Plain Sweet Scones

Directions

1. 1
   Sift flour and baking powder in a bowl.
2. 2
   Cut butter in chunks and toss in the flour.
3. 3
   Rub the butter into the flour with your fingers until it has a texture like almond powder.
4. 4
   Mix in the sugar (and anything else like raisins, nuts, cheese, etc.
5. 5
   that you might be using).
6. 6
   Whisk the egg and milk together.
7. 7
   Add a little over half to the flour in the bowl and start to mix/cut together with a knife so it starts to form a dough.
8. 8
   You want all the little crumbs to be incorporated into the dough.
9. 9
   Add only enough of the milk/egg mixture until the crumbs are gone (you usually need more in the winter because the air is dryer).
10. 10
    Set the rest of the liquid aside for later as egg wash.
11. 11
    Knead the dough 2-4 times until you have a round, soft dough.
12. 12
    If you have time, let it rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or even over night (it helps improve texture, but isn't necessary if you're in a hurry).
13. 13
    On a lightly floured board, press the dough into a round circle with your hands (do not use a roller!)
14. 14
    until it's about 2.5 cm thick.
15. 15
    Cut out 4-5 scones with a scone cutter or your favourite size.
16. 16
    Knead together the remaining dough and cut into another scone if you can.
17. 17
    Place the cutouts onto a lined baking sheet.
18. 18
    Brush the surface well with the remaining egg/milk mixture from before.
19. 19
    If you didn't have any left over, use a beaten egg.
20. 20
    Bake in a 180C/350F oven for 12-15 minutes until the tops are shiny and golden brown.
21. 21
    Let cool on a rack for a few minutes.
22. 22
    Done!
23. 23
    Serve with butter, jam, cream, etc.