Fluffy Ina Garten Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Snag Ina Garten’s Fluffy Buttermilk Scones Recipe!

Buttermilk scones unlock a world of breakfast bliss with their golden, crumbly perfection.

These heavenly pastries burst with rich, tangy flavor that dances across your palate.

Soft as a morning cloud and packed with buttery goodness, they transform ordinary meals into memorable feasts.

Each scone tells a story of comfort and culinary craft, inviting hungry souls to savor every delicate morsel.

Versatile and charming, they welcome both sweet and savory additions with open arms.

Light as air yet deeply satisfying, these scones promise a delightful start to any day.

Let’s create a batch of pure morning magic that will make your taste buds sing.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients to Bake Ina Garten’s Buttermilk Scones

For Dry Mix:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
  • Granulated Sugar: Opt for fine-crystal sugar that dissolves smoothly.
  • Salt: Use sea salt for a subtle mineral enhancement.
  • Baking Powder: Select aluminum-free version for cleaner taste.
  • Baking Soda: Fresh and unexpired for optimal rising.
For Dairy Components:
  • Unsalted Butter: Select high-quality European-style butter for superior richness.
  • Buttermilk: Full-fat version provides tangy depth and tender crumb.
  • Heavy Cream: Look for fresh, locally produced cream for best results.
For Optional Enhancement:
  • Currants: Select plump, glossy dried currants without any crystallization for natural sweetness.

Tools Required for Ina’s Flaky Buttermilk Scones

  • Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining dry ingredients and creating scone dough.
  • Whisk: Essential for blending dry ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Precise measurements ensure delicious results every time.
  • Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy surface for baking scones to golden perfection.
  • Sharp knife: Helps divide dough into clean, even triangular wedges.
  • Pastry brush: Great for applying cream wash to create a gorgeous golden finish.
  • Fingertips: Ideal tool for blending butter into dry ingredients for a crumbly texture.
  • Flat surface: Clean counter or cutting board works well for rolling and shaping dough.

Ina Garten’s Method for Buttermilk Scones

Ina Garten’s Method for Buttermilk Scones
  • Fire Up Your Oven

Get your oven roaring hot at 400°F with the rack nestled right in the center for perfect baking magic.

  • Mix Dry Ingredients Like a Pro

Grab a big bowl and toss in flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Give them a wild whirl with a whisk until they’re best friends.

  • Work Butter Into Fluffy Clouds

Chop cold butter into tiny cubes and dive your fingers into the dry mix. Massage and crumble until the mixture looks like sandy beach crumbs.

  • Splash In Buttermilk

Pour buttermilk into your mixture and stir gently. Fold in currants if you want an extra flavor punch. Don’t overmix – keep the dough looking relaxed and rough.

  • Shape Your Tasty Triangles

Dust your counter with flour and plop the dough down. Split into two rounds about three-quarters of an inch thick. Slice each round into eight gorgeous wedges that look like delicious pizza slices.

  • Prep For Golden Goodness

Place wedges on a greased baking sheet with a little breathing room. Brush the tops with cream so they’ll turn a stunning golden brown that’ll make your mouth water.

  • Bake And Devour

Slide those beauties into the oven for around 15 minutes until the edges look perfectly toasted. Let them cool just enough so you don’t burn your tongue, then slather with butter and jam. Enjoy your homemade masterpiece!

Pro Baking Tips for Ina Garten’s Scones

  • Butter Blending Technique: Freeze your butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting into cubes. Cold butter creates flakier, more tender scones with delightful layered textures.
  • Flavor Fusion Tricks: Experiment with mix-ins like dried cranberries, chopped nuts, lemon zest, or dark chocolate chips to transform your basic scone recipe into a personalized treat.
  • Buttermilk Brilliance: No buttermilk on hand? Quickly make a substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let stand for 5 minutes before using to achieve the same tangy richness.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare scone dough ahead of time, cut into wedges, and freeze unbaked on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen wedges to a freezer bag for storage. When ready to bake, place directly in the preheated oven and add 3-5 extra minutes to cooking time for perfectly fresh scones anytime.

How to Present and Enjoy Ina’s Buttermilk Scones

  • Pair with Morning Beverages: Serve these warm scones alongside a steaming cup of coffee, Earl Grey tea, or a refreshing orange juice for a delightful breakfast experience.
  • Create a Sweet Spread Station: Arrange an array of homemade jams, clotted cream, honey, and butter so guests can customize their scone toppings and enjoy personalized flavor combinations.
  • Design an Elegant Brunch Presentation: Arrange scones on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, mint leaves, and a light dusting of powdered sugar for a visually stunning and appetizing display.
  • Elevate with Complementary Sides: Accompany the scones with a small fruit salad, Greek yogurt, or a light quiche to transform your simple bake into a complete and satisfying meal.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Scones from Ina

  • Preserve Freshness: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping them soft and delectable.
  • Freezing Strategy: Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Frozen scones stay delicious for up to 3 months.
  • ReviveDay-Old Delights: Quickly refresh scones by warming them in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes, restoring their just-baked texture and warmth.
  • Smart Meal Prep: Prepare scone dough in advance, shape the wedges, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the cold state for maximum convenience and fresh-baked flavor.
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Fluffy Ina Garten Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Fluffy Ina Garten Buttermilk Scones Recipe


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4.8 from 31 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s buttermilk scones blend British baking tradition with American comfort. Crumbly, buttery pastries emerge from your oven, promising a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups (360 g) flour
  • ¾ cup (170 g) unsalted butter (1 ½ sticks)
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • ⅓ cup (67 g) sugar
  • ½ cup (75 g) currants
  • 2 ½ tsps (12.5 g) baking powder
  • 1 tsp (6 g) salt
  • ½ tsp (2.5 g) baking soda
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) heavy cream (for brushing)

Instructions

  1. Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), establishing the optimal thermal environment for scone baking.
  2. Dry Ingredient Fusion: Sift flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, and baking soda into a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry foundation.
  3. Butter Integration: Cube cold unsalted butter and delicately incorporate into the dry mixture, massaging with fingertips until the texture resembles coarse, sandy crumbs.
  4. Liquid Incorporation: Form a central well in the flour mixture, gently pour buttermilk, and fold with minimal manipulation to preserve the dough’s delicate structure. Carefully distribute currants throughout the mixture.
  5. Dough Shaping: Transfer the soft dough onto a floured surface, dividing into two equal rounds approximately 3/4-inch thick. Slice each round into eight precise triangular wedges.
  6. Baking Preparation: Arrange scone wedges on a lightly greased baking sheet, ensuring slight separation for even browning. Generously brush tops with heavy cream to achieve a lustrous, golden finish.
  7. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, baking for 15-18 minutes until the scones develop a light golden-brown complexion.
  8. Serving: Transfer scones to a wire rack for brief cooling, then present warm with softened butter and complementary marmalade for an exquisite teatime experience.

Notes

  • Butter Handling: Cut cold butter into tiny cubes and work quickly to keep it chilled, preventing a tough scone texture.
  • Minimal Mixing Matters: Stir ingredients just until combined to ensure tender, flaky scones with delicate crumb structure.
  • Cream Brushing Technique: Generously coat scone tops with heavy cream for a glossy, beautifully caramelized golden finish.
  • Serving Suggestion: Enjoy warm within 2-3 hours of baking for peak freshness and optimal taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 250 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 11 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

Classical & Contemporary Cooking Techniques, Global Cuisine Appreciation, Nutrition & Menu Engineering, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Farm-to-Table Cuisine

Education

Southwestern Oregon Community College

  • Program: Culinary Arts, Associate of Applied Science
  • Focus: Emphasis on mastering core culinary competencies, like safety and sanitation, hot, cold, and pastry techniques, while cultivating appreciation of global cuisines and developing operational skills in nutrition, menu design, costing, purchasing, and supervisory management.

Michael grew up in Oregon, where he learned early that food tastes better when it’s fresh, local, and made with care. 

After earning his degree from the Southwestern Oregon Community College, he focused his career on teaching others how to cook with the seasons, reduce food waste, and reconnect with what’s on their plate.

Michael keeps his cooking simple, sustainable, and full of flavor. His favorite part of the process? Watching people realize how easy and satisfying it can be to cook a single great meal from scratch.

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