Mary Berry’s Devonshire Scones are classic British scones known for their light, flaky texture and rich buttery flavor. They’re made with self-raising flour, butter, and a hint of sugar, creating a slightly sweet, tender scone that’s perfect for splitting and topping with clotted cream and jam. These scones are traditionally enjoyed as part of an afternoon tea, making them a favorite in the UK.
Preheat your oven to 220°C (200°C fan, 425°F). Lightly grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, sift together the self-raising flour and baking powder. Add the caster sugar and stir to combine.
Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Work quickly to avoid warming the butter too much.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs lightly and set aside a tablespoon for the egg wash. Add the remaining beaten eggs and milk to the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until the mixture starts to come together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead just a few times until smooth. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
Pat the dough to a thickness of about 2-3 cm (¾-1 inch). Using a round cutter, cut out the scones, pressing straight down without twisting to ensure they rise evenly. Gather any remaining dough, pat it out again, and cut additional scones.
Place the scones on the prepared baking tray, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with the reserved beaten egg or a little extra milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are well-risen and golden brown on top.
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with clotted cream and strawberry or raspberry jam.