Golden Sultana Scones Recipe: Fluffy Treats for Tea Time Magic

Sultana scones bring a burst of sweet, fruity delight to your morning breakfast table.

Packed with plump, juicy raisins, these tender treats offer a perfect balance of softness and flavor.

British bakers have long cherished this classic recipe for its simplicity and comforting taste.

Warm from the oven, these scones deliver a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen with anticipation.

Crumbly yet moist, they pair beautifully with clotted cream and a steaming cup of tea.

Each bite promises a little slice of traditional comfort that feels like a warm embrace.

Ready to create these irresistible scones that will make your taste buds dance with joy?

Why Everyone Enjoys Delia Smith Sultana Scones

• Customize with Ease: Swap sultanas for other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots to match your taste preferences and keep things interesting.
• Quick Kitchen Delight: Prepare these scones in mere minutes, perfect for sudden cravings or unexpected guests wanting a homemade treat.
• Family-Friendly Baking: Simple steps make this recipe ideal for involving kids in the kitchen, teaching them basic baking skills while creating delicious memories together.
• Versatile Serving Option: Enjoy these scones warm with clotted cream and jam for a classic afternoon tea experience or pack them for a delightful picnic snack.

What You’ll Need for Delia Smith Sultana Scones

• Flour: A key component that provides structure and texture to the scones.
• Cold Butter: Adds richness and creates a flaky, tender crumb when rubbed into the flour.
• Sultanas: Sweet dried grapes that bring natural sweetness and fruity bursts to the scones.

• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.

• Yogurt: Adds moisture and helps bind the dough together, creating a soft texture.
• Liquid for Brushing, Sugar for Sprinkling: Gives a golden, slightly sweet finish to the scone tops.

Bake Delia Smith Sultana Scones Like a Pro

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Grab a baking tray and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Create Flour Mixture

Sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a large mixing bowl. Add cold butter and use your fingertips to gently work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like rough breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Add Sweet Touches

Sprinkle in the sugar and sultanas, mixing them evenly through the flour mixture. This will distribute the sweetness and fruity bursts throughout the scones.

Step 4: Form the Dough

Pour in the yogurt gradually, stirring gently until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Don’t overmix – you want a tender scone.

Step 5: Shape the Scones

Dust your work surface with a little flour. Roll out the dough to about 2.5 cm thickness. Use a round cookie cutter to cut out perfect scone circles.

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Place the scone rounds on the prepared baking tray. Brush the tops with a little milk or cream. Sprinkle a light dusting of sugar over each scone for a golden, crispy top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the tray into the preheated oven. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the scones are beautifully golden brown and looking irresistible.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Transfer the scones to a wire rack and let them cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a classic treat.

Top Tips for Delia Smith Sultana Scones

• Butter Temperature Matters: Use cold butter and work quickly to create flaky, tender scones with perfect texture.
• Gentle Mixing Magic: Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent tough, dense scones that lose their delicate crumb.
• Yogurt Swap Hack: Replace regular yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra richness and a tangy flavor boost.
• Fruit Freedom: Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or chopped apricots instead of sultanas for variety.
• Sugar Sprinkle Trick: Coarse sugar creates a delightful crispy top that adds texture and a beautiful golden finish.

Creative Takes on Delia Smith Sultana Scones

• Gluten-Free Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Sultana Delight: Swap butter with coconut oil and yogurt with plant-based alternative like soy or almond milk.
• Chocolate Chip Variation: Substitute sultanas with dark chocolate chips for a richer, indulgent scone experience.
• Savory Herb Scones: Remove sugar and sultanas, add grated cheese and fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory breakfast option.

Sides That Match Delia Smith Sultana Scones

• Pair Creamy Clotted Cream: Spread luxurious, thick clotted cream directly on warm scones for a classic British teatime experience.
• Enhance with Earl Grey Tea: Brew a fragrant Earl Grey tea with bergamot notes that complement the sweet sultanas and delicate scone texture.
• Match Homemade Strawberry Jam: Create a perfect balance with a bright, slightly tart strawberry jam that cuts through the richness of the scones.
• Serve Chilled Lemon Curd: Drizzle smooth, tangy lemon curd for a zesty contrast that elevates the sultana's natural sweetness.

Keeping Delia Smith Sultana Scones Fresh

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper. Keep fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for best quality.
• Warm refrigerated scones for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Thaw frozen scones at room temperature, then warm in a preheated 160C oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Sultana Scones Questions Answered

• What are sultanas?

Sultanas are dried white grapes, similar to raisins but lighter in color and slightly sweeter, commonly used in baking and desserts.

• Can I substitute yogurt in this recipe?

Yes, you can use buttermilk or sour cream as alternatives to yogurt, which help create a tender and moist scone texture.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a golden-brown color on top and a firm but soft texture when gently pressed; they should sound slightly hollow when tapped on the bottom.

• Is it necessary to use cold butter?

Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers in scones, as it creates small pockets of fat that help produce a light, tender texture during baking.

Sultana Scones Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Sultana scones bring British baking charm straight to your kitchen with plump raisins nestled in buttery, crumbly dough. Warm from the oven and perfect with clotted cream, these classic treats promise comfort and delightful moments you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 350 grams (12.35 ounces) self-raising flour
• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) sultanas
• 90 grams (3.17 ounces) butter (cold)
• 100 grams (3.53 ounces) caster sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1.5 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 pinch salt

Liquid Ingredient:

• 150 milliliters (5.07 fluid ounces) plain yogurt (or milk/buttermilk)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 200°C (180°C fan) and cover a baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Combine dry ingredients by sifting flour, baking powder, and salt into a mixing bowl, then incorporate cold butter using fingertips until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Fold in sugar and sultanas, then gradually introduce yogurt while mixing to create a soft, cohesive dough.
4. Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll out to approximately 2.3cm thickness.
5. Use a circular cutter to shape 7cm rounds, carefully transferring each to the prepared baking tray.
6. Gently brush the scone tops with liquid and sprinkle with additional sugar for a glossy, sweet finish.
7. Slide tray into preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, watching for a golden-brown color.
8. Remove from oven and allow scones to rest briefly on a wire rack, ensuring they cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• Chill butter thoroughly before rubbing into flour for maximum flakiness and lighter texture.
• Minimal handling of dough prevents tough scones; mix just until ingredients combine to keep them tender.
• Substitute plain yogurt with Greek yogurt for richer, more indulgent scones with slightly denser crumb.
• Use dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan butter for gluten-free and vegan-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 252 kcal
• Sugar: 13 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg