How to Eat Scones

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

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Eat-Scones-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Eat-Scones-Step-1.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You will typically find scones on the second tier plate. Take one or two to save some space for sweets as well. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Eat-Scones-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Eat-Scones-Step-2.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Eat-Scones-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6c\/Eat-Scones-Step-3.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Eat-Scones-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c9\/Eat-Scones-Step-4.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Eat-Scones-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8e\/Eat-Scones-Step-5.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

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]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Setting up the Scone

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Eat-Scones-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/73\/Eat-Scones-Step-6.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Use the serving spoons provided for each bowl. You only want to mix the cream and jam on your scone with your spoon. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Eat-Scones-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/Eat-Scones-Step-7.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Use your knife for slathering only the cream. Don’t worry, the scone is super easy to break apart!
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Eat-Scones-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a1\/Eat-Scones-Step-8.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
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]
X
Research source} Choose either the Devon or the Cornish way. If you want to be like the Queen, go with the Cornish method. ^{[8]
X
Research source}
- 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.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Eat-Scones-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Eat-Scones-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6e\/Eat-Scones-Step-9.jpg\/aid10452638-v4-728px-Eat-Scones-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Have some napkins nearby because scones are very delicate. Enjoy!

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

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.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Scones are best while they are still warm.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Use a napkin if eating the scone gets to be messy.

Thanks
Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Name

Please provide your name and last initial

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Never eat a scone as a sandwich, as it's considered bad manners.

Thanks
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

Log in

How to Eat Scones

Steps

Choosing the Perfect Toppings and Pairings

Setting up the Scone

Expert Q&A

Tips

Warnings

You Might Also Like

Expert Interview

References

About This Article

Did this article help you?

Quizzes

You Might Also Like

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Featured Articles

Featured Articles

Watch Articles

Trending Articles

Quizzes

Explore Categories