Traditional Cream Tea

Cream Tea is a quintessential British afternoon treat, featuring freshly baked scones served with clotted cream, jam, and a pot of tea. It’s a simple yet delightful indulgence, perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 2 cups self-rising flour
• 4 tbsp cold butter, cubed
• 2 tbsp sugar
• ½ cup whole milk (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 egg (optional, for brushing)
• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Clotted cream (traditionally Devon or Cornish clotted cream)
• Strawberry jam (or your favorite fruit jam)
• English tea (such as Earl Grey or Breakfast Tea)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Prepare the Scone Dough

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes, and using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Slowly add the milk and stir with a fork until the dough just comes together. Avoid over-mixing. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick round.

Step 3: Cut the Scones

Using a round biscuit cutter (or a glass), cut out rounds from the dough and place them onto the lined baking sheet. Gather any remaining dough and repeat. Brush the tops with a little milk or beaten egg for a golden finish.

Step 4: Bake the Scones

Bake the scones for 12-15 minutes, or until they are risen and golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

Step 5: Serve with Clotted Cream and Jam

Once the scones have cooled slightly, slice them in half. Serve each scone with a generous dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of strawberry jam. Pair with a freshly brewed pot of English tea for the perfect cream tea experience.

Grilling Tip (Optional)

If you prefer a slightly charred, toasted scone, place the cut scones on the outer flat top of the Arteflame grill for 1-2 minutes per side before baking them in the oven.

Conclusion

This Traditional Cream Tea is a delightful, simple pleasure, featuring soft, warm scones paired with rich clotted cream and fruity jam. Paired with a pot of tea, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a British afternoon treat.

5 Variations of Cream Tea

1. Lemon Scones: Add lemon zest to the scone dough for a zesty twist.
2. Chocolate Chip Scones: Stir in chocolate chips for a sweeter version.
3. Fruit Scones: Mix dried fruit such as raisins or currants into the dough.
4. Gluten-Free Scones: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make scones accessible for everyone.
5. Cinnamon Sugar Scones: Sprinkle the tops with cinnamon sugar before baking for a sweet, spiced finish.

Best Pairings

• Earl Grey Tea: The citrusy notes of Earl Grey pair wonderfully with the rich clotted cream and sweet jam.
• Lemon Curd: For a tangy alternative to jam, serve the scones with lemon curd.
• Butter Shortbread: Pair your cream tea with buttery shortbread for an extra treat.