Gordon Ramsay Scones are your new go-to for when you want something warm, buttery, and comforting—without spending hours in the kitchen. These golden, fluffy bites of joy are a nod to British tradition, but they fit perfectly into your modern brunch lineup. Whether you’re impressing guests or just craving something cozy, Gordon Ramsay Scones hit that sweet spot between fancy and fuss-free. Best part? You only need basic ingredients and 30 minutes. Serve them fresh from the oven with jam, cream, or even a little butter, and you’ve got a treat that feels indulgent but couldn’t be easier.
Table of Contents
What Are Gordon Ramsay Scones?
Gordon Ramsay Scones are a delightful twist on a traditional British baked good. They’re typically made using self-raising flour, butter, a touch of sugar, and milk. Ramsay’s version sticks to the classics but emphasizes minimal dough handling — a big secret to that fluffy interior. These aren’t dry, crumbly hockey pucks. They’re light, just a little crisp on the outside, and practically begging to be slathered with jam. Originally served during British afternoon tea, they’ve now found their way into everyday brunches and cozy weekend breakfasts across the U.S.
Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Scones
First of all, Gordon Ramsay Scones are refreshingly easy to whip up. You don’t need a mixer or any fancy ingredients — just a bowl, your hands, and 30 minutes. They bake up golden and tender, and the aroma? Pure magic. They’re also crazy versatile. Want to add raisins, dried cranberries, or cheddar? Go for it. Hosting brunch, feeding picky kids, or craving a late-night snack? These scones cover it all. And hey, if it’s good enough for Gordon Ramsay, it’s good enough for Sunday brunch, right?
Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Scones
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make a batch of buttery, golden Gordon Ramsay Scones at home. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — no fancy equipment, no hard-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples and you’re on your way to fluffy, cafe-style scones.
Here’s a closer look at each ingredient and why it matters:
- 2 cups (250g) self-raising flour
This is the backbone of the scone. Self-raising flour already contains baking powder, which gives your scones their signature lift. If you don’t have any on hand, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of baking powder per cup of all-purpose flour — though Gordon’s version recommends the real deal for best results. - ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
Just enough to give these scones a light sweetness. It won’t overpower — it simply balances out the richness of the butter and cream. If you like things a bit sweeter, you can increase this slightly. - ½ teaspoon salt
A little salt makes a big difference. It brings out the flavor in the butter and adds depth to every bite. - ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
This is where the magic happens: cold butter is essential for achieving those flaky, tender layers we love in scones. Resist the urge to melt it or overwork the dough. Keep everything cold and handle it gently—your hands are your best tools in the kitchen. - ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, plus extra for brushing
Milk brings the ingredients together into a soft dough. Whole milk adds richness, but for an even more indulgent texture, try using heavy cream. A quick brush of milk on top before baking gives scones that beautifully golden crust. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
While not traditionally British, this adds a warm, cozy aroma that many American bakers love. Feel free to skip it if you’re going classic — or use it if you’re baking for picky kids or brunch guests. - Optional Add-ins: ½ cup of raisins, dried cranberries, or grated cheese.
Want to make these Gordon Ramsay Scones your own? Add a handful of raisins for a tea-time treat or go savory with cheddar for a brunch twist. If you’re into experimenting, you might also enjoy Gordon’s sticky toffee pudding — another sweet, comforting British favorite.
This ingredient list makes about 8 medium-sized scones, perfect for a family breakfast or cozy afternoon snack.
Coming up next: the step-by-step instructions to make Gordon Ramsay Scones without the stress. Spoiler alert — you won’t need to knead much!
Instructions to Make Gordon Ramsay Scones
Ready to bring warm, golden Gordon Ramsay Scones to life in your kitchen? You don’t need fancy tools or a culinary degree — just a little attention to detail and a light touch. These scones come together fast, so be sure to preheat that oven before you even grab the flour. Let’s do this!
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven and Line the Tray
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones start baking at the right temperature right away, which helps them puff up beautifully. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat — this makes cleanup a breeze and helps prevent sticking.
If you love quick, elegant bakes, Gordon’s vanilla soufflé is another great oven starter recipe you might want to bookmark!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups self-raising flour, ¼ cup sugar, and ½ teaspoon salt. Make sure everything is evenly combined — this will help distribute flavor and lift throughout the dough.
You don’t need a sifter unless your flour’s clumpy. Just a good mix with a fork or whisk will do the job.
Step 3: Rub in the Butter
Add ½ cup cold, cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Here’s where things get a little tactile — use your fingertips to gently rub the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Don’t rush this, but don’t overdo it either.
The trick here (and one of the secrets behind Gordon Ramsay Scones) is keeping the butter cold and the mixing minimal. This creates that irresistible tender, flaky texture we’re after.
Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients
Make a little well in the center of your flour mixture and pour in ½ cup of whole milk along with 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (if using). Using a fork or butter knife, stir gently until a soft, sticky dough forms.
If you’re adding extras like raisins, cranberries, or cheese, fold them in now. Again, don’t overmix. A few lumps and loose bits are totally fine — better underworked than overworked.
Step 5: Lightly Knead and Shape
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Give it just a few gentle kneads, pressing and folding until it barely comes together. Then pat or roll it out to about 1 inch thick — no thinner! Thicker dough = taller, fluffier scones.
For picture-perfect results, use a round biscuit cutter (2½ to 3 inches wide) to cut your scones. Press straight down — no twisting! Twisting seals the edges and can stop them from rising evenly.
Step 6: Arrange and Brush
Place your cut scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them. Then brush the tops with a little extra milk. This gives you that gorgeous golden shine once baked.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your scones in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are puffed and golden brown. Your kitchen will smell amazing — buttery, slightly sweet, and completely irresistible.
Pro tip: If you’re baking more than one tray, rotate them halfway through so everything bakes evenly.
Step 8: Cool Slightly and Serve Warm
Let your Gordon Ramsay Scones cool for about 5 minutes on the tray. Serve warm, split open with a pat of butter, clotted cream, and jam — or whatever toppings make your heart sing.
Want something sweet to serve on the side? Try Gordon’s cozy apple crumble or smooth panna cotta for a full British-inspired tea spread.
What to Serve with Gordon Ramsay Scones
So, you’ve just baked a batch of golden, fluffy scones… now what? These little beauties are best served warm and slightly soft in the center, with a topping situation that suits your mood. You can go classic with clotted cream and strawberry jam (a very British move), or keep it cozy with a smear of butter and a drizzle of honey.
If you’re hosting brunch, pair them with fresh berries, sharp cheddar, or even a side of Gordon Ramsay’s pan-fried salmon for a savory contrast. Craving sweet-on-sweet? Try them alongside sticky toffee pudding for a full dessert spread that’s guaranteed to impress.
And don’t forget a hot pot of tea or a foamy cappuccino to make it feel like a proper café moment — right at home.
Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Scones Recipe
Let’s be real — Gordon Ramsay Scones might look simple, but even the tiniest misstep can leave you with dry, dense hockey pucks instead of light, buttery perfection. Don’t worry, though. A few smart baking tips can help you nail those fluffy, golden results every single time.
1. Keep your butter cold.
Seriously — don’t skip this. Cold butter creates steam pockets during baking, which gives scones that dreamy flakiness. Cube it and work fast.
2. Don’t overmix.
Mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking activates the gluten in the flour, which makes your scones tough instead of tender.
3. Press, don’t twist.
Use a round cutter and press straight down. Twisting seals the edges and prevents a good rise.
4. Add-ins last.
Whether you’re going sweet with dried fruit or savory with cheese, fold those extras in at the very end, and don’t overdo it.
5. Serve them warm.
They’re at their absolute best about 5–10 minutes after baking. If you make them ahead, reheat gently in the oven for that fresh-baked feel.
Want more tips like these? Check out our cozy Gordon Ramsay omelette for another easy, versatile brunch idea you’ll want to memorize.
Storage and Reheating Tips Gordon Ramsay Scones Recipe
So, you’ve baked a batch — now what? If you happen to have leftovers (rare, but it does happen), proper storage is key to keeping your scones soft and satisfying.
To store:
Let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container lined with a paper towel. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Avoid stacking them if possible — they’re delicate and can lose their shape.
To freeze:
Wrap each one individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp or in the fridge overnight.
To reheat:
Pop one in a 325°F oven for 5–7 minutes. For a quick fix, microwave for about 15 seconds (though you’ll lose a bit of crispness). Add a dab of butter, and they’re nearly as good as freshly baked.
Looking for another bake that stores well? Try our comforting Gordon Ramsay cowboy cookies — chewy, satisfying, and freezer-friendly.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a first-time baker or someone who’s mastered banana bread a dozen ways, Gordon Ramsay Scones are one of those recipes that just feel good to make. They’re simple but satisfying, elegant yet approachable — kind of like putting on lipstick with pajamas. A batch of these scones can turn any morning into something special, even if it’s just you, your coffee, and five quiet minutes.
Want more tried-and-true Ramsay recipes? Don’t miss our rich beef Wellington or comforting butternut squash risotto — perfect for impressing guests or just yourself.
Visit our Pinterest for regular slow cooker recipe updates, or join our Facebook discussions where cooking fans exchange their favorite hearty meal ideas.
FAQs
What did Gordon Ramsay get from the Queen?
In 2006, Gordon Ramsay was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) by Queen Elizabeth II for his contributions to the culinary world. It’s one of the highest honors in the UK — not bad for a chef who once washed dishes in a curry house!
Who got Queen Elizabeth’s scone recipe?
Queen Elizabeth’s former personal chef, Darren McGrady, has shared her beloved scone recipe publicly. While it’s a bit different from Ramsay’s, both stick to that classic British charm — minimal ingredients, maximum fluff.
What is the trick in making good scones?
Two words: cold butter. That’s the not-so-secret weapon. Keeping ingredients cold and handling the dough gently gives you tender, bakery-style results. Press your cutter straight down (don’t twist!), and don’t overmix the dough. For more tips, peek at our earlier section on key scone-making tips.
Are Scottish scones different from English scones?
They are! Scottish versions are typically griddle-baked, flatter, and often include oats or are unsweetened — more like what Americans might call biscuits. English scones, like the kind used in this recipe, are oven-baked, fluffy, and sweeter. Both are delicious. We say bake both and compare (purely for research, of course).
Gordon Ramsay Scones Recipe
This Gordon Ramsay Scones recipe delivers soft, golden, and flaky scones that come together in just 30 minutes. Made with simple ingredients and minimal fuss, they’re perfect for brunch, breakfast, or a cozy afternoon tea. Whether enjoyed plain or jazzed up with dried fruit or cheese, these scones always impress.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Ingredients
- 2 cups (250g) self-rising flour
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup (120ml) whole milk, plus more for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt until evenly distributed.
- Cut in the Butter: Add in the cold butter cubes. Use your fingertips to rub it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Milk and Stir: Pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently with a fork just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overmixing.
- Shape the Dough: Lightly flour your work surface and turn the dough out. Gently knead 2–3 times, then press or roll to about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the Scones: Using a round cutter, cut out scones. Press straight down—no twisting! Place them onto the lined baking tray.
- Brush and Bak: Brush the tops with a bit of milk for that golden shine. Bake for 12–15 minutes, until puffed and lightly browned.
- Cool and Serve: Let them rest on the tray for 5 minutes. Enjoy warm with jam, clotted cream, or butter.
Notes
- For a savory spin, skip the sugar and stir in cheddar and chopped chives.
- Don’t overwork the dough; a light touch is key to soft, airy results.
- Serve warm — these scones are at their best fresh out of the oven.
