Kid-friendly Scones Breakfast Ideas for the Whole Family
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional Mix-ins: 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1/2 cup blueberries, 1/2 cup dried cranberries, 1/4 cup sprinkles
Step-by-Step
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
4. In a separate bowl, combine the milk and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in your desired mix-ins, such as chocolate chips or berries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
8. Use a knife or cookie cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or circles.
9. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
10. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
11. Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
12. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like jam, clotted cream, or butter.
Variations for Picky Eaters
Getting kids to eat anything can be a challenge! Scones, however, are surprisingly versatile. With a few clever tweaks, you can easily adapt this classic recipe to suit even the pickiest of eaters.
H3: Sneaking in Veggies
Yes, you can sneak veggies into scones! Grated zucchini or carrots are excellent additions that add moisture and nutrients without dramatically altering the flavor. Start with a small amount, like 1/4 cup, and increase it as your kids get used to it.
Pureed sweet potato or pumpkin also works well. Reduce the amount of milk slightly to compensate for the extra moisture. Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warmer flavor.
H3: Flavor Adaptations
Kids often prefer simple flavors. Vanilla scones are a classic choice that’s easy to customize. You can also try adding a touch of lemon or orange zest for a subtle citrus flavor.
Avoid using too many spices, as they can be overpowering for young palates. A tiny amount of cinnamon or nutmeg is usually enough. Chocolate chips are always a win, but you can also try white chocolate chips or butterscotch chips for a change.
H3: Texture Considerations
Some kids are sensitive to textures. Make sure your scones are not too dry or crumbly. Adding a bit of yogurt or sour cream to the dough can help create a softer texture.
Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can make the scones tough. Gently handle the dough and don’t worry if it’s a little rough around the edges.
Scone Topping and Dipping Ideas
Scones are delicious on their own, but toppings and dips can elevate them to a whole new level of deliciousness. Here are some kid-friendly ideas to get you started.
H3: Sweet Toppings
Jam is a classic scone topping for a reason. Strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry are all popular choices. Honey and maple syrup are also great options for a natural sweetener.
A simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk is another easy and delicious topping. You can add a drop of vanilla extract or food coloring to customize it.
H3: Savory Toppings
Don’t underestimate the power of savory toppings! Cream cheese is a simple and versatile option. You can add a sprinkle of chives or everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor.
Peanut butter or almond butter is another great choice, especially for kids who need a boost of protein. Try pairing it with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of chocolate chips.
H3: Dips and Spreads
For a fun and interactive breakfast, offer a variety of dips and spreads. Yogurt is a healthy and refreshing option. You can add fruit, granola, or a drizzle of honey.
Apple sauce is another great choice, especially for younger children. It’s naturally sweet and easy to eat.
Making Scones a Fun Family Activity
Baking scones together is a great way to spend quality time as a family and create lasting memories. Here are some tips to make it a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone.
H3: Get the Kids Involved
Even young children can help with simple tasks like measuring ingredients, mixing the dough, and adding toppings. Assign age-appropriate tasks to each child.
Let them choose their own mix-ins and toppings. This will give them a sense of ownership and make them more likely to enjoy the scones.
H3: Make it Educational
Baking is a great way to teach kids about math and science. You can explain how ingredients react with each other and how the oven works.
Talk about the history of scones and where they come from. This can spark their curiosity and make the baking process more engaging.
H3: Set Up a Scone Bar
Create a scone bar with a variety of toppings, dips, and spreads. Let everyone customize their own scones.
This is a great way to encourage creativity and experimentation. It’s also a fun way to get kids to try new things.
Tips for Perfect Scones Every Time
Even though scones are relatively easy to make, there are a few things you can do to ensure they turn out perfectly every time.
H3: Use Cold Butter
Cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of steam in the dough as it bakes, which results in a light and airy texture.
Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it. You can also freeze the butter for 10-15 minutes before cutting it into the flour mixture.
H3: Don’t Overmix the Dough
Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, which can make the scones tough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined.
The dough should be slightly shaggy and not completely smooth. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps.
H3: Bake at the Right Temperature
Baking the scones at the right temperature is crucial for ensuring they rise properly and bake evenly. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Keep an eye on the scones while they’re baking. If they start to brown too quickly, tent them with foil.
Storing and Reheating Scones
Scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for later. Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
H3: Storing Scones
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months.
To freeze scones, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This will prevent them from sticking together and getting freezer burn.
H3: Reheating Scones
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
You can also reheat scones in the microwave, but they may become a little soggy. Heat them on high for 15-30 seconds.
H3: Reviving Stale Scones
If your scones have become stale, you can revive them by sprinkling them with water and then baking them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.
This will help to rehydrate the scones and make them more palatable.
FAQ
Are scones better with milk or buttermilk?
Buttermilk adds a tangier flavor and can make the scones more tender. However, milk works perfectly well too.
Can I make scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the unbaked scones.
How do I keep my scones from being dry?
Use enough liquid, don’t overmix the dough, and don’t overbake the scones. Adding yogurt or sour cream can also help.
What’s the best way to cut scones?
You can use a knife or a cookie cutter to cut the scones. A pizza cutter also works well.
What toppings go well with scones?
Jam, clotted cream, butter, honey, and maple syrup are all popular toppings. You can also try savory toppings like cream cheese or peanut butter.
