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 Scones were originally made using oats, shaped into a large round and scored into four or six wedges.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? ›
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.
What are some interesting facts about scones? ›
Scones originate from the Scottish 'bannock', which is derived from the Gaelic for cake and made using a thin, round, flat combination of oats and wheat flour. #7. No need to overknead! Scones only require light kneading otherwise they won't rise and you'll lose that light, fluffy texture.
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? ›
a small, usually round, cake that is like bread, is made from flour, milk or cream, and a little fat, and is eaten with various sweet or savoury foods added in different countries: Afternoon tea with scones, clotted cream and jam is a British tradition.
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's special about scones? ›
scones have a heavier and denser characteristic making them more cake-like than biscuits, which have a light, fluffy texture. scone recipes utilize more liquid than biscuit recipes. scones are usually triangular shaped, biscuits are round (but that is “traditional”… many people go between the two)
What is the American version of a scone? ›
There are quite a few videos online where British (or Commonwealth) people try American Biscuits and Gravy. They always say that American's just call scones "biscuits", and they usually confirm that understanding after they try the recipe.
What does scone mean in slang? ›
noun. skɒnskəʊn 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. skɒn a slang word for head.
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.
The Stone of Scone (/ˈskuːn/; Scottish Gaelic: An Lia Fàil, meaning Stone of Destiny, also called clach-na-cinneamhuinn; Scots: Stane o Scone), is an oblong block of red sandstone that was used in the coronation of Scottish monarchs until the 13th century, and thereafter in the coronation of English and later British ...
Why do Americans call scones biscuits? ›
The reason scones are called biscuits in America is likely because the recipe to make Southern biscuits is similar to those used to make hardtack. Hardtack is a dense cracker or biscuit made of similar ingredients, but no dairy.
What is the history of scones? ›
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.
Are scones good for you? ›
For it turns out that scones are … fattening. A Food Standards Agency (FSA) report has found that the average scone contains 408 calories, with the best – sorry, most fattening – clocking up a remarkable 756 calories and 39.2g of sugar.
What does scone mean in England? ›
A scone (/ˈskɒn/ SKON or /ˈskoʊn/ SKOHN) is a traditional British baked good, popular in the United Kingdom and Ireland. It is usually made of either wheat flour or oatmeal, with baking powder as a leavening agent, and baked on sheet pans. A scone is often slightly sweetened and occasionally glazed with egg wash.
