Vanilla Bean Scones

Ingredients

  • 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
  • 6 tablespoons (85 g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2/3 cup (160 ml) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
  • 1 large egg
  • Turbinado sugar, for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Infuse Vanilla: If using a vanilla bean, split it and scrape the seeds into the dry mix. If using extract, add later with wet ingredients.
  4. Cut in Butter: Add cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter (or fingers) to work until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Add Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk cream, egg, and vanilla extract (if using). Pour into flour mixture and stir until just combined; dough will be slightly sticky.
  6. Shape & Cut: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch-thick round. Use a 2½-inch cutter (or glass) to cut scones, re-rolling scraps once if needed.
  7. Finish & Bake: Place scones on the prepared sheet, brush tops with extra cream, and sprinkle with turbinado sugar. Bake 15–18 minutes until golden.
  8. Serve Warm: Let cool slightly on a rack. Serve with clotted cream, jam, or honey alongside your favorite Tea Forte blend.

These tender, vanilla-scented scones let each exquisite tea flavor shine. May they bring a gentle luxury to your teatime, just as they do to mine.

—Mom Mom (Grandma Helen)