Tea Party Food Ideas – Scones and Jam Edition
This post shows you the best sweet and savory scone recipes, including jams, butters and creams.
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Ditch the complicated desserts – sometimes the most delightful treats are the classics! Scones, both sweet and savory, have been gracing tea tables for ages, and for good reason. These versatile wonders are perfect for dunking and always satisfy.
Imagine a warm, fluffy scone – a buttery hug in your mouth.
Now, picture it two ways: studded with juicy blueberries and kissed with a sprinkle of sugar, or laced with sharp cheddar cheese and flecked with fresh herbs. Both versions are delicious!
Index
- Are scones savory or sweet?
- What to avoid when making scones?
- How long should you rest scones before baking?
Sweet Scones
- Classic scones
- Blackberry lavender scones
- Earl grey blackberry scones with lemon glaze
- Date scones
- Fresh strawberry scones with glaze
- Raisin scones
- Espresso chocolate chunk scones
- Buttermilk honey scones with lilac
- Blueberry streusel scones
- Raspberry lemon and poppy seed scones
Jams
- Strawberry jam
- Apricot jam
- Blackberry jam
- Clementine ginger marmalade
- Rhubarb raspberry jam
- Pineapple jam
- Fig jam
- Pear ginger jam
- Blueberry lemon jam
- Cherry jam
Creams & Butter
Savory Scones
- Bacon cheddar and chives scones
- Zucchini cheddar scones
- Ham and cheese scones
- Dill scones with feta
- Sun-dried tomato and olive ricotta scones
- Cheese and onion scones
Herb Butter
Are scones savory or sweet?
Scones can actually be both savory and sweet! The base dough recipe often has some versatility, allowing you to create either type.
Sweet scones
These are the classic tea time treat, often served with jam and clotted cream. They may have sugar incorporated into the dough and sometimes include dried fruit like raisins or cranberries.
Savory scones
These are great for lunch or a light appetizer. They typically omit sugar and might include cheese, herbs, or vegetables in the dough.
What to avoid when making scones?
Here are some key things to avoid when making scones to ensure they turn out light, flaky, and delicious:
Warm Ingredients
The magic of a scone lies in its fluffy texture. This comes from keeping the butter cold. If your butter gets warm, it melts into the dough before baking, leading to dense scones. Use cold butter, eggs, and even consider chilling your bowl beforehand.
Overworking the Dough
Scone dough doesn’t need a lot of kneading. The more you work it, the more the gluten develops, resulting in tough scones. Mix the dough just until it comes together with some visible flecks of butter.
Skipping the Chill
Chilling the dough after mixing allows the cold butter to solidify again. This creates steam pockets while baking, giving you those lovely flaky layers. Don’t skip this step!
Adding Too Much Liquid
A delicate balance exists between dry and wet ingredients. Too much liquid makes the dough sticky and difficult to handle, leading to flat scones. Add milk or cream gradually, stopping when the dough just comes together.
Uneven Baking
Aim for uniform thickness when shaping your scones. This ensures even baking throughout.
Forgetting the Oven Preheat
Patience is key! Always preheat your oven before placing the scones inside. A hot oven is crucial for setting the rise and achieving a crisp exterior.
How long should you rest scones before baking?
The ideal resting time for scones before baking depends on a few factors, but generally falls within the range of 30 minutes to overnight.
Here’s a breakdown:
Short Rest (30 minutes to 1 hour)
This is a quick chill that helps firm up the cold butter in the dough. It’s a good option if you’re short on time or using a recipe that doesn’t call for a long chill.
Long Rest (overnight)
Chilling the dough overnight allows the flavors to develop further and the gluten to relax even more, potentially leading to a flakier and taller scone. This is a great option if you want to make scones ahead of time or want to maximize their flakiness.
No matter the resting time, make sure your oven is preheated before placing the scones inside. This initial burst of heat is crucial for setting the rise and achieving a crisp exterior.
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Sweet scones
Classic Scones
Experience the epitome of classic perfection with these Best Ever Classic Scones – meticulously crafted for a tender and flaky texture, enriched with the indulgent richness of real butter.
Unlock the secrets to flawless homemade scones with expert tips that ensure your baking endeavor results in nothing short of scone perfection.
Blackberry Lavender Scones
Indulge in the divine fusion of textures and flavors with these scones – an exquisite balance of flakiness and tenderness, enriched with the aromatic essence of floral lavender and the vibrant burst of fresh blackberries.
Elevating a classic treat to a gourmet level, these scones promise a sensory journey with every bite.
Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Delight in the exquisite flavors of Earl Grey Blackberry Scones adorned with a zesty lemon glaze. Bursting with the juiciness of fresh blackberries, the rich essence of Earl Grey tea, and the citrusy allure of a lemon drizzle, these breakfast scones are a superbly delicious treat.
Ideal for occasions like tea parties, bridal showers, or leisurely Sundays, these scones elevate any gathering with their unique blend of flavors. Furthermore, their convenience extends to being easily freezable and reheatable, ensuring a scrumptious breakfast or snack whenever you desire.
Date Scones
Enjoy the airy perfection of our Date Scones, generously filled with sweet, succulent dates.
Ideal when paired with butter, jam, or a dollop of cream, these scones are a delightful choice for a cozy afternoon tea. Elevate your tea time experience with these light and flavorful treats.
Fresh Strawberry Scones with Glaze
Indulge in the exquisite sweetness and tenderness of these Fresh Strawberry Scones, rivaling the delectable treats found in any bakery.
Elevate your baking prowess with this straightforward yet impressive scone recipe, proving that the most delightful creations can be crafted right in your own kitchen.
Raisin Scones
These tender, flaky pastries are generously studded with plump raisins, creating a perfect balance of sweetness in every bite.
Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or paired with clotted cream and jam for a classic afternoon tea, these raisin scones promise a delicious and comforting treat for any occasion.
Espresso Chocolate Chunk Scones
Infused with the richness of freshly brewed espresso and generously studded with decadent chocolate chunks, these scones redefine indulgence.
Topping off the exquisite experience is a heavenly maple butter glaze that adds an extra layer of sweetness and sophistication.
Buttermilk Honey Scones With Lilac
These scones strike the perfect balance, offering a hint of sweetness that pairs impeccably with spreads, or a light smear of butter, honey, or jam.
Elevate your scone experience with this harmonious combination of flavors and textures, providing a delectable treat for any occasion.
Blueberry Streusel Scones
These scones promise a perfect harmony of tender texture and bursts of juicy blueberries, while the rich streusel topping adds an extra layer of indulgence.
Enhance your breakfast or afternoon tea with this delightful treat that captures the essence of buttery goodness and sweet blueberry bliss.
Raspberry Lemon and Poppyseed Scones
These scones marry the bright tartness of raspberries, the citrusy zing of lemon, and the subtle crunch of poppyseeds.
Each bite unveils a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making these scones an irresistible addition to your breakfast or afternoon tea.
Enjoy the delightful union of sweet, tangy, and nutty notes in every delicious bite.
Jams
Strawberry Jam
This recipe not only captures the essence of sweet summer berries but also offers a straightforward and enjoyable process for anyone eager to experience the joys of jam-making.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, the simplicity of this recipe ensures that crafting your own strawberry jam becomes an accessible and delightful endeavor.
Apricot Jam
This apricot jam recipe stands out for its simplicity, requiring only three straightforward ingredients and a quick preparation time of under an hour.
Its versatility makes it an ideal addition to various culinary delights, whether you choose to spread it on freshly baked bread or English muffins for a delightful breakfast, drizzle it over homemade yogurt or ice cream for a sweet treat, or indulge in its deliciousness straight from the spoon.
Blackberry Jam
Experience the essence of our Blackberry Jam—predominantly sweet, delicately balanced with a hint of acidity.
What sets it apart is the intentional inclusion of seeds, providing not only a burst of texture but also a delightful crunch in every spoonful.
Clementine Ginger Marmalade
A luscious spread crafted for your toast. Let the vibrant flavors awaken your taste buds, creating a harmonious start to your day.
Savor each bite as this exquisite addition transforms an ordinary breakfast into a moment of pure enjoyment.
Rhubarb Raspberry Jam
Discover the simplicity of our Rhubarb Raspberry Jam recipe – no complicated ingredients, no need for pectin, Certo, Sure-Jell, or any other additives.
Embrace the natural goodness of fresh rhubarb, raspberries, white grape juice, sugar, and a hint of lemon juice. A straightforward simmer transforms these ingredients into a homemade delight for you to savor and enjoy.
Pineapple Jam
Crafting Pineapple Jam provides a simple means to preserve the tropical goodness of pineapples, ensuring a year-round indulgence in their vibrant flavor.
This bright and sunny spread not only enhances sandwiches and toast but also serves as an unparalleled topping for ice cream.
Fig Jam
This delectable preserve captures the natural sweetness and unique flavor of ripe figs, making it a perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
Whether spread on warm toast, paired with cheese on a charcuterie board, or used as a glaze for meats, fig jam adds a touch of indulgence to your culinary creations.
Pear Ginger Jam
Achieve a delightful culinary victory with our easy 3-ingredient Pear Ginger Jam recipe, boasting a swift preparation and an explosion of fall flavors.
For those not inclined towards ginger, feel free to opt for vanilla or cinnamon for equally delicious results.
This jam, crafted with reduced sugar content, ensures a quick and refrigerated preservation, allowing you to relish its wonderful taste while savoring the simplicity of the process.
Blueberry Lemon Jam
This simple yet flavorful recipe promises the pure taste of summer in every spoonful.
Perfect for topping your morning toast, enhancing yogurt, or adding a burst of fruity goodness to desserts, this blueberry jam is a versatile delight.
Cherry Jam
Versatile and delectable, it’s perfect for spreading on morning toast, enhancing desserts, or adding a fruity twist to your favorite dishes.
Creams and Butter
Clotted Cream
Discover the art of crafting homemade clotted cream in less than 5 minutes, perfect to crown your scones! This quick and easy recipe produces a very thick, creamy, slightly sweet, and tangy topping, ideal for a traditional English cream tea experience.
Elevate your scones with the luxurious texture and delightful flavor of this effortless homemade clotted cream.
Clotted Cream – Vegan
Experience the indulgence of vegan clotted cream with the same luxurious flavor and creamy texture as its traditional counterpart, all crafted in just a matter of minutes with three simple ingredients!
Bacon Cheddar and Chive Scones
Diverge from the typical sugary breakfast indulgences with our savory Bacon Cheddar and Chive Scones. Crafted from buttery biscuit dough, these scones boast a flavorful combination of applewood-smoked bacon, fresh chives, and an abundance of extra cheddar cheese.
The result is a delightful interplay of a crispy exterior and a soft, flaky, and cheesy interior. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a satisfying snack, these scones redefine the savory side of your morning routine with a burst of delicious flavors.
Savory Scones
Zucchini Cheddar Scones
These scones redefine the goodness of veggies with a surprisingly delicious twist. If you find yourself with extra zucchini, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try these scrumptious zucchini cheddar scones!
Ham & Cheese Scones
Departing from sugary additions, these savory treats are generously packed with flavors like cheddar cheese, ham, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh chives.
Indulge in the perfect harmony of savory elements that elevate these scones to a whole new level of satisfaction and taste.
Dill Scones with Feta
These delightful pastries marry the aromatic essence of dill with the rich and tangy notes of feta cheese.
Enjoy the flaky texture and irresistible combination of flavors, making these scones a perfect addition to your brunch or afternoon tea.
The subtle herbal freshness of dill and the creamy saltiness of feta create a harmonious symphony that elevates these scones to a delectable savory delight.
Sun-Dried Tomato and Olive Ricotta Scones
Crafted with a perfect fusion of sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and creamy ricotta, these scones promise a delightful symphony of flavors.
Whether for brunch, a picnic, or a gourmet snack, experience the sophisticated richness and unique Mediterranean touch that these scones bring to your table.
Cheese and Onion Scones
Savor the rich indulgence of our Cheese and Onion Scones, where buttery goodness meets the decadence of caramelized onions, Gruyere cheese, and fresh thyme.
A versatile delight, these scones shine equally bright during breakfast or brunch, and make for an exquisite side dish at dinner.
Herb butter
Garlic Herb Butter
Bursting with the rich flavors of garlic and a medley of herbs, this delightful condiment enhances the savory notes of your scones.
Indulge in the decadent experience of spreading this aromatic butter on warm scones for a flavorful twist that transforms an ordinary treat into a gourmet delight.
Basil Pesto Butter
Introduce a burst of fresh, herby goodness to your scones with our Basil Pesto Butter. This delightful compound butter, infused with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, adds a deliciously savory and aromatic twist to your scones.
Elevate your scone experience by spreading this fragrant and flavorful butter, turning a classic treat into a gourmet sensation.
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