Looking for the perfect sourdough scones recipe? These tangy, soft, and crumbly scones are a delightful way to use up your sourdough starter discard. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this sourdough scones recipe will guide you through every step.
In this post, you’ll not only learn how to make a classic sourdough scones recipe, but you’ll also discover creative ways to customize your scones and helpful tips for achieving the best results.
What Are Sourdough Scones?
Sourdough scones use a traditional scone base combined with sourdough starter or discard, offering a tangy flavor and light, fluffy texture. This sourdough scones recipe is versatile and perfect for incorporating flavors like berries, chocolate chips, and more. Plus, using sourdough discard reduces waste, making this recipe both delicious and sustainable.
If you’re looking for more ways to make the most of your sourdough starter, you can check out these helpful tips on how to utilize sourdough discard in other recipes from Sourdough Discard Recipes.
Ingredients for Sourdough Scones
Here’s a list of basic ingredients you’ll need to make sourdough scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes
- ⅓ cup sugar (you can adjust this for more or less sweetness)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup cream or milk
- Optional: add-ins like chocolate chips, berries, or nuts
How to Make Sourdough Scones
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the dough resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, discard the egg, and cream or milk.
- Mix the dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a disc, and cut it into wedges or rounds.
- Bake: Place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown.
If you’re interested in learning more about other sourdough recipes, such as using sourdough in savory dishes, check out this guide on Cottage Cheese Recipes to expand your repertoire.
Creative Variations for Sourdough Scones
Sourdough scones are incredibly versatile, and you can easily adapt the basic recipe to suit your tastes. Here are a few flavor variations to try:
- Lemon Blueberry Sourdough Scones: Add 1 cup of fresh blueberries and the zest of one lemon to the dough for a fresh, fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip Sourdough Scones: Mix in 1 cup of chocolate chips for a sweet, indulgent version.
- Cranberry Orange Sourdough Scones: Stir in dried cranberries and the zest of one orange for a festive flavor combination.
Feel free to experiment with your favorite mix-ins, from nuts to dried fruits, to find the perfect flavor combination for your palate.
Tips for the Perfect Sourdough Scones
Follow these tips to ensure your sourdough scones turn out perfectly every time:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky layers in the scones. Make sure to chill your butter and work quickly to avoid warming the dough.
- Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing or over-kneading the dough will make the scones tough. Mix until just combined.
- Chill the dough before baking: After shaping, chill the scones in the fridge for 10-15 minutes before baking. This helps prevent them from spreading too much during baking.
To discover other tricks to ensure your baked goods turn out moist and delicious, take a look at this article on How to Keep Pound Cake From Being Dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make sourdough scones without a sourdough starter?
No, the sourdough starter is essential to the recipe as it provides both flavor and leavening. However, if you don’t have a starter, you can make traditional scones using a different recipe.
How do I store sourdough scones?
Sourdough scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month and reheat them in the oven when ready to eat.
Why did my scones turn out dry?
If your scones are dry, you may have added too much flour or overbaked them. Next time, reduce the amount of flour slightly or check the scones a few minutes earlier to avoid overbaking.
Sourdough scones are an excellent way to make use of your sourdough starter discard while baking a delicious and versatile treat. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add in your favorite flavors, these scones are sure to become a go-to in your baking rotation.
For even more baking inspiration, explore other comforting recipes like this Moist Pineapple Cake that are perfect for any occasion!