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Have you ever bitten into a scone so fluffy and tender that it practically melted in your mouth? That’s exactly what this recipe is all about. If you’ve been wondering how to make big fluffy scones, the secret lies in one magical ingredient: buttermilk. It adds just the right touch of tang and helps create that irresistible soft texture we all crave.
This easy big fluffy scone recipe is my go-to for lazy Sunday mornings, cozy brunches, or when I need a quick treat that feels special. Whether you’re keeping it simple or folding in your favorite fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, these buttermilk scones bake up golden, pillowy, and impossible to resist.
Do you love a recipe that’s easy to follow and even easier to customize? You’re in the right place. Let’s dive into how to make the best big fluffy scones no fuss, no fancy tools, just pure baking joy.
Why You’ll Love These Big Fluffy Scones
If you’re anything like me, you’re always chasing that perfect balance of tender on the inside, golden on the outside—and these scones deliver every time. Here’s why this recipe has become a staple in my kitchen (and will be in yours too!):
- Big, bakery-style fluff – These aren’t your average flat scones. Thanks to buttermilk, each one rises tall and bakes up incredibly soft.
- Easy to make – No complicated steps, just simple, wholesome ingredients you probably already have.
- Perfect with fruit – Fold in your favorite berries, dried fruit, or even a handful of chocolate chips to make them your own.
- Versatile & customizable – Want savory? Try herbs and cheese. Craving sweet? Drizzle with glaze or serve with jam and cream.
- Freezer-friendly – Make a double batch and freeze the extras—future you will be very thankful.
These scones are the kind of thing you whip up when friends drop by or when you just want something a little special with your morning coffee. Once you try them, I promise you’ll be hooked.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients to make the best big fluffy scones—just a few kitchen staples and the magic of buttermilk. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
Dry Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (310g) all-purpose flour – The base for your scones; spoon and level for accuracy.
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Adds the perfect touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Helps your scones rise big and fluffy.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda – Reacts with the buttermilk for extra lift.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavor and enhances the buttery richness.
Cold Fat
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed – Cold butter is key! It creates pockets of steam that make the scones flaky and tender.
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup (180ml) buttermilk, cold – The secret to soft, flavorful scones.
- 1 large egg – Adds structure and richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Optional, but adds a lovely warmth.
Optional Add-Ins (Sweet or Savory)
- 1 cup fresh or dried fruit – Blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, or chopped dried apricots work beautifully.
- Zest of 1 lemon or orange – For a citrusy twist.
- ½ cup shredded cheese or herbs – If you’re going the savory route.
💡 Tip: Keep everything as cold as possible before baking. Cold ingredients = fluffier scones.
How to Make Big Fluffy Scones (Step-by-Step)
Making scones at home is surprisingly simple—and once you get the hang of it, you’ll want to make them all the time! Here’s exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Hot tip: A well-preheated oven helps the scones rise fast, creating those tall, fluffy layers.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This evenly distributes the leaveners so every scone rises the same.
Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs—some pea-sized bits of butter are perfect.
Cold butter is key for fluffy scones. It creates steam while baking, giving you that soft, tender texture.
Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla (if using). Pour this into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. If you’re adding fruit, fold it in now.
Don’t overmix! It’s okay if the dough is a bit shaggy—less mixing = more fluff.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter if you prefer classic biscuit-style scones.
💡 Pro tip: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep it tender.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. Brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk or beaten egg for that golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown.
Step 7: Cool Slightly & Enjoy
Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve warm with butter, jam, clotted cream—or just as they are. Fluffy, flavorful, and fabulous!
Pro Tips for the Fluffiest Scones
Want scones that rise high, stay tender, and taste like they came from a bakery? These simple tricks make all the difference:
1. Keep Everything Cold
Butter, buttermilk, even your mixing bowl if it’s a warm day—cold ingredients = fluffy scones. The cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts in the oven, giving you that soft, airy texture.
2. Don’t Overmix the Dough
Once the liquid meets the dry ingredients, stir gently. Overmixing activates the gluten in the flour, which can make your scones tough instead of tender. A slightly shaggy dough is just right!
3. Use a Sharp Cutter (and Don’t Twist!)
If you’re using a round cutter, press straight down—no twisting! Twisting can seal the edges and prevent a proper rise.
4. Let the Dough Rest (Optional, but Worth It)
After shaping, pop the scones into the fridge for 10–15 minutes before baking. This firms up the butter again and helps with rise and flakiness.
5. Buttermilk Is Your Best Friend
Buttermilk adds moisture, tang, and acidity, which reacts beautifully with the leavening agents for light, fluffy, bakery-style scones. If you don’t have it on hand, I’ll share a substitute in the FAQ section coming up.
6. Customize With Confidence
The base recipe is easy and forgiving—feel free to fold in fresh fruit, citrus zest, chocolate, or nuts. Just keep add-ins light and evenly distributed so your scones stay fluffy.
These little baking tweaks make a big difference—soon, you’ll be the person friends beg for scones from!
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
One of the best things about this easy buttermilk scone recipe? It’s incredibly flexible. Once you’ve mastered the base, you can get creative with all kinds of flavors—both sweet and savory. Here are some of my favorites to try:
Sweet Fruit-Inspired Scones
- Blueberry Lemon – Fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries and the zest of one lemon.
- Raspberry White Chocolate – Tart raspberries paired with sweet white chocolate chunks = bakery heaven.
- Cranberry Orange – Dried cranberries and orange zest bring a festive, tangy twist.
💡 Tip: Toss fresh fruit in a little flour before adding it to the dough—it helps prevent sinking and sogginess.
Decadent Dessert Scones
- Double Chocolate – Add ½ cup cocoa powder to the dry mix and stir in dark chocolate chunks.
- Maple Pecan – Swap sugar for brown sugar, add chopped pecans, and drizzle with maple glaze.
- Vanilla Bean & Almond – A classic combo that’s delicate and fragrant.
Savory Scone Ideas
- Cheddar & Chive – Skip the sugar, add ¾ cup grated sharp cheddar and a handful of chopped fresh chives.
- Bacon & Herb – Crumbled cooked bacon, rosemary, and thyme make a bold brunch bite.
- Feta & Spinach – A Mediterranean-inspired twist that’s great with eggs.
Finishing Touches
- Glaze – Mix powdered sugar with milk, lemon juice, or maple syrup and drizzle over cooled scones.
- Sprinkle Tops – Add turbinado sugar or a pinch of sea salt before baking for texture and sparkle.
Whatever you mix in, the result will always be fluffy, flavorful, and totally irresistible. What will you try first?
Storage & Reheating Tips
Scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, but the good news is—they store and reheat beautifully, so you can enjoy that fluffy, just-baked magic anytime.
How to Store Scones
- Room temperature: Keep cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Line the container with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
- Refrigerator: Store for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just note, they may dry out slightly over time—reheating helps bring them back to life.
- Freezer: These scones are very freezer-friendly! Freeze baked scones for up to 3 months. Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in a zip-top freezer bag.
💡 Want to prep ahead? Freeze the unbaked scones instead! Cut and shape the dough, freeze on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.
How to Reheat Scones
- Oven: Preheat to 325°F (165°C) and warm for 8–10 minutes. This brings back that fluffy interior and crisp top.
- Microwave: Wrap in a damp paper towel and heat for 10–15 seconds. Great in a pinch, but the oven gives the best texture.
- Toaster Oven: Perfect for one or two scones—crisp on the outside, soft inside.
Bonus tip: Split leftover scones and toast them lightly. Add a slather of butter or jam—you’re welcome.
Serving Suggestions
These big, fluffy buttermilk scones are perfect on their own, but here are a few ways to elevate the experience:
- Classic combo: Serve warm with butter and jam—you can’t go wrong.
- Cream tea style: Add clotted cream and strawberry preserves for a cozy British twist.
- Sweet indulgence: Drizzle with vanilla glaze or honey butter for an extra treat.
- Savory twist: Pair cheddar herb scones with soft scrambled eggs or a bowl of soup.
- On the go: Slice them open and use as a base for breakfast sandwiches—egg, bacon, and melty cheese? Yes, please!
These scones go beautifully with a cup of coffee, hot tea, or even a chai latte. However you serve them, they’re sure to impress.
FAQ – Big Fluffy Scones Made Easy
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No problem! You can make an easy substitute:
Mix 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar with ¾ cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until slightly curdled—voilà, homemade buttermilk!
Can I use frozen fruit in scones?
Absolutely. Frozen fruit works great—just don’t thaw it first or it may make the dough too wet. Toss it lightly in flour before adding to prevent color bleeding and sogginess.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can refrigerate the dough (shaped or unshaped) for up to 24 hours before baking. Or freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Why are my scones flat and dense?
There are a few common culprits:
- The butter wasn’t cold enough.
- The dough was overmixed.
- The leavening agents (baking powder/soda) may be expired.
Stick to cold ingredients and gentle mixing for best results!
What’s the difference between scones and biscuits?
Great question! While both are buttery and flaky, scones are usually sweeter, often made with fruit, and use buttermilk or cream for a tender crumb. Biscuits tend to be lighter and more savory.
How do I get that golden, bakery-style top?
Brush the tops with buttermilk or a beaten egg before baking. You can also sprinkle with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about baking a batch of big, fluffy scones from scratch—especially when they’re this easy, versatile, and downright delicious. Whether you’re enjoying them with jam on a slow Sunday morning or dressing them up for a fancy brunch spread, these buttermilk beauties never disappoint.
Don’t be afraid to make them your own—toss in your favorite fruit, play with sweet or savory flavors, or keep it classic. Once you try this recipe, it just might become your go-to for any occasion (or no occasion at all!).
So, are you ready to make the best fluffy scones ever? Pop on the kettle, preheat that oven, and let’s bake some magic.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your scone creations on social media—don’t forget to tag me!