Scones are a British afternoon tea staple and they’re delicious served with jam and clotted cream. Not quite cake, but not really a biscuit or pastry either, scones have a unique texture that’s entirely their own. Scones are traditionally made with flour, butter, sugar and milk, but where did the recipe originate from? Scones date much further back than you might think, so if you want to know, read on for a brief history of the scone.
The first scones
Scones are thought to have originated in Scotland in the early 1500s and the first known print reference was made by a Scottish poet in 1513. Scones were originally made using oats, shaped into a large round and scored into four or six wedges. They were then griddle baked over an open fire, although today’s versions are made with flour and baked in the oven.
The word is thought to have originated from the Dutch “schoonbrot,” meaning fine white bread; and the closely-related German “sconbrot,” which means fine or beautiful bread.
The height of fashion
Around 1840, scones became an essential part of the fashionable ritual of afternoon tea in England. This was popularised by Anna, the duch*ess of Bedford, who was a close friend of Queen Victoria. One afternoon she requested some ‘light food’, which included tea, biscuits and scones. It’s said that she enjoyed it so much that she ordered it every afternoon and the English ritual of ‘Afternoon Tea’ was born.
Jam or cream first?
Much debate surrounds the ‘correct’ way to eat a scone, so how do you eat yours? Cream tea is very popular in both Devon and Cornwall but the main difference is how they eat their scones. In Cornwall, jam is added first to allow it to sink into the warm scone and then clotted cream is added on top.
In Devon, it’s the other way round, clotted cream is spread first to create a barrier between the runny jam and the scone.
You can’t enjoy a scone without jam or cream, so if you’re looking for high quality cream, butter and spreads, get in touch with the team at Freshways. We’re proud to provide a range of wholesale products for your business, including clotted cream and individual portions of jam. We also stock a range of additional products, including milk, eggs, cheeses and a range of bakery products. For more information or to discuss your requirements, give us a call today or contact us online.
FAQs
Scones — Where We Are Today. The first written records of scones date back to the 16th century, when Scottish cooks would make them for breakfast. These early versions were usually made with oats and fruit, or sometimes just oatmeal without any other ingredients.
What is the history of the scone? ›
Though it isn't certain, many believe that scones originated in Scotland in the 16th century. Scones can be traced back to another "quick bread," called bannocks. Bannocks are an oat based flatbread that is often cooked on a griddle and cut into farls.
What is the originality of scone? ›
Scones are thought to have originated in Scotland in the early 1500s and the first known print reference was made by a Scottish poet in 1513. Scones were originally made using oats, shaped into a large round and scored into four or six wedges.
Are scones Scottish or Irish? ›
Scones are traditionally Irish, Scottish, and English foods. However, nobody knows which of these countries invented the baked food. As far as history can trace back, Scones probably originate from Scotland. Yes, the first print reference dates back to 1513 and is from a Scottish poet.
How do you explain what a scone is? ›
scone, quick bread of British origin and worldwide fame, made with leavened barley flour or oatmeal that is rolled into a round shape and cut into quarters before baking, traditionally on a griddle. The first scones were baked in cast iron pans hung in the kitchen fires of rural England and Wales.
What is the symbol of scone? ›
The Stone of Destiny, also known as the Stone of Scone, stands as a symbol of ancient tradition, royal authority, and the enduring spirit of a nation. Its storied past is woven into the fabric of Scottish and British history, evoking tales of kings, conquests, and the struggle for independence.
What is the American version of a scone? ›
Biscuits and scones have the same British ancestor, but the early Southern colonists' version included butter, lard, buttermilk, and soft wheat, plentiful in the South. Over time, this fluffy and layered bread evolved into a regional commodity: the Southern biscuit.
What are British scones called in America? ›
A Biscuit (U.S.) Is a Scone (U.K.)
Both baked goodies use flour, fat, liquid and a leavening agent. The main differences are that scones tend to have less butter (because you'll add butter to it when you eating it — or else, clotted cream or jam) while American biscuits tend to have more butter and light layers.
What is the difference between Irish scones and American scones? ›
Irish scones are always round and always made with butter. The biggest difference between American scones and Irish scones is the amount of butter used. Irish Scones are made with quite a bit less (as well as less sugar).
What are 3 characteristics of a good scone? ›
The best scones have a crisp, slightly caramelized exterior and a tender, buttery, just-sweet interior. They can be dressed up with a glaze, studded with fruit or nuts, or gently spiced. Whichever route you go, we're here to help you achieve scone perfection. These are F&W food editor Kelsey Youngman's favorite tips.
A scone is closer to a pastry than it is to bread mainly because it doesn't include any yeast and has almost identical ingredients to a shortcrust with different fat to flour ratios.
What does scone mean in England? ›
scone in British English
noun. 1. ( skɒn , skəʊn ) a light plain doughy cake made from flour with very little fat, cooked in an oven or (esp originally) on a griddle, usually split open and buttered.
What is a fact about scones? ›
The scone is a basic component of the cream tea. It differs from teacakes and other types of sweets that are made with yeast. Scones were chosen as the Republic of Ireland representative for Café Europe during the Austrian presidency of the European Union in 2006, while the United Kingdom chose shortbread.
What is scone famous for? ›
Gazetted in 1837 as Scone (named for Scone, Scotland), it was proclaimed a municipality in 1888. Scone is a market centre for a district producing sheep, cattle, racehorses, walnuts, and vegetables. It is known as the “horse capital of Australia” because of the dozens of stud farms in the area.
What is an American scone called in England? ›
A Biscuit (U.S.) Is a Scone (U.K.)
Both baked goodies use flour, fat, liquid and a leavening agent.
