How to Eat Scones

Reviewed by Craig Watson

Last Updated: February 6, 2024 References

The best way to eat scones is still a hotly debated topic. Scones are part of afternoon tea or cream tea services, and there is more to scone than you might think. Do you eat them the Devon way or the Cornish way? What kind of jam do you put on them? Do you use double whipped cream or clotted cream? Eating scones is actually quite simple, though, so long as you follow proper etiquette. You will be able to freely indulge yourself in some sweet scones and tea in no time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Perfect Toppings and Pairings

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You will typically find scones on the second tier plate. Take one or two to save some space for sweets as well. ^{[1]
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Go with clotted cream for the traditional British flavor that is the favorite among scone lovers. If you want to stand out, choose the whipped double cream, which will give you a cleaner, earthier taste. Try both creams see which one you like best.^{[2]
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Put on a classic like strawberry or damson jam. Be new wave and choose raspberry or blackcurrant jam, which can make your scone even more delicious.^{[3]
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Try to hit that 2:1:1 ratio sweet spot, which means you need about the same weight of toppings as the weight of your scone. ^{[4]
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Drinking loose leaf tea enhances the flavor and the overall experience. Brew the tea for 3 to 6 minutes. Be careful, though: brewing the tea for too long might affect the flavor.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Setting up the Scone

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Use the serving spoons provided for each bowl. You only want to mix the cream and jam on your scone with your spoon. ^{[6]
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Use your knife for slathering only the cream. Don’t worry, the scone is super easy to break apart!
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Start by dressing the scone with cream then jam or vice versa. Use a knife to spread enough cream and jam on a small bite.^{[7]
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Research source} Choose either the Devon or the Cornish way. If you want to be like the Queen, go with the Cornish method.^{[8]
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- Devon way: cream first, jam second. You will be able to taste the flavor of the jam better because it will hit your taste buds first.
- Cornish way: jam first, cream second. You can avoid being messy if you choose this. The jam will hold the cream in place so you don’t have to worry about staining your shirt.
Have some napkins nearby because scones are very delicate. Enjoy!

Expert Q&A

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Question

How do I make gluten-free scones from scratch?

Traci Morgan-Hoernke
Gluten-Free Baking Specialist
Traci Morgan-Hoernke is a Gluten-Free Baking Specialist based in Milwaukee, WI. She is the owner of MOR Foods, LLC, a Bakery in Milwaukee dedicated to providing delicious Gluten-Free treats. She was inspired to start the bakery after spending years navigating her own son’s food allergies and subsequently built a business based on catering to those with food sensitivities.

Traci Morgan-Hoernke

Gluten-Free Baking Specialist

Expert Answer

For a gluten-free scone recipe, start by combining gluten-free flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt in a mixing bowl. Incorporate cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Add wet ingredients like eggs and milk, mix until a dough forms, then shape and bake at 410F for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

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Tips

Scones are best while they are still warm.

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Use a napkin if eating the scone gets to be messy.

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