James Martin Fruit Scones

These James Martin-inspired fruit scones are golden on the outside, soft in the middle, and dotted with sweet sultanas. They are easy enough for beginner bakers and need only a light touch to rise beautifully. Serve them warm with jam and clotted cream for a proper afternoon treat. Allow about 40 minutes from start to finish, including a short cooling time.

Fruit Scone Ingredients

For the scones

• 450g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon fine salt
• 75g cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 50g caster sugar
• 100g sultanas
• 1 large egg
• 200ml milk, plus a little extra if needed

For glazing and serving

• 1 tablespoon milk, for brushing
• Strawberry jam and clotted cream, to serve, optional

How to Make Fruit Scones

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 220°C, or 200°C fan. Line a large baking tray with baking parchment and position a shelf in the middle of the oven.
• Mix the dry ingredients: Put the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Stir briefly to distribute the baking powder evenly.
• Rub in the butter: Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. Stir in the caster sugar and sultanas.
• Bring the dough together: Beat the egg with the 200ml milk in a jug. Pour most of it into the flour mixture and stir gently with a round-bladed knife. Add the rest as needed to make a soft dough. If dry flour remains, add a little extra milk, a teaspoon at a time.
• Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together with your hands. Pat it to about 2.5cm thick. Dip a 6cm round cutter in flour and press straight down without twisting. Gently reshape the trimmings and cut out the remaining scones.
• Glaze and bake: Arrange the scones on the prepared tray, leaving a little space between them. Brush the tops with the tablespoon of milk, taking care not to let it run down the sides. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until well risen and golden.
• Cool and assemble: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and leave them for about 10 minutes. Split while still slightly warm, then add jam and clotted cream if you like.

Tips for the Best Fruit Scones

Why did my scones turn out dense?

Too much handling can make scones firm. Mix just until the dough comes together, then pat it out gently rather than kneading it.

How can I help scones rise evenly?

Keep the dough about 2.5cm thick and press the cutter straight down. Twisting can seal the edges and affect the rise. Make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.

What should I do if the dough is sticky?

A soft, slightly tacky dough is ideal. Dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour, but avoid working in too much extra flour, which can dry out the scones.

Can I use other dried fruit?

Yes. Raisins or currants work well in place of the sultanas. Chop larger dried fruit into small pieces so it distributes evenly through the dough.

Serving Suggestions

• Split warm scones and serve with strawberry jam and clotted cream.
• Spread with salted butter and enjoy alongside a cup of tea.
• Serve with lemon curd and a spoonful of thick cream.
• Add fresh berries for an easy afternoon tea plate.

Storage and Reheating

Room temperature

Once completely cool, keep unfilled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Warm them in a 160°C oven, or 140°C fan, for about 5 minutes before serving.

Refrigerator

Unfilled scones can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, although they may dry out more quickly. Store cream separately in the refrigerator and follow its use-by date. Warm the scones before adding any toppings.

Freezing

Freeze completely cooled, unfilled scones in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Defrost at room temperature, then warm in the oven. Add jam and cream just before serving.

Nutrition

Approximate values per scone, based on 10 scones and excluding jam and cream:

• Calories: 260 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated fat: 4g
• Sodium: 350mg

Nutrition values are estimates and vary with ingredient brands and portion size.

Frequently Asked Questions