Olivia Carter
Scones are a classic British treat that make for the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. With their buttery, flaky texture and delicious flavor, scones are loved by many. While traditional scone recipes call for baking them in a regular oven, using a convection oven can yield equally delicious results.
Convection ovens are known for their ability to cook food faster and more evenly compared to regular ovens. The hot air circulation in a convection oven ensures that the scones bake evenly, resulting in a golden brown crust and a soft, tender interior. So, if you’re looking to achieve bakery-quality scones at home, using a convection oven is definitely the way to go.
When cooking scones in a convection oven, there are a few key tips to keep in mind. First, preheat the oven to the recommended temperature specified in your recipe. Then, place the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure to leave some space between each scone to allow for even airflow. This will help the scones bake evenly and rise properly.
As with any baking recipe, it’s important to keep an eye on the scones as they bake in the convection oven. They can brown quickly, so it’s a good idea to check on them periodically to ensure they don’t overcook. Once the scones are golden brown and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, cooking scones in a convection oven is a great way to elevate your baking skills. With the right techniques and a little practice, you’ll be able to enjoy homemade scones that are just as delicious as those from your favorite bakery.
Preparation: Gathering Ingredients
Before you begin cooking scones in a convection oven, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients. The following table lists the ingredients you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| All-purpose flour | 2 cups |
| Baking powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter | 6 tablespoons (cold and cubed) |
| Sugar | 3 tablespoons |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Egg | 1 |
| Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried fruit or chocolate chips (optional) | 1/2 cup |
Ingredient Notes:
– While all-purpose flour is commonly used for scones, you can also use self-rising flour if desired.
– The butter should be cold and cubed to ensure a flaky texture.
– You can use either granulated sugar or caster sugar for this recipe.
– Feel free to add dried fruit such as raisins or cranberries, or even chocolate chips to your scones for added flavor.
Step 1: Preheating the Convection Oven
Before you start baking your scones, it’s important to preheat your convection oven. Preheating ensures that your oven reaches the right temperature, which helps to ensure even baking and a perfectly golden brown exterior.
1. Gather Your Materials
Before you begin preheating the oven, gather all the materials you will need, including:
- An oven thermometer
- An oven mitt or heat-resistant gloves
2. Check the Oven’s Manual
Refer to the manual that came with your convection oven to find the recommended temperature for baking scones. In most cases, the temperature will be around 425°F (218°C), but it’s always best to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
3. Set the Temperature
Turn on the convection oven and set it to the desired temperature for baking scones. Use the oven controls to adjust the temperature as needed. The oven will now start preheating.
4. Use an Oven Thermometer
Even though convection ovens have built-in temperature controls, it’s a good idea to use an oven thermometer to ensure the accuracy of the preheating process. Place the thermometer inside the oven and monitor it until it reaches the desired temperature.
5. Allow Time to Preheat
Preheating can take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes, depending on your oven and desired temperature. Make sure to allow enough time for the oven to reach the correct temperature before putting your scones inside.
Once your convection oven is preheated and reaches the desired temperature, you are ready to move on to the next step in the scone baking process.
Step 2: Making the Scone Dough
Once you have gathered all your ingredients, it’s time to start making the scone dough.
1. Preparing the dry ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk or a fork to make sure the ingredients are well mixed.
2. Cutting in the butter
Add the cold butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to cut it into the flour mixture. Keep working the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Adding the wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, vanilla extract, and beaten egg. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir until the dough starts to come together.
Note: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Stir just until the ingredients are combined.
Now that you have made the scone dough, you’re ready to move on to the next step: shaping and baking the scones.
Step 3: Shaping and Cutting the Scones
Once the scone dough has rested, it’s time to shape and cut the scones. This step is crucial in achieving the perfect texture and appearance.
First, lightly dust a clean surface with flour. Place the rested dough onto the floured surface and gently press it down to flatten it slightly. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
Using a rolling pin, roll the dough out to a thickness of about 1 inch. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little bit of flour on top to prevent sticking. Remember to roll gently and evenly for consistent scones.
Next, it’s time to cut the scones. To do this, use a round cookie cutter or a glass with a diameter of about 2 inches. Dip the cutter into a bit of flour, then firmly press it into the rolled-out dough. Press straight down without twisting to get clean-cut scones.
After each scone is cut, carefully transfer it to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave about 1 inch of space between each scone to allow for spreading while baking.
If desired, you can brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg or milk to give them a shiny finish. This step is optional, but it adds a nice touch.
Once all the scones are cut and placed on the baking sheet, they are ready to be baked in the convection oven to golden perfection.
Tip: To ensure even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through the cooking time.
Step 4: Baking the Scones in the Convection Oven
Preheat your convection oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Take the scones out of the refrigerator. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches (5 cm) between each scone to allow for spreading.
If you like, you can brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg or a little bit of milk. This will give them a nice shiny finish.
Now, place the baking sheet with the scones on the middle rack of your preheated convection oven.
Set the timer for 12-15 minutes, but keep a close eye on the scones as they bake. The convection oven tends to cook things faster than a regular oven.
After 12 minutes, check the scones for doneness. They should be golden brown and firm to the touch. If they need more time, continue baking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
Once the scones are done, remove them from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool. This will prevent them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Allow the scones to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. They are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven.
Now that you know how to bake scones in a convection oven, you can impress your friends and family with your delicious homemade treats.
Step 5: Cooling and Serving the Scones
After baking the scones to golden perfection in the convection oven, it is important to let them cool before serving. This allows them to set and become ready to eat.
Once you remove the scones from the oven, transfer them to a wire rack. This will help air circulate around the scones, preventing them from becoming soggy on the bottom.
Allow the scones to cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This will give them enough time to firm up and become easier to handle.
Once the scones have cooled, you can serve them as is or with your favourite accompaniments. Common toppings include butter, jam, clotted cream, or even a drizzle of honey.
Enjoy your freshly baked scones with a cup of tea or coffee, and delight in their warm, flaky texture and delicious flavour!
Q&A
What is a convection oven?
A convection oven is an oven that uses a fan to circulate hot air throughout the oven cavity during the cooking process. This helps to cook food more evenly and faster than traditional ovens.
Can I cook scones in a convection oven?
Yes, you can cook scones in a convection oven. The hot air circulation in the oven helps to create a nice, crisp exterior while keeping the inside moist and fluffy.
What is the recommended temperature for cooking scones in a convection oven?
The recommended temperature for cooking scones in a convection oven is 425°F (220°C). This high temperature helps to ensure that the scones rise well and develop a golden brown crust.
How long should I bake scones in a convection oven?
The baking time for scones in a convection oven is usually slightly shorter than in a traditional oven. It typically takes around 12-15 minutes to bake scones in a convection oven, but it can vary depending on the size and thickness of the scones.
What baking pan should I use for scones in a convection oven?
It is recommended to use a light-colored, non-stick baking pan or a baking sheet lined with parchment paper when baking scones in a convection oven. This helps to ensure even browning and prevents the scones from sticking to the pan.
