How Can You Infuse Classic British Scones with Earl Grey Tea Flavors?

Tea with scones is a quintessential British tradition, known across the globe. The light, flaky texture of the scones combined with the robustness of a warm cup of tea makes for an irresistible combination. But have you ever thought of infusing those two elements into one delicacy? In this article, we will guide you on how you can elevate your baking skills by infusing the classic British scones with the deep, citrusy notes of Earl Grey tea.

Integrating Tea into the Scone Dough

Integrating tea into your scone dough is not as daunting as it may seem. The key lies in choosing the right kind of tea and incorporating it appropriately. For this distinctive recipe, we will use Earl Grey tea, known for its bright, floral aroma that will add a refreshing twist to the traditional scone recipe.

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To incorporate Earl Grey tea into your scone dough, start by steeping a bag of Earl Grey in hot milk. The hot milk will extract the tea’s flavors, creating a robust base for your scones.

Ingredients:

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  • 1 cup of milk
  • 2 bags of Earl Grey tea

Instructions:

  1. Warm a cup of milk in a saucepan until it is just about to boil.
  2. Add the bags of Earl Grey tea and let it steep for about 15 minutes.
  3. Remove the tea bags and let the milk cool before using it in your scone recipe.

Preparing The Earl Grey Scone Dough

Now that you have your infused milk ready, it’s time to prepare the dough. This recipe combines the usual scone ingredients: butter, sugar, flour, and cream, with your tea-infused milk to create a unique flavor profile.

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups of all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup of sugar
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 3/4 cup of cold butter, cut into chunks
  • 1 cup of the Earl Grey infused milk

Instructions:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  2. Add the chunks of cold butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  3. Gradually add the tea-infused milk, stirring just until the dough comes together.

Shaping and Baking the Scones

Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the scones. This is where you can get creative – scones can be round, square, or triangular. Regardless of the shape you choose, the baking process remains the same.

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
  2. Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together.
  3. Pat the dough into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into your desired shapes.
  4. Place the scones onto a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown.

Creating a Vanilla-Earl Grey Glaze

A vanilla-Earl Grey glaze can add an extra layer of sweetness and flavor to your scones. This glaze uses the same tea-infused milk and pairs it with powdered sugar and vanilla for a sweet, creamy topping.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons of the Earl Grey infused milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, the tea-infused milk, and the vanilla extract.
  2. Stir until smooth.
  3. Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.

The result? A batch of warm, flaky scones with a distinct Earl Grey flavor, perfect for an afternoon tea or a mid-morning snack. The key is to ensure that the Earl Grey flavor is prominent but not overpowering.

Remember, the journey of baking is experimental and full of delightful surprises – so feel free to adjust the recipe based on your personal preference. Happy baking!

Serving Your Earl Grey Scones

Now that your batch of Earl Grey scones are baked and glazed, it’s time to enjoy them in the most authentic British manner – alongside a pot of delicious tea. These scones can be served as they are or with a dollop of clotted cream and raspberry or strawberry jam for an indulgent experience.

Instructions:

  1. Brew a pot of your favourite black tea or Earl Grey to accompany your scones.
  2. Slice the scone in half horizontally.
  3. Spread a generous layer of clotted cream on one half of the scone.
  4. Layer your favourite type of jam on top of the cream.
  5. Sandwich the halves together, and enjoy it while it’s fresh and warm.

Enjoying your scones this way is a nod to the traditional British afternoon tea, providing a perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The fragrant Earl Grey infused in the scones provides a distinctive flavour that pairs wonderfully with the creamy clotted cream and sweet jam.

Conclusion

Baking is not just about following a recipe – it’s about infusing your treats with creativity, love, and unexpected flavours. By infusing the scones with Earl Grey tea, we’ve introduced a delightful twist to the classic British scone.

These scones are perfect for an afternoon tea party or a cozy weekend breakfast. The tea-infused batter and glaze add an aromatic, citrusy note to the scones, providing a unique flavour that sets them apart. And when they’re served with clotted cream and your favourite jam, they’re a true delight.

Dive into the world of baking with a twist, and let the taste of Earl Grey scones win you over. Enjoy the journey – every minute spent in the kitchen, every whiff of fresh-baked scones, and every bite of these delectable treats. Happy baking!