You can put this dough together in just a few minutes. These scones are surprisingly light and are delicious as an after-school snack or with afternoon tea.

　　

Ingredients

makes 8 scones

　　2 cups unbleached whole-wheat pastry flour

　　2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

　　1/2 teaspoon salt

　　1/4 cup sugar

　　1 1/3 cups cream

　　2 tablespoons butter, melted

　　1 1/2 tablespoons sugar

　　

Step 1

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

　　

Step 2

Measure and mix together in a large bowl: 2 cups unbleached whole-wheat pastry flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 cup sugar.

　　

Step 3

Stir in: 1 1/3 cups cream.

　　

Step 4

Mix until the dough just starts to come together; it will be sticky. Turn it out onto a floured surface and knead briefly, just enough to bring the dough completely together. Pat it into an 8-inch circle. Brush with: 2 tablespoons butter, melted.

　　

Step 5

And sprinkle with: 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar.

　　

Step 6

Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place the wedges 1 inch apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone liner. Bake for 17 minutes or until golden brown.

　　

Variations

Step 7

To the dry ingredients, add 1/2 cup chopped dried fruit (apricots, nectarines, or pears) or whole dried cherries, cranberries, raisins, or currants.

　　

Step 8

Add the grated zest of a lemon or an orange.

　　

Step 9

Cut out individual scones with a round cutter, or cut the scones into smaller shapes.

　　

Step 10

Substitute unbleached all-purpose flour for whole-wheat flour.

　　The Art of Simple Food