British Currant Scones, ATK

Submitted by cathyfood

"I like these scones plain, because of the delicious flavor, but you may serve with butter, clotted cream, and jam. And hot tea, of course! If you have any left the next day, they can be split and toasted."

 

• Ready In: 32mins
• Ingredients: 8
• Yields: 16 scones
• Serves: 8

ingredients

• 3 cups flour
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons butter, cut in cubes
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1⁄2 cup flour, for rolling

directions

1. Preheat oven to 500 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper, set aside.
2. Place dry ingredients in bowl of food processor fitted with a metal blade; pulse until well combined.
3. Add butter cubes. They should be firm but not hard, and pliable if you squeeze one between your fingers. Pulse until butter is fully combined with flour mixture. No chunks of butter should remain.
4. Transfer flour & butter mixture to large mixing bowl. Add ¾ cup currants, stir into flour mix. Use your fingers, and separate any currants that are stuck together in clumps.
5. In a small bowl, whisk eggs and milk together. Reserve 2 TB of mixture to brush on tops of scones before baking. Add remaining eggs and milk to bowl with flour and currants. Stir together gently with a rubber spatula until all dry ingredients are moistened. Dough will be somewhat sticky.
6. Turn onto generously floured counter, knead 15 to 20 turns with floured hands. Use a bench scraper if needed to get dough off of counter.
7. Roll out 3/4 to 1” thick on floured board. Cut into 2 1/4 inch rounds, dipping cutter into flour between cuts, and do not twist the cutter- cut straight down. This should make about 18 scones, or more if using smaller cutter. Place onto baking tray lined with parchment. Knead scraps together once or twice and cut remaining rounds until all dough is used. Brush scones on tops only with reserved egg mixture.
8. Put scones into preheated 500 degree oven, turn heat down to 425 degrees F, and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden brown on top and bottom. Reverse pans halfway through baking time.
9. Cool on rack a few minutes before serving.