Nigella Lawson’s Drop Scones, also known as Scotch pancakes, are a delightful treat that perfectly blends simplicity with the comforting taste of home cooking. This recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal preparation and cooking time, making it an excellent choice for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Servings: Makes about 10-12 scones
In this guide, I’ll walk you through every step of making Nigella Drop Scones, complete with practical tips and insightful suggestions to ensure your scones are fluffy and delicious every time.
What is Nigella Drop Scones?
Nigella Lawson’s Drop Scones are small, fluffy, and lightly sweetened pancakes. Traditionally served warm, they are a staple in British teatime and breakfast menus.
Other Scones Recipes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these scones come together in no time.
- Kid-Friendly: Their appealing size and taste make them a hit with children and adults alike.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or for entertaining guests.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with various toppings and mix-ins to suit your taste.
Ingredients Needed to Make Nigella Drop Scones
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delightful drop scones:
- All-purpose flour: 1 cup (about 120 grams or 4.2 ounces)
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon (for a nice rise)
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (just a pinch to enhance flavors)
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons (28 grams or about 1 ounce, for a hint of sweetness)
- Milk: 1 cup (240 mL or 8.4 fluid ounces) – helps create a smooth batter
- Large egg: 1 (adds structure and richness to the scones)
- Butter: Melted, 2 tablespoons (approximately 30 grams or 1 ounce), plus extra for cooking and serving
Useful Equipment
- Mixing bowl: For combining the batter ingredients.
- Whisk or fork: To mix the batter to a smooth consistency.
- Non-stick skillet or griddle: For cooking the scones to golden perfection.
- Spatula: To flip the scones easily without breaking them.
- Ladle or large spoon: For scooping the batter and forming uniform scones.
Instructions to Make Nigella Drop Scones
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the sugar to distribute evenly.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add the beaten egg and half of the milk. Mix gradually to incorporate the dry into the wet, adding the remaining milk as you go, until the batter is smooth and lump-free.
- Incorporate Butter: Finally, stir in the melted butter to give your batter a lovely, rich flavor.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
- Prep the Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and brush it lightly with some melted butter. This prevents sticking and adds a bit of extra flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Scones
- Cook in Batches: Drop large spoonfuls of the batter onto the heated skillet, leaving space between each scone as they will spread slightly.
- Flip for Even Cooking: Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Use a spatula to flip them carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side until golden and puffed up.
- Repeat: Continue with the rest of the batter, adding more butter to the skillet as needed between batches.
Step 4: Serve Warm
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the drop scones warm, topped with butter, jam, honey, or fresh berries for a delicious finish.
What Do I Serve With Nigella Drop Scones?
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle over warm scones for a classic touch.
- Fresh Cream and Berries: A dollop of whipped cream and a scattering of fresh berries make a delightful accompaniment.
- Nutella and Banana: Spread Nutella and add slices of banana for a decadent treat.
- Yogurt and Granola: Top with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a crunchier texture.
Expert Tips to Make Perfect Nigella Drop Scones
- Consistent Heat: Maintain a consistent medium heat to ensure your scones cook evenly without burning.
- Do Not Overmix: Mix the batter just until the ingredients are combined. Overmixing can make the scones tough.
- Rest the Batter: Let the batter sit for about 10 minutes before cooking. This allows the baking powder to activate, making the scones fluffier.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh baking powder is particularly crucial as it loses potency over time, affecting the rise of your scones.
- Proper Buttering: Lightly butter the pan before each batch to prevent sticking and to add a subtle flavor and golden color to the scones.
- Test the Heat: Drop a small amount of batter onto the pan to test the heat before starting. The batter should sizzle gently; if it browns too quickly, the pan is too hot.
- Flip Gently: When flipping the scones, do it gently to keep them from deflating. Wait until the underside is golden brown and bubbles appear on the top.
- Keep Them Warm: As you cook subsequent batches, keep the finished scones warm in a low oven so that all can be served warm at the same time.
- Avoid Crowding the Pan: Give each scone enough room to expand while cooking. Crowding the pan can lead to unevenly cooked scones.
- Watch the Sugar: While sugar is necessary for flavor, too much can cause the scones to burn. Stick to the recipe’s recommendation, especially when using a very hot pan.
Variations of Nigella Drop Scones
- Blueberry Lemon: Add fresh blueberries and a teaspoon of lemon zest to the batter for a fruity twist.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in a handful of chocolate chips before cooking for a sweet treat.
- Savory Cheese and Chive: Reduce the sugar to 1 teaspoon and add grated cheese and chopped chives for a savory version.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking.
How do I Store Nigella Drop Scones Leftovers?
- Room Temperature: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate: For longer storage, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to a week.
How do I Reheat Nigella Drop Scones Leftovers?
- Microwave: For a quick reheating, microwave each scone on high for 10-20 seconds.
- Oven: Reheat them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until warm throughout.
Nutrition Value (per serving):
- Calories: 150
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 22g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 6g
- Protein: 4g
FAQs
What Can I Use Instead of Baking Powder in Drop Scones?
If you’re out of baking powder, you can substitute it with a mix of cream of tartar and baking soda. To replace one teaspoon of baking powder, use 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda mixed with 1/2 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This combination will help your drop scones rise beautifully.
How Long Do Nigella Lawson Drop Scones Last?
Nigella Lawson Drop Scones will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature or up to a week when refrigerated. Always store them in an airtight container to maintain their moisture and prevent them from drying out.
Can Nigella Lawson Drop Scones Be Made Vegan?
Yes, you can easily make vegan Nigella Lawson Drop Scones by substituting a few ingredients. Use plant-based milk like almond or soy milk instead of regular milk, and replace the egg with a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons of water).
Are Nigella Lawson Drop Scones Gluten-Free?
Nigella Lawson Drop Scones can be made gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure that the baking powder and any other additives are also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
What is the Origin of Drop Scones?
Drop scones, also known as Scotch pancakes, originated in Scotland. They are a traditional Scottish dish similar to American pancakes but smaller in size and slightly thicker. They got their name from the method of making them, which involves dropping spoonfuls of batter onto a hot griddle or frying pan.
Final Words
Nigella Lawson Drop Scones are a delightful and versatile treat that is as fun to make as they are to eat. These scones are great for anyone, whether you’re just starting out in baking or have plenty of experience. Get ready to enjoy both making and tasting these wonderful scones!