CURRANT SCONES

Currant Scones image

Yield makes 12 to 16

Number Of Ingredients 11

4 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for the work surface
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
1 cup (2 sticks) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces, plus more for serving
1 1/4 cups buttermilk
1 cup currants
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/4 cup sanding sugar
Preserves, for serving

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or 2 forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal. Add the buttermilk and currants; stir to combine.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough about 1 inch thick. Using a 2 1/2-inch biscuit cutter, cut out as many rounds as possible, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Reroll the scraps; continue cutting.
Lightly brush the top of each scone with beaten egg; sprinkle with sanding sugar. Bake until the biscuits are golden, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack. Serve with butter and preserves on the side.
MAKING SCONES
The dough for scones, like that of biscuits, should be handled as little as possible. Cut out scones by pressing straight through the dough with a bench scraper (or with a biscuit cutter). Brush the tops with heavy cream or beaten egg, then sprinkle with sanding sugar so the scones glisten when they come out of the oven.