What is the best Cornish scones recipe?
RecipesFrom its stunning coastline to its locally produced foods, the county of Cornwall is celebrated for many reasons. One of its most celebrated foods is Cornish scones as they truly enhance any Cornish cream tea and afternoon tea.
Who doesn’t love a traditional Cornish cream tea? There really isn’t anything better than eating warm fluffy scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream with a nice cup of tea. If you’re staying with us at our Falmouth hotel you can enjoy afternoon teas with a spectacular view over the bay.
Our Exec Head Chef Darren tells us why you need to try our cream teas during your next visit to St Michaels Resort: “I think great food experiences occur when the best ingredients are expertly combined and presented in a memorable setting. Relax into the resort vibe, slurp some good Cornish tea and nibble on a warm St Michaels scone and you’ll be so busy looking out across our sub-tropical gardens to the sea beyond that you won’t even notice the Cornish clotted cream dripping onto your chin. It’s indulgence, rest and the freshest of fresh light scones, delivered with an informal smile by our great crew here.”
Scones can come in all shapes and sizes but in this guide, we take a look at the best Cornish scones recipe with suggested servings - jam first of course!
There are lots of Cornish scones recipes on the internet with some telling you to do one thing and another telling you to do something completely different and it can all be a bit confusing. If you’re looking for the traditional way to make a Cornish scone, then read on.
Lisa, the author behind the lifestyle blog Scoop of Cornwall, tells us that she feels the best Cornish scones recipe is one from Rodda’s, who are famous for making Cornish Clotted Cream.
“The recipe I use if I’m ever baking is this one by Rodda’s. I’ll admit, I’m not the best baker, so I’ll always look for local cafes or independent bakeries with a proper Cornish view!”
Cornish Scones Ingredients (for 12 people)
500g plain flour
5g baking powder
pinch of salt
100g caster sugar
100g diced butter
250ml milk
1 egg
Cornish Scones Recipe
Rodda’s say for the perfect Cornish scones recipe that you need to follow the following steps:
Sieve flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a bowl, then by using your fingertips, you need to rub the butter into the flour until it is no longer visible.
The next step is to add the milk and mix well. Once the mixture starts to form, turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth, soft dough.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees /Gas Mark 6.
You will then need to roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 2.5 cm thick and cut into rounds with a 5cm cutter. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
For the egg wash, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the scones twice.
Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Do not over-bake them or they will be dry.
Serve your Cornish scones with jam and cream
Cornish Hampers, who sell gift hampers that celebrate the vibrant and active food scene in Cornwall, shared some further steps you could follow when making Cornish scones.
“Choose quality ingredients and be sure to use cooled unsalted butter. Handle the dough with cool hands as little as possible and with a light touch. Even if the dough looks a bit bumpy and ‘rough and ready’, the finished scones will be light, fluffy and well-risen.
“Make the scones by hand rather than using a food processor and avoid overworking or kneading the dough as this will result in flat, heavy scones. Cut the rounds out of the dough to a generous depth of about 5cm by pressing down on the cutter, don’t twist. Finally serve the scones warm with lashings of Cornish clotted cream and jam and a teapot filled with the finest Cornish brew. And for the perfect finishing touches, a view of the beautiful Cornish coastline whilst breathing in the Cornish sea air is a must!”
Think of India vs Pakistan in the cricket, Coca Cola vs Pepsi, Celtic vs Rangers in football or McDonald’s vs Burger King, the rivalry between Cornwall and Devon over their cream teas is one for the ages.
Cream tea has been served in the UK since the 11th century and the debate over whether the jam or the cream be spread first has raged ever since.
Our Exec Head Chef Darren has his say and suggested that you could even be creative with your toppings: “That debate is one for magazines (and food marketing companies) to continue to drool over, but as a good Cornish boy, I’m going for a generous smear of jam followed by an almost indecent dollop of good clotted cream on top, though why not cream-jam-cream and blow the debate wide open!”
Sarah, who runs the food blog Life In Full Flavour, told us how she likes to serve her Cornish scones: “When it comes to serving, it's got to be strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream (in that order!) which is the ultimate way to enjoy your Cornish scone. Add a cup of tea - for me, it has to be tea - and that's heavenly.”
Cornish Hampers also feel that the Cornish way of spreading jam first is their favourite: “Warm, light fluffy scones, generous in size, served with local Cornish Boddington’s fruity strawberry jam, Rodda’s clotted cream and Cornish Smugglers Brew tea are essential ingredients for the perfect cream tea.”
Other toppings for your Cornish Scones
As well as the traditional jam and cream, there are plenty of other toppings that you can try with your scones as our chef Darren explains: “Added to that, the scone is about the best vehicle for all manner of treats. Why stop with jam and cream? How about Nutella, or a good blue cheese, the possibilities are endless!”
Below is a list of other potential toppings you can try with your Cornish scone:
Nutella
Blue cheese
Fresh fruit such as blueberries or strawberries
Lemon curd
Marmalade
Plain honey
Salmon
Scrambled egg
So, what is all the fuss about Cornish cream tea and why should you try it when you come and enjoy afternoon tea in Falmouth?
Put simply, no trip to Cornwall is complete without indulging in a Cornish cream tea, whether you enjoy it on the coast, on the moors or in the valleys, it is the perfect treat for any occasion.
We asked our Exec Head Chef Darren why people need to try a Cornish cream tea: “A cream tea has been the bedrock of Cornish afternoon indulgence for as long as anyone can remember. Many holiday day trips have been saved by a warm cream-laden scone, and if you’re stepping off the beach and feeling ravenous, it’s the greatest afternoon snack. Also, let’s face it, the scone is very adaptable: it’s not seasonal, it doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing, it’s widely available at a high standard across Cornwall and it’s usually on your table very soon after you order.”
Lisa from Scoop of Cornwall tells us why she’d recommend people visiting the county to try this popular treat.
“I’d recommend everyone try a Cornish scone when visiting, they’re the perfect afternoon snack when exploring the county - just make sure you’re sticking by the Cornish tradition of jam first!
“For me, a Cornish cream tea should be enjoyed with a pot of Tregothnan’s loose leaf tea, with a side of sea views. With the number of breathtaking destinations Cornwall has to offer, you won’t be short of scenic spots to choose from!”
Sarah from Life in Full Flavour adds that even if she tries the treat when she is not in the county it brings back happy memories for her.
“Cornish scones are synonymous with a trip to Cornwall and even when you're not there, they can conjure up memories of the beautiful scenery, picturesque coasts, and of course, mouth-watering food. I love Cornish scones, they are a perfect dessert or treat in my eyes as they are not too heavy, not too light and the right level of sweetness.”
These are just some of the reasons why you should try a Cornish scone during your next visit to Cornwall and with our guide we have given you ideas about potential other toppings you can try. For articles like this, check out the blog section of our website.
A festive favourite
Christmas Breaks in Cornwall
Christmas Breaks
Christmas at St Michaels is a special experience. Flavoursome, festive food, warming evenings around the fire and 4-nights of coastal bliss. It's never too early to make plans!
Christmas at St Michaels inclusions
• Classic King Room (upgrades available)
• Breakfast each day
• 3-course Christmas Eve celebration meal
• Festive Christmas lunch and evening meal on Christmas Day
• 3-course Boxing Day dinner
• Complimentary Health Club gym & swim
• Discounted spa use
From £935pp
From £169 for 2
Sunday Sleepover
Extend your weekend with a 1-night treat, from £169 for 2. Taste the best of Cornwall in Brasserie on the Bay, wind down into an incredible night of comfort in our coastal bedrooms then start the week right with a full Cornish breakfast.
Your Sunday Sleepover inclusions:
• 3-course dinner in Brasserie on the Bay
• Classic King Room
• Full Cornish breakfast
• Complimentary swim & gym access. Fitness and yoga classes are available for £6pp.
Offer starts from just £169 for 2.
Upgrade to a Luxury Room from just £10pp.
Stay must be within 10 weeks of booking.
From just £189 per room
Date Night
Whether it's a special occasion or some well-earned us-time, sometimes one night is all it takes to feel good again. Our Date Night deal combines fantastic value for money with an evening of laid-back luxury.
Your stay includes:
• 1-night in a Classic King room*
• 3-course dinner in the Brasserie on the Bay
• Full Cornish breakfast
• Complimentary access to gym and swim facilities
Date Night starts from just £189 per room, valid on selected nights.
*Room upgrades are available.
Dogs stay for free
Pampered Pooch
The perfect break to enjoy with your pampered pooch on the Cornish coast. Make the most of Falmouth’s off-season charm as the beaches welcome back dogs, and with direct access to the South West Coast Path; one of the UK’s best loved national trails. We've partnered with four local Cornish pet brands on this package with goodies in the hampers including natural treats and chews from Natural Cornish Pet, handcrafted all-weather dog leads from Storeys & Tails, premium toys and snacks from Wags R Us and stylish leads and accessories from Tide & Country. The resort will also provide a cosy dog bed, blanket, and bowl, to ensure every tail is wagging.
Your inclusions:
• 2-night stay in a Classic King bedroom
• 3-course dinner on your first night
• Pampered Pooch hamper
• Full Cornish breakfast daily
• Complimentary swim & gym access
2-nights from just £215 per person, with dogs staying free.
Valid on stays from 01 Nov 24 - 31 Mar 25, excluding 23 Dec - 02 Jan.
15% off in 14 days
Last Minute Bed & Breakfast
Escape for a dose of coastal goodness and enjoy 15% off last minute Bed & Breakfast stays within the next 14 days. Celebrate a special occassion or just treat yourself to some much-needed 'us time'. Wander down subtropical resort gardens and onto the sheltered calm sands of Gylly Beach. Drink in ocean views over your Cornish breakfast, then head out onto beaches and coastpaths, or take a stroll into the bustling harbourside town of Falmouth.
Your Last Minute inclusions:
• Complimentary Health Club swim & gym access
• Full Cornish breakfast
Discount applies on Bed & Breakfast stays within 14 days of the time of booking.
3 nights for 2
Be Free
Cornwall's natural beauty shines through no matter the season you visit. With stunning evening sunsets and miles of dramatic coastline to explore from our doorstep, it's the perfect time to detox from the day-to-day. What's more, you'll enjoy your third night with us free of charge.
Your inclusions:
• 3-night stay in a Classic King Room
• Full Cornish breakfast each morning
• Complimentary access to gym and swim facilities
Available on 3-night stays until 31 Mar 24 or between 01 Oct - 23 Dec.
Sun - Fri
2 nights from £245pp
Fal Oyster Weekend
Join us for a special weekend as we host the Fal Oyster Weekend at St Michaels Resort. Expect live music from the Oggymen, Will Keating, Soul Sensations, the Military Wives Choir and many more as well as foodie demonstrations from esteemed chefs Jude Kereama, James Strawbridge, Hylton Espey and more.
Your inclusions:
• 2-night stay in a Classic King Room
• Entry ticket + £50 voucher to use on food and drink in the festival
• 2-hour Hydrothermal Experience in our spa
• Full Cornish breakfast
• Complimentary access to gym and swim facilities
Offer starts from just £245pp.
Valid for 2-night stays arriving Fri 15 Nov.
2-nights from £199pp
Indian Summer
Barefoot strolls across the beach don't get any better than in October. With the Cornish sun still lingering, peaceful sunsets and a blissful couple of nights at St Michaels await.
Your inclusions:
• 2-night stay in a Classic King bedroom
• A 3-course dinner on one evening in the Brasserie on the Bay
• Full Cornish breakfast
• Swim & gym health club access
2-night Indian Summer starts from just £199pp
Valid on stays from 01 Oct - 31 Oct 24.
from £75
Winter Wonders
Find your calm refuge by the Cornish coast this Winter. We've curated three wonderfully wintery 1-night packages that include your choice of breakfast, dinner and the Hydrothermal Experience. How indulgent are you feeling?
Strike out on breezy coastal path walks and partake (or more sensibly watch) cold water swimmers at Gylly Beach before hunkering down in front of the fire with a good book.
Valid on stays 1 Nov - 22 Dec 24.