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    BeeyondCereal » Recipes » Muffins, Biscuits, and Rolls

    4 Ingredient Scones

    Modified: Mar 25, 2025 Published: Sep 1, 2023 by Nicole Durham This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Experience the joy of baking with this easy 4 Ingredient Scones Recipe. Perfect for breakfast or tea, these budget-friendly and beginner-friendly scones are a delightful treat when paired with your favorite jam.

    Recipe: $1.58 | Per Serving: $0.20 | Servings: 8

    scones stacked up on a round plate.

    Scones are one of those easy recipes you can make with minimal effort and this recipe is as simple as it gets. While we have a Big Fluffy Scones Recipe and these Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones available on the blog, this 4 ingredient scones recipe is even simpler!

    Made with just a few ingredients, this is a great way to reduce prep and effort while still getting a delicious, tender scone to serve at breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea time.

    Serve them up with some homemade Sugar Free Strawberry Jam or Sugar Free Blueberry Jam for a delicious summery experience.

    Jump to:
    • 🍯 Why This Recipe Works
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🧾 Substitutions
    • 🥣 Recipe Add-Ins
    • 🔪 Instructions for the 4 Ingredient Scones
    • 🍴 Recipe Tips
    • ⏲️ Make Ahead Instructions
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Storage
    • 💭 Recipe FAQs
    • ❤️ More Delicious Biscuit Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    🍯 Why This Recipe Works

    1. Minimal ingredients are needed. Unlike other scone recipes that require more ingredients to make, this recipe is basic and only needs 4 ingredients!
    2. They're cheap to make. Making your own scones at home is a great way to save money because each scone only costs a few cents to make. This is a lot cheaper than buying them anywhere else!
    3. They're easy to make. If you've never made scones at home, you may be surprised to find they're easier than you thought. Just measure, stir, pat into a disc, and cut. Perfect for beginner chefs!

    🥘 Ingredients

    labeled ingredients needed to make four ingredient scones.

    Self rising flour- This is pre-mixed flour with baking powder and salt for convenience. Available in baking aisles and used in various recipes. We use it in Jalapeno Cheddar Beer Bread and Easy 3 Ingredient Biscuits.

    Butter- You can use butter or shortening depending on what you have on hand, but I prefer the richer taste that butter gives the dough. Salted butter works best at giving a richer taste!

    For specific ingredients and measurements, please see the recipe card below.

    🧾 Substitutions

    Butter- Use salted or unsalted butter based on availability. Alternatively, plain or butter-flavored shortening can be substituted. Butter should be cold, shortening at room temperature without melting.

    🥣 Recipe Add-Ins

    If you would like to add in ¼ cup of raisins, you may. I find that it works best when you remove 2 tablespoons of milk, before adding in the raisins as they will release their own moisture as the scones cook.

    🔪 Instructions for the 4 Ingredient Scones

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.

    whisk together dry ingredients and then add in cubed butter.

    Step 2: Measure your flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl. (Image 1).

    Step 3: Whisk together to combine. (Image 2).

    Step 4: Cut the cold butter into cubes. (Image 3). Add to flour mixture. (Image 4).

    cut in butter until crumbs, add in milk until combined and divide dough into two.

    Step 5: Mix together until the butter it looks like fine crumbs. (Image 5).

    Step 6: Add in the milk. (Image 6).

    Step 7: Mix together until the dough comes together. (Image 7).

    Step 8: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 2 equal sized portions. (Image 8).

    pat dough into circles and divide into quarters, bake until golden.

    Step 9: Pat each disc into a circle that's roughly ¼- ½ inch thick. (Image 9). Divide into 4 equal sized wedges. (Image 10).

    Step 10: Place the scones onto an ungreased baking sheet. (Image 11).

    Step 11: Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until golden. (Image 12).

    Let cool, split in half, and top with fresh jam or butter as desired.

    Serve and enjoy!

    🍴 Recipe Tips

    1. It's similar to making biscuits. Making scones is similar to whipping up Baking Powder Biscuits, with similar ingredients but a different process. Instead of rolling, folding, and cutting dough, scones involve gently pressing the dough into a disc.
    2. Don't knead the dough. Unlike biscuits, scones require minimal handling to maintain their soft, fluffy texture. Avoid kneading or folding the dough too much, as this can result in chewy scones.
    3. Biscuits and breads demand different care. Treat the dough more gently than a yeast dough, similar to making Homemade White Bread. Aim for soft, fluffy, and airy scones by handling the dough with care.

    ⏲️ Make Ahead Instructions

    Freezing Dough- If you wish to make the dough in advance, you may. I recommend making the dough and cutting it into wedges before freezing raw on a baking sheet.

    Long-Term Storage- Once solid, you can transfer to an airtight container for up to 3 months. You can bake your scones from frozen.

    👩🏻‍🍳 Storage

    Room Temperature Storage- Store any uneaten scones in an airtight container at room temperature. The fridge will cause the scones to dry out, so room temp is best.

    Reheating Tip- Note that you can reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds for a second chance at that warm-from-oven taste.

    💭 Recipe FAQs

    What is the trick in making good scones?

    Keep dough cool: It's important to prevent butter from melting before baking. Chilled dough creates flaky, delicious scones.

    What to avoid when making scones?

    Avoid these scone-making blunders:
    Using warm ingredients- opt for cold butter, eggs, and cream for flakier results.
    Overmixing the dough can lead to toughness.
    Chill the dough before baking to maintain texture.
    Resist baking scones in advance so they are fresher.

    What 2 things are scones commonly served with?

    Scones are usually served with jam or butter, but in British households, you may find them served with clotted cream (something we don't find here in America). I recommend trying these scones with my Copycat Texas Roadhouse Butter!

    How do I get my scones to rise more?

    Similar to cinnamon rolls or biscuits, placing scones close together promotes even, higher rising. Heat encourages upward, not outward expansion.

    a stack of golden scones on a plate.

    ❤️ More Delicious Biscuit Recipes

    • 5 glazed blueberry scones on a metal stand with scattered fresh blueberries.
      Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones
    • several strawberry cream cheese crescent rolls on a plate with fresh strawberries.
      Strawberry Cheesecake Crescent Rolls
    • several jalalpeno cheddar biscuits on a white plate.
      Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuits
    • bunny biscuits on a baking sheet.
      Easy Easter Bunny Biscuits

    If you tried these 4 ingredient scones, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your feedback in the 📝 comments section below. I would truly appreciate it!

    📖 Recipe

    stack of golden scones piled on eachother.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    4 Ingredient Scones

    Scones are such a delicious breakfast item, snack, or treat. Make them at home with just 4 simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time. You're going to love this easy 4 ingredient scone recipe!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 244kcal
    Cost Recipe $1.58 / Serving $0.20
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Mixing Bowls
    • Baking Sheet
    • Wooden Spoon

    Ingredients

    • 2 ½ cups self rising flour ($0.65)
    • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar ($0.04)
    • 6 Tablespoons cold salted butter ($0.72)
    • ¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons milk ($0.17)
    US Customary - Metric

    Instructions

    • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F.
    • Measure your flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl.
    • Whisk together to combine.
    • Cut in the cold cubed salted butter.
    • Mix together until the butter it looks like fine crumbs.
    • Add in the milk.
    • Mix together until the dough comes together.
    • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and divide into 2 equal sized portions.
    • Pat each disc into a circle that's roughly ¼- ½ inch thick. Divide into 4 equal sized wedges.
    • Place the scones onto an ungreased baking sheet.
    • Bake in the oven for about 15 minutes or until golden.
    • Let cool, split in half, and top with fresh jam or butter as desired.
    • Serve and enjoy!

    Notes

    Use salted or unsalted butter, or even shortening if preferred.
    Add up to ¼ cup of raisins, but reduce 2 tablespoons of milk if included.
    When making scones, avoid overworking the dough for tender results.
    Make the dough in advance, cut into wedges, and freeze for up to 3 months.
    Scones can be baked from frozen.
    Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for optimal freshness. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds if desired.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1scone | Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 26mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 81mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 306IU | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Author Nicole Durham
    Course Breakfast, brunch
    Cuisine American
    Diet Vegetarian
    Tried this recipe?Mention @BeeyondCereal on Instagram and hashtag it #BeeyondCereal
    Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used. To view how this recipe was calculated you can visit my Pricing Disclosure Page for more information.

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    The proud owner and recipe developer behind BeeyondCereal. Here, I'm passionate about showing people how to navigate the kitchen with frugality in mind, whipping up family-friendly recipes that not only save money but also bring joy to every meal.

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