Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Light and fluffy traditional English scones perfect for an elegant afternoon tea, served with clotted cream and strawberry jam. This British-inspired recipe, ready in about 33 minutes, combines all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 8, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 8 British cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together 350 g all-purpose flour, 1 tbsp baking powder, 50 g granulated sugar, and 1/2 tsp sea salt.
  2. Step 2: Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, rub 100 g cold cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix 180 ml whole milk, 60 ml heavy cream, and 1 beaten large egg. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix.
  4. Step 4: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 2-inch thick round. Using a 2.5-inch round cutter, cut out scones and place them spaced apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  5. Step 5: Brush the tops with a little extra cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-18 minutes until risen and golden brown on top.
  6. Step 6: Cool slightly before serving warm with generous dollops of clotted cream and strawberry jam for a classic London afternoon tea experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a busy morning; prep components the night before to save active time.

How do I store leftover Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven; egg- or grain-based items may need a splash of milk or water to refresh texture. Cold-served items (overnight oats, smoothies) keep 2–3 days in the fridge.

Can I substitute ingredients in Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Westminster Abbey-Inspired Afternoon Tea Scones with Clotted Cream and Jam?

British breakfast like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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