Easy Homemade Tea Scones Recipe

There is something lovely about having homemade tea scones to enjoy with a cup of tea, whether for breakfast, when receiving guests, or simply as a snack during the day.

This is one of my favourite tea scone recipes because it is quite easy to put together and doesn’t require complicated ingredients. The scones have a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft inside, making them lovely to enjoy with tea.

I recently made a large batch using a whole 2kg packet of flour in preparation for hosting our Bible study at home. I also made enough for us to enjoy some for breakfast and have others to warm up during the week.

One thing I particularly like about this recipe is that you don’t necessarily need milk. You can use milk, water, or even a combination of both, depending on what you have available.

I’ll also share how I bake these tea scones without an oven, using an ordinary cooking pan on a stovetop. So, whether you have an oven or not, you can still enjoy homemade scones!

Why You’ll Love This Tea Scones Recipe

Easy to prepare: The ingredients are simple, and the dough comes together quickly.
Budget-friendly: You can make a generous batch using everyday pantry ingredients.
Flexible: You can use milk, water, or a combination of both.
Great for make-ahead preparation: Make a large batch and enjoy the extras for breakfast or snacks during the week.
No oven required: You can bake them on a stovetop using an ordinary cooking pan.

Let’s get started!

Easy Homemade Tea Scones Recipe | Large Batch & No-Oven Method

These easy homemade tea scones have a slightly crunchy exterior and a soft inside. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this large-batch recipe uses a 2kg packet of flour and can be baked in an oven or on a stovetop without an oven. You can use milk, water, or a combination of both.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine kenyan

Equipment

large mixing bowl
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon or mixing spoon
Baking tray (for the oven method)
Baking Paper
Large cooking pan with a lid (for the stovetop method)
Tablespoon (for scooping the dough)
Oven or stovetop
Cooling rack (optional)

Ingredients

2 kg all-purpose flour
12 tsp baking powder
2 tsp salt
2 cups sugar
2 cups vegetable oil
6 eggs
3 tbsp vanilla flavouring
1½ tbsp orange oil optional
2-3 cups milk or water May vary

Instructions

Mix the dry ingredients.
In a large mixing basin, combine the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Mix thoroughly so that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Add the wet ingredients.
Make a well in the centre of the flour mixture. Add the eggs, vegetable oil, vanilla flavouring and orange oil, if using.
Add the milk or water.
Begin mixing the ingredients, gradually adding the milk or water until everything comes together into a soft dough.
I usually reserve some of the liquid and add it gradually as I mix. This is because different flour brands have different absorption levels, and you don't want to end up with a dough that is too wet.
You can use milk for a richer flavour, water if you don't have milk, or half milk and half water.
Shape the scones
Once the dough is ready, simply use an ordinary tablespoon to scoop portions and arrange them on a prepared baking tray then shape them using yur hands. You can als use an ice cam scoop too.
You don't need to roll out the dough or use a cutter for this recipe. Just spoon portions onto your baking tray, leaving a little space between them.
Bake the scones.
You can use either an oven or a stovetop method, depending on what is available in your kitchen.
How to Bake Tea Scones in an Oven
Preheat your oven to approximately 180–200°C.
Arrange the scones on a prepared baking tray and bake until they are firm and lightly browned. If necessary, turn them over to allow the other side to brown as well.
For my gas oven, I usually bake them on medium heat for approximately 10–12 minutes on the first side, then turn them over and bake for another 10 minutes.
Ovens vary, so keep an eye on them and adjust the baking time according to your oven.
How to Bake Tea Scones Without an Oven
If you don't have an oven, you can still make these tea scones using an ordinary cooking pan on your stovetop.
Here's how:
1. Line a suitable cooking pan with baking paper.
2. Arrange the spooned portions of dough in the pan, leaving a little space between them. I used a pan approximately 10 inches in diameter and arranged about eight scones at a time.
Cover the pan and place it over a very tiny flame. I explain more in the vlog linked below.
Allow the scones to bake for approximately 30 minutes, depending on your heat source and pan.
Once the scones have firmed up and cooked through, turn them over to brown the other side.
Allow the other side to brown for approximately 10 minutes.
At this final stage, don't cover the pan fully. Allowing the steam to escape helps prevent moisture from collecting on the lid and dripping back onto the scones.
Important tip: Use a very tiny flame, the lowest setting, especially if you're using a small gas burner. If you're using a wider burner, reduce the flame as though switchng off and get it to the lowest flame . Keep checking the scones because they can burn underneath if the heat is too high.

Video

Notes

Tips for Making Good Tea Scones

Here are a few things to keep in mind when preparing this recipe:

1. Don't add all the liquid at once.

Start with a smaller amount and gradually add more until you achieve a soft dough. The amount needed may depend on the flour you're using.

2. You can substitute water for milk.

I didn't have milk when making this particular batch, so I used water instead. The scones still turned out crunchy on the outside and soft inside. Milk will give you a richer flavour, but water works too.

3. Don't make the dough too wet.

You want a soft dough that can hold its shape when spooned onto your baking tray. Adding too much liquid may make the dough difficult to handle.

4. Be careful with your heat when baking without an oven.

A very low flame is important. Give the scones enough time to cook through before turning them over to brown the other side.

5. Adjust the flavourings to your preference.

I enjoy the combination of vanilla and orange oil, but you can leave out the orange oil if you prefer a simple vanilla-flavoured tea scone.

How to Store and Enjoy Your Tea Scones

These tea scones are lovely served warm with a cup of tea.

You can enjoy them for breakfast, serve them when hosting guests, or have them as a snack during the day.

If you make a large batch like I did, allow the scones to cool completely before storing them in an airtight container.

For longer storage, you can freeze them in suitable freezer containers or bags. When ready to enjoy, defrost and warm them gently before serving.

Making a large batch is particularly helpful when you have a busy week ahead or are preparing for a gathering. You get to make good use of your time in the kitchen and have something ready for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make tea scones without milk?

Yes! You can substitute milk with water. I used water for this particular batch, and the scones still turned out lovely. You can also use half milk and half water.

2. Can I bake tea scones without an oven?

Yes. You can use an ordinary cooking pan lined with baking paper and bake the scones over a very tiny stovetop flame. Allow enough time for them to cook through before turning them over.

3. Why should I add the liquid gradually?

Different flour brands absorb different amounts of liquid. Adding the milk or water gradually helps you achieve the right dough consistency without making it too wet.

4. Can I make a smaller batch?

Absolutely! You can reduce the ingredients proportionately. I also have a smaller version of this recipe on our channel using just two cups of flour, which is useful when you don't need such a large batch.

5. Can I prepare these scones ahead of time?

Yes. You can bake them ahead, allow them to cool completely and store them appropriately. They can be warmed when needed.

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Final Thoughts Easy Homemade Tea Scones

I hope you’ll give these tea scones a try. They are simple to prepare, use readily available ingredients, and are a lovely addition to your breakfast table or when hosting family and friends.

I particularly appreciate recipes that allow us to be creative with what we have available. Whether you use milk or water, bake them in an oven or on a stovetop, I hope this recipe gives you another practical idea to try in your kitchen.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you’re also welcome to subscribe to our channel here for more budget-friendly recipes, simple home cooking, and hospitality ideas. Thank you for being here! Enhance your hospitality for the glory of God.