat it into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick.
11. Brush the egg yolk evenly over the entire top of the dough circle.
12. Sprinkle the sanding sugar evenly over the top, then cut the circle into 8 wedges, as if cutting a pizza.
13. Bake for 50-55 minutes, or until the entire circle is golden brown.
14. Transfer to a wire rack to cool for 30 minutes, then cut into the prescored wedges and serve.
15. The scones taste best on the day they are baked, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you keep them longer than 1 day, refresh them in a 300 degree oven for 4-5 minutes.