Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon
Homemade traditional Scotch scones

Traditional Scotch Scones Recipe from 1912

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Tender, lightly sweetened triangular scones made with a simple combination of flour, baking soda, and cream of tartar. This authentic 1912 recipe creates delicate scones with crispy edges and a soft interior, perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Pinch of salt (1/4 teaspoon)
  • 1/3 to 1/2 cup whole milk, as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
    In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, and salt until evenly combined.
  2. Add 1/3 cup milk to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or fork until the mixture begins to come together. Add more milk gradually, one tablespoon at a time, until you have a moderately stiff dough that holds together but isn’t sticky.
  3. Turn the dough out onto a well-floured board or clean countertop. With floured hands, gently knead 2-3 times just to bring it together smoothly.
  4. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1/2 inch thick. Using a sharp knife dipped in flour, cut the circle into 8 equal triangular wedges.
  5. Transfer the triangles to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the tops are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
  7. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving warm.

Notes

  • The original 1912 recipe calls for “enough milk to moisten,” so start with less and add more as needed. The dough should be soft but not wet.
  • For a richer scone, you can add 2-3 tablespoons of softened butter to the dry ingredients before adding milk.
  • Author: Melle Sullivan - Recipe Rewind
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: Scottish, American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
>