12 Best Scone Recipes for Tea Time: Delicious Treats to Sweeten Your Afternoon

The first time I tried one of my favorite scone recipes was on a chilly Sunday when I wanted something to pair with my tea. I didn’t follow the recipe perfectly; I used cold butter straight from the fridge and forgot to brush the tops with cream. They came out a little uneven, but when I spread jam on them and took a bite, they were tender, crumbly, and absolutely delicious. I realized then that scones don’t have to be perfect to feel special.

When I serve scone recipes, I like pairing them with other little treats that make breakfast or tea time extra lovely—such as muffins, fruit salad, cookies, lemon curd, or whipped cream. Sometimes I add a hot cup of coffee or herbal tea, a drizzle of honey, or fresh berries on the side. Every combination makes the scones taste even more comforting and completely irresistible.

12. Classic Buttery Scones

These “12 Best Scone Recipes for Tea Time” start with Classic Buttery Scones because they are soft and fluffy enough to melt in your mouth. They go perfectly with tea, jam, and cream. The recipe is easy to make, and everyone loves them; you can serve them warm and fresh from the oven to brighten any tea table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined.
  3. Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Stir in milk and vanilla until a dough forms.
  5. Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape into a 1-inch thick circle.
  6. Cut into wedges and place on the baking sheet.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
  8. Serve warm with jam and cream.

11. Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

These zesty scones are soft, lightly crunchy, and perfect for brunch. The lemon adds a fresh flavor while the poppy seeds provide a lovely texture. They are sweet, tangy, and easy to prepare. Everyone will love them, especially if you drizzle a light glaze on top and serve them warm.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and poppy seeds in a bowl.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Add milk and vanilla, then mix into a dough.
  5. Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
  6. Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes.
  7. Let cool slightly and serve with lemon glaze or butter.

10. Blueberry Scones

Blueberry scones are fruity, soft, and juicy. As the blueberries burst in the oven, the aroma fills the kitchen, making these a favorite for breakfast. They are fun to share and taste amazing warm or at room temperature. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Cut in butter until the mixture is crumbly.
  4. Gently fold in blueberries and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–20 minutes until golden.
  8. Serve with jam or butter.

9. Chocolate Chip Scones

These are a dessert-lover’s favorite because they are sweet, soft, and chocolaty. The chips melt slightly in the oven, creating a rich treat for kids and adults alike. They pair perfectly with coffee or tea, especially with an extra drizzle of chocolate on top.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Fold in chocolate chips and vanilla.
  5. Stir in milk to form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Serve warm and enjoy.

8. Cranberry Orange Scones

These scones are tart, sweet, and incredibly aromatic. The orange zest adds a burst of freshness while the dried cranberries provide a festive pop of color. Ideal for holiday gatherings or everyday snacks, they are best served warm with a light icing drizzle.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Stir in cranberries and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–20 minutes.
  8. Serve with icing or butter.

7. Raspberry White Chocolate Scones

These scones offer a sophisticated balance of tart raspberries and creamy white chocolate. They make any tea time feel extra special. Serve them fresh from the oven so the white chocolate chips are still slightly soft.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Fold in raspberries, white chocolate, and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
  8. Serve warm with tea or coffee.

6. Maple Pecan Scones

Nutty and rich, these scones are perfect for cozy afternoons. The maple syrup provides a deep, sweet flavor that complements the crunch of the pecans. Adding a maple glaze on top makes the taste experience truly irresistible.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Stir in pecans, maple syrup, and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape dough into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Drizzle with extra maple syrup and serve warm.

5. Cinnamon Swirl Scones

Cinnamon Swirl Scones are a highlight of tea time because they are fragrant and warm. The cinnamon swirl gives them a beautiful look and a comforting flavor. The aroma alone will invite everyone into the kitchen to gather around the table.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
  5. Roll dough into a rectangle and sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.
  6. Roll the dough up, flatten slightly into a circle, and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with tea or an icing drizzle.

4. Apple Cinnamon Scones

Spiced and juicy, these scones feel like autumn in a bite. The chopped apples add a moist texture that pairs perfectly with the warmth of the cinnamon. They are wonderful served with a bit of clotted cream or salted butter during a special gathering.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1 small apple, peeled and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Fold in chopped apple and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with butter or jam.

3. Strawberry Shortcake Scones

These scones are a fun and colorful addition to any brunch. The fresh strawberries add a natural sweetness that makes them feel like a classic summer dessert in scone form. They are best enjoyed with a dollop of whipped cream.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Fold in strawberries and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Serve with whipped cream or a sweet glaze.

2. Ginger Molasses Scones

For those who love a bit of spice, these scones are rich and deep in flavor. The ground ginger provides warmth while the molasses adds a beautiful dark sweetness. They are the perfect companion for a brisk winter afternoon or a cozy evening by the fire.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, and ginger.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Stir in molasses and vanilla.
  5. Add milk and form dough.
  6. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  7. Bake 15–18 minutes.
  8. Serve warm with tea.

1. Earl Grey Tea Scones

Earl Grey Tea Scones are the ultimate elegant treat. The finely ground tea leaves provide a delicate bergamot and citrus fragrance that makes these scones feel truly luxurious. They invite you to slow down, relax, and savor every bite.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
  2. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and tea leaves.
  3. Cut in butter until crumbly.
  4. Stir in milk and vanilla to form dough.
  5. Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.
  6. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
  7. Serve warm with cream, jam, or extra tea.

CONCLUSION

Scone recipes prove that a simple bake can turn any quiet moment into something warm and special. From classic buttery scones to fruity, spiced, and tea-infused favorites, each one brings comfort, flavor, and charm to the table. Perfect with tea, coffee, or sweet spreads, these scones remind us that even imperfect baking can create memories worth savoring.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *