Mary Berry Drop Scones Recipe

Mary Berry Drop Scones
Yields: 1 Serving Difficulty: Easy Prep Time: 10 Mins Cook Time: 15 Mins Total Time: 25 Mins

Today, I’m going to share with you a complete step-by-step guide on how to make Mary Berry drop scones, also known as Scotch pancakes. These are delicious, fluffy, and easy to make, and they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea-time treats. You can serve them with butter, maple syrup, honey, yogurt, and fresh berries, or any other toppings you like.

Let’s get started!

What are Mary Berry Drop Scones?

What are Mary Berry Drop Scones? Mary Berry’s drop scones are small, thick pancakes known for their fluffy texture and delightful orange zest flavor. Also referred to as Scotch pancakes, they are a staple in Scottish cuisine and are particularly popular on Shrove Tuesday.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ease and Speed: This recipe stands out for its simplicity and quickness. With basic pantry staples, you can prepare the batter in a single bowl in under 10 minutes. Cooking each batch takes just 2-3 minutes, making it ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal.
  • Customizable Flavors: The adaptability of this recipe allows for creative flavor additions. Incorporate vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest for a twist, or mix in ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and taste. The scones can be served with various toppings to suit any preference, from sweet whipped cream and jam to savory peanut butter and Nutella.
  • Delicious and Fulfilling: These scones are not only delicious, with a soft, moist texture and a subtle sweetness enhanced by orange zest, but they’re also satisfying and nourishing. Whether paired with sweet or savory toppings, they provide a hearty and energizing meal.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones

To make Mary Berry’s drop scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 40g (1½oz) caster sugar
  • 1 small orange, zest only
  • 1 egg
  • 200ml (7fl oz) milk
  • sunflower oil, for frying

To serve, you’ll need:

  • butter
  • Maple syrup or honey
  • natural Greek yogurt
  • fresh blueberries and raspberries

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones

Step 1: Prepare the batter

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and orange zest.
  • Make a well in the center and add the egg and half of the milk.
  • Whisk well until you have a smooth and thick batter.
  • Then, whisk in enough of the remaining milk to make a batter that is the consistency of thick pouring cream. You may not need all the milk.

Step 2: Cook the scones

  • Heat a little oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat.
  • Drop the batter in dessert spoonfuls into the hot pan, spacing them well apart to allow them to spread.
  • Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles start to appear on the surface, then flip them over with a palette knife or spatula and cook on the other side for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are lightly golden brown on both sides.
  • Transfer the scones to a wire rack and cover them with a clean tea towel to keep them soft and warm.
  • Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan if needed.

Step 3: Serve and enjoy

  • Serve the scones at once with butter, maple syrup or honey, yogurt, fresh berries, or any other toppings you like.
  • Enjoy your delicious drop scones!

Mary Berry Drop Scones

What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Drop Scones

Here are some suggestions for what to serve with them:

  • Classic Breakfast: For a traditional touch, serve the scones with butter and maple syrup or honey. Add natural Greek yogurt for a creamy and protein-rich option.
  • Fruity Delight: Accompany them with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or your favorite berries. Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of lemon curd or orange marmalade for added zest and sweetness.
  • Indulgent Treat: For a more decadent experience, top the scones with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, or Nutella and sliced bananas. Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add a crunchy texture.
  • Savory Option: Pair them with bacon and eggs, or cheese and ham for a hearty, savory breakfast. Chutney or relish can add a spicy and flavorful twist.

Drop Scones Recipe Mary Berry

Nutrition value:

The nutrition value of one drop scone (without toppings) is approximately as follows:

  • Calories: 179 kcal
  • Carbs: 26.9 g (26 g net carbs)
  • Fat: 6.8 g (4 g saturated fat)
  • Protein: 3.2 g
  • Fiber: 0.9 g
  • Sugar: 9.2 g
  • Sodium: 161 mg
  • Potassium: 78 mg
  • Calcium: 7 %
  • Iron: 6 %

Other Scones Recipes

FAQs

What are drop scones?

Drop scones are small, thick, and round pancakes that are made with a simple batter of flour, baking powder, sugar, egg, milk, and orange zest. They are called drop scones because you drop the batter in spoonfuls onto a hot pan, and they cook quickly on both sides. They are also known as Scotch pancakes because they originated in Scotland, where they are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.

Is it possible to prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, give the batter a gentle stir as it may have thickened slightly. This can make your breakfast preparation even quicker and more convenient.

Can I make Mary Berry’s drop scones gluten-free?

Yes, you can make these scones gluten-free by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.

Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?

Yes, you can. Just add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to 175g of plain flour and whisk well.

Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?

Yes, you can. You can use lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest, or a combination of them, to add some zing to the batter.

Can I make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge?

Yes, you can. You can make the batter up to a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it, and add a little more milk if it’s too thick.

Final Words

I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Mary Berry’s drop scones. They are easy, quick, and delicious, and they are perfect for any occasion. You can make them for breakfast, brunch, or tea time, and serve them with your favorite toppings. They are also great for freezing and reheating, so you can always have some on hand. Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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