Sourdough Scones Recipe: Flaky, Buttery, and Easy to Make

Discover the perfect way to use your sourdough starter with this Sourdough Scones Recipe. These scones are buttery, flaky, and slightly tangy from the sourdough, making them a unique and delicious treat for breakfast, tea time, or as a quick snack. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, dried fruit, or savory herbs to suit your cravings!

Why This Sourdough Scones Recipe Is a Must-Try

Sourdough scones offer the perfect balance between light, tender crumb and a slightly crisp exterior. Incorporating sourdough starter adds depth of flavor, elevating these classic scones to a whole new level. Not only is this recipe a fantastic way to reduce waste by using sourdough discard, but it’s also versatile, allowing you to create both sweet and savory variations.

For more sourdough recipes, visit our Baking Category. Pair these scones with our Homemade Bread Recipe for a delightful baking session.

Ingredients for Sourdough Scones

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour (or a mix of all-purpose and whole wheat)
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp salt
• 3 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust based on your mix-ins)

Wet Ingredients

• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup sourdough starter (discard or active)
• ½ cup heavy cream or buttermilk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg

Optional Add-Ins (½ cup of any combination)

• Chocolate chips
• Dried cranberries or raisins
• Fresh berries (blueberries or raspberries)
• Chopped nuts (almonds, pecans, or walnuts)
• Shredded cheese and chopped herbs for a savory version

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Sourdough Scones

Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Combine Dry Ingredients

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.

Cut in the Butter

1. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Mix the Wet Ingredients

1. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough starter, cream, and egg until smooth.

Combine and Add Mix-Ins

1. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix.
2. Fold in your chosen mix-ins (chocolate chips, berries, nuts, or herbs).

Shape and Cut the Scones

1. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle.
2. Use a knife or biscuit cutter to divide the dough into 8 wedges or rounds.

Bake the Scones

1. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with cream or milk for a golden finish.
2. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

Cool and Serve

1. Let the scones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.

For another sourdough delight, try our Sourdough Bagel Recipe.

Customizing Your Sourdough Scones Recipe

• Make It Sweeter: Add a drizzle of glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
• Try Savory Options: Add cheddar cheese, scallions, or bacon bits for a savory twist.
• Use Gluten-Free Flour: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for dietary needs.
• Add a Zesty Kick: Mix in lemon or orange zest for bright, citrusy flavor.

For more creative ideas, explore our Snacks Category.

Tips for Perfect Sourdough Scones

1. Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cream ensure a flaky texture.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently to avoid tough scones.
3. Use Fresh Starter: A slightly tangy sourdough discard works best for flavor.
4. Customize Sizes: Make mini scones by dividing the dough into smaller portions and adjusting the baking time.

Pair these scones with our Peach Crumble Recipe for a sweet side dish.

Serving Suggestions for Sourdough Scones

• With Tea or Coffee: Serve as a breakfast or afternoon snack alongside your favorite hot drink.
• As a Dessert: Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit for an indulgent treat.
• For Savory Meals: Serve with soups, stews, or as a side for brunch dishes like quiche.

For dessert, complement your meal with our Almond Flour Chocolate Cake.

Nutrition Facts for Sourdough Scones Recipe

Per serving (1 scone, approximately 8 servings):

• Calories: 200–250
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Sugars: 8g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Sodium: 200mg

Sourdough scones offer a delightful twist on the traditional scone by incorporating tangy sourdough starter into the dough. These flaky, buttery pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with tea or coffee.

Regional Variations of Sourdough Scones Recipe

The Sourdough Scones Recipe can be adapted with regional flavors for a unique spin:

Classic British Sourdough Scones

• Key Ingredients: Sourdough starter, flour, cream, and butter.
• Flavor Profile: Buttery, flaky, and lightly tangy.
• Pairing: Serve with clotted cream and jam for an authentic British experience.

Rustic American Sourdough Scones

• Key Ingredients: Whole wheat flour, sourdough starter, and honey.
• Flavor Profile: Hearty, slightly sweet, and nutty.
• Pairing: Best with maple syrup or whipped butter.

French-Inspired Scones

• Key Ingredients: Sourdough starter, almonds, and orange zest.
• Flavor Profile: Delicate, citrusy, and nutty.
• Pairing: Enjoy with a cup of espresso or hot chocolate.

Tropical Scones

• Key Ingredients: Coconut flakes, sourdough starter, and dried pineapple.
• Flavor Profile: Sweet, tangy, and tropical.
• Pairing: Serve with coconut cream or fresh mango slices.

Savory Herb Sourdough Scones

• Key Ingredients: Cheddar cheese, sourdough starter, chives, and black pepper.
• Flavor Profile: Savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy.
• Pairing: Pair with soups or stews for a hearty meal.

Fun Cooking Techniques for Kids

Making sourdough scones can be a fun, hands-on activity for kids:

Mixing the Dough

• Activity: Let kids mix flour, butter, and sourdough starter by hand.
• Learning Outcome: Teaches them about texture and dough consistency.

Cutting Butter into Flour

• Activity: Show kids how to use their fingers or a pastry cutter to mix butter into the flour.
• Learning Outcome: Builds fine motor skills and introduces them to traditional baking techniques.

Cutting the Scones

• Activity: Encourage kids to use cookie cutters or a knife to shape the scones.
• Learning Outcome: Enhances creativity and teaches them about portioning.

Brushing with Egg Wash

• Activity: Allow kids to brush the scones with egg wash before baking.
• Learning Outcome: Introduces them to glazing techniques for a golden finish.

Tasting and Sharing

• Activity: Let kids taste their creations and share with family.
• Learning Outcome: Builds pride and fosters joy in cooking.

Kitchen Tools to Elevate Sourdough Scones Recipe

1. Mixing Bowl
   • Ideal for combining dry and wet ingredients.
2. Pastry Cutter
   • Essential for cutting butter into the flour for flaky layers.
3. Rolling Pin
   • Useful for flattening the dough evenly.
4. Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
   • Prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
5. Pastry Brush
   • Perfect for applying egg wash or cream on top of the scones.
6. Sharp Knife or Biscuit Cutter
   • Helps create evenly sized scones for uniform baking.
7. Cooling Rack
   • Allows scones to cool evenly after baking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overworking the Dough
   • Handle the dough gently to avoid tough scones.
2. Using Cold Butter Incorrectly
   • Keep butter cold and cut it into the flour quickly for a flaky texture.
3. Skipping the Resting Step
   • Let the dough rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes before baking for better structure.
4. Overbaking
   • Bake until golden brown and set, but not dry.
5. Not Measuring Ingredients Accurately
   • Precise measurements ensure consistent results.

Creative Add-Ins

1. Fruits
   • Add dried cranberries, raisins, or blueberries for a fruity twist.
2. Nuts
   • Incorporate chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for crunch.
3. Cheese
   • Include shredded cheddar, Parmesan, or Gruyère for savory scones.
4. Spices
   • Enhance flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom.
5. Citrus Zest
   • Add lemon or orange zest for a refreshing, tangy note.

How to Double or Scale Sourdough Scones Recipe

1. Use a Larger Mixing Bowl
   • Mix a larger batch of dough in one bowl for efficiency.
2. Prepare Multiple Baking Sheets
   • Bake scones in multiple trays for even cooking.
3. Divide Dough into Portions
   • Divide the dough and add different flavor variations to each batch.
4. Freeze Unbaked Scones
   • Prepare extra scones and freeze them for quick baking later.

How to Store Sourdough Scones

1. Refrigeration
   • Store baked scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Freezing
   • Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen.
3. Reheating
   • Warm baked scones in the oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
4. Meal Prep Tips
   • Prepare the dough ahead of time and bake fresh for a quick breakfast or snack.

Sourdough Scones in Culture

Sourdough baking has a rich history, dating back thousands of years. Incorporating sourdough into scones brings a modern twist to a classic pastry, combining the tanginess of the starter with the buttery, flaky texture of traditional scones.

This recipe celebrates the versatility of sourdough and its role in creating unique, flavorful baked goods. Whether served at brunch, tea time, or as an afternoon treat, sourdough scones are a delightful way to enjoy this time-honored tradition.

How to Adapt Sourdough Scones Recipe for Special Diets

1. Gluten-Free
   • Use a gluten-free flour blend and a gluten-free sourdough starter.
2. Dairy-Free
   • Replace butter with coconut oil or dairy-free margarine, and use almond or oat milk.
3. Low-Sugar Option
   • Reduce or omit added sugar, relying on natural sweetness from dried fruits.
4. Keto-Friendly
   • Use almond flour, coconut flour, and a keto sourdough starter.
5. Vegan-Friendly
   • Replace butter with plant-based alternatives and eggs with flaxseed or chia seed gel.

How to Adapt Sourdough Scones Recipe for Special Occasions

1. Elegant Brunch
   • Serve with clotted cream, jam, and fresh berries for a luxurious spread.
2. Holiday Treats
   • Add seasonal spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and drizzle with icing for festive flair.
3. Casual Gatherings
   • Bake mini scones and serve with a variety of spreads and toppings.
4. Fitness Snacks
   • Incorporate protein powder or seeds for a post-workout boost.
5. Kids’ Tea Party
   • Shape scones into fun designs using cookie cutters and top with colorful sprinkles.

FAQs About Sourdough Scones

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes, shape the scones and refrigerate them overnight. Bake fresh in the morning for best results.

How do I store leftover scones?

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I make these scones without a sourdough starter?

Yes, substitute the sourdough starter with an additional ¼ cup of cream or milk.

What type of sourdough starter works best?

Both active starter and discard work well, but discard adds a milder tang and is perfect for reducing waste.

Explore More Recipes Like Sourdough Scones

If you enjoyed this recipe, try our Napoleon Cake for another baked delight, or visit our Baking Category for more ideas.

These Sourdough Scones are a delightful way to use up your sourdough starter while creating a flaky, flavorful treat. Perfect for any time of day, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly customizable. Gather your ingredients and bake your way to sourdough bliss today!