Mrs. Larkin’s Royal Wedding Scones

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Summary: Mrs. Larkin, a foodie friend, is one hell of a baker. Also known as the Scone Lady of Pound Ridge, I think this recipe is one of her best. These scones are lighter than air, and every bite sings. They're also simple to make and easily adapted to alternate flavor profiles. For example, to make plain scones, just omit the blueberries. For currant scones, add a scant 3/4 c dried currants. MrsLarkin added this update on freezing scones. "I usually use Red Star non-aluminum baking powder. I recently ran out, so I bought some Rumford's instead. After freezing solid, the Rumford scones did not rise at all when baking." So FYI, if you use Rumford's baking powder, bake the scones straightaway, and don't freeze.

Yield: 8 large or 12 smaller scones

Ingredients:

  • 2½ cups (11.25 ounces) all-purpose unbleached flour (she uses King Arthur Flour)
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling on tops of scones
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¾ teaspoons kosher salt
  • 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • ¾ cups frozen wild Maine blueberries
  • 1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing on tops of scones (I used ¾ c buttermilk + ¼ c cream to great reviews)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions: In Liz's words...

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with the chopping blade, place the dry ingredients and pulse to combine.

Add the butter, and pulse about 10 or so times. You want to retain some small pieces of butter, so don't over-process. Transfer the flour mixture to a large mixing bowl. If you've got some really large butter lumps, just squish them with the back of a fork.

Gently fold the blueberries into the flour mixture.

In a large measuring cup, place the heavy cream, egg and vanilla. Mix well. Pour into flour mixture. With a dinner fork, fold the wet into the dry as you gradually turn the bowl. It’s a folding motion you’re shooting for, not a stirring motion. When dough begins to gather, use a plastic bowl scraper to gently knead the dough into a ball shape. If there is still a lot of loose flour in the bottom of the bowl, drizzle in a bit more cream, like a teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together.

Transfer the dough ball to a floured board. Gently pat into a 6” or 7" circle. With a pastry scraper or large chef’s knife, cut into 8 triangles. I use a pie marker to score the top of the dough circle and use the lines as a guide.

OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED: Place the scones on a wax paper-lined sheet pan and freeze until solid. Once they are frozen, you can store them in a plastic freezer bag for several weeks.

Preheat oven to 425° Fahrenheit. Place frozen scones on a parchment-lined sheet pan, about 1 inch apart. Brush with cream. Sprinkle tops of scones with sugar.

Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, turning pan halfway through. They are done when a wooden skewer comes out clean.

Serve with clotted cream, creme fraiche, and jam if you wish.These are great the next day, warmed in the microwave for 15 - 20 seconds. They freeze really well, too, and can be reheated in a 350° F oven until warm. Enjoy!