Classic afternoon tea scones made with cream and a hint of orange zest, served with an easy homemade Devonshire cream. These English-style cream scones freeze well and are ideal for tea time, brunch, or entertaining guests.
Why You’ll Love This Cream Scone Recipe
- A simple, old-fashioned English cream scone recipe that tastes elegant without fuss.
- Fresh orange zest adds a subtle brightness that lifts each bite.
- Perfect for afternoon tea, bridal showers, or a cozy weekend brunch.
- Quick to make and attractive enough to serve to guests.
- Freezes well, making them convenient for make-ahead entertaining.
- Served with homemade Devonshire cream for an indulgent finishing touch.
A short personal story about a memorable afternoon tea with my sisters appears at the end of this post.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(See the recipe card below for exact measurements and full step-by-step instructions.)
- All-purpose flour – the base for tender, flaky scones.
- Sugar, baking powder, and salt – for sweetness and lift.
- Cold butter – cut into the dry ingredients to create a flaky crumb.
- Whipping cream (full-fat) – provides richness and moisture.
- Orange zest – a small amount adds a refined citrus note.
- Dried cranberries – a tart, chewy contrast to the sweet scone.
- Extra whipping cream and sugar – to brush on top for a golden finish.
For the Devonshire cream:
- Cream cheese (softened), powdered sugar, vanilla, and whipping cream — whipped into a light, spreadable cream.
Serve with your favorite strawberry jam alongside the Devonshire cream.
Scones with Devonshire Cream & Jam
14 scones
Light, tender cream scones finished with cream and sugar, served warm with strawberry jam and a silky Devonshire cream. They’re ideal for a relaxed afternoon tea or a special brunch.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup cold butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup whipping cream (for the dough)
- 2 tablespoons additional whipping cream (for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- 1½ cups dried cranberries
- Devonshire Cream:
- 3 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ⅓ to ½ cup whipping cream (to reach spreadable consistency)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Chill the butter and, if you like, briefly chill the mixing bowl and whisk attachment to help the cream whip later.
- Whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse oatmeal.
- Make a well in the center and pour in 1 cup whipping cream. Stir gently until the dough is just moistened—do not overwork.
- Fold in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface, press it together gently, and roll or pat to a thickness of ½–¾ inch (about 1.25–2 cm).
- Use a 2-inch round cutter to cut the scones and place them 2 inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of whipping cream and sprinkle lightly with sugar for a golden, sparkling finish.
- Bake for about 15 minutes, until the scones are puffed and golden brown. Serve warm with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam.
- To make the Devonshire cream: Beat the softened cream cheese until fluffy. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla, then slowly beat in whipping cream until the mixture is light and spreadable—take care not to overbeat. Chill for at least 2 hours to firm up. Makes approximately 1 cup.
Notes
Always use full‑fat whipping cream for both the dough and the Devonshire cream to achieve the best texture and flavor. Handle the dough gently for tender scones.
Cream Scones Video
Watch a step-by-step demonstration of these scones and the Devonshire cream in the embedded video below.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Cream Scones with Devonshire Cream
The printable recipe card above contains full quantities and timings. Below is a concise overview to guide you through the process.
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1. Combine the dry ingredients. -
2. Cut cold butter into the flour mixture. -
3. Add the cream and fold in fruit and zest.
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4. Fold in cranberries and orange zest. -
5. Roll to about ¾ inch and cut rounds. -
6. Brush with cream, sprinkle sugar, and bake.
Helpful Tips When Making This Recipe
- Keep the butter cold for the flakiest scones.
- Handle the dough gently—overmixing produces dense scones.
- Line the baking sheet with parchment for easy cleanup and even baking.
- Serve the scones slightly warm to best enjoy the texture and flavors.
- Prepare the Devonshire cream while the scones bake and chill it to firm up before serving.
- Use fresh, softened cream cheese for the Devonshire cream—previously frozen cream cheese may not whip to the same light texture.
Substitutions and Variations for Cream Scones
- Swap dried cranberries for currants, raisins, or dried cherries.
- Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for a nutty texture.
- Omit the fruit for plain cream scones—delicious with jam and cream.
- Cut the dough into triangles instead of rounds for a rustic presentation.
Grandma Rita’s Kitchen Tips
Use special dishes and take time to gather friends or family—setting out “good” dishes and sharing stories makes an ordinary teatime feel memorable.
How to Serve and Eat Scones with Strawberry Jam & Cream
- Arrange the scones on a pretty plate or tuck them into a cloth-lined basket for a charming presentation.
- Split a warm scone, spread each half with jam, then top with a generous dollop of Devonshire cream.
- Enjoy the scones with a hot cup of tea for a classic afternoon treat.
A Sweet Summer Scone Memory
This summer my two sisters and niece traveled from Montana to visit me in Canada. It was a highlight of the season—rare family visits feel extra special. When my niece mentioned wanting an afternoon tea, we set a cozy tea on the backyard patio using a china teapot that belonged to my grandmother. I found this cream scone recipe in a small book my mother gifted me years ago, and preparing it made her feel present at our table.
We agreed this recipe is a keeper: the scones are tender and lightly sweet, and the orange zest gives them a refined finish. Paired with strawberry jam and homemade Devonshire cream, they made the perfect elegant tea-time treat.
Other Afternoon Tea-Time Treats You Might Enjoy
- Grandma’s Old-Fashioned Lemon Bars
- Cranberry Lemon Bars (similar to popular cranberry bliss bars)
- Grandma’s Poppy Seed Bread (a simple, nostalgic loaf)
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If you enjoy nostalgic, comforting recipes that feel like they came from Grandma’s kitchen, save this one to your Afternoon Tea or Baking Recipes board and make it when you’re ready.
