Today, I’m going to share with you a complete step-by-step guide on how to make Mary Berry drop scones, also known as Scotch pancakes. These are delicious, fluffy, and easy to make, and they are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or tea-time treats. You can serve them with butter, maple syrup, honey, yogurt, and fresh berries, or any other toppings you like.
Let’s get started!
What are Mary Berry Drop Scones?
What are Mary Berry Drop Scones? Mary Berry’s drop scones are small, thick pancakes known for their fluffy texture and delightful orange zest flavor. Also referred to as Scotch pancakes, they are a staple in Scottish cuisine and are particularly popular on Shrove Tuesday.
- Try: Mary Berry Cheese Scones
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ease and Speed: This recipe stands out for its simplicity and quickness. With basic pantry staples, you can prepare the batter in a single bowl in under 10 minutes. Cooking each batch takes just 2-3 minutes, making it ideal for a fast yet satisfying meal.
- Customizable Flavors: The adaptability of this recipe allows for creative flavor additions. Incorporate vanilla, cinnamon, or lemon zest for a twist, or mix in ingredients like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits for added texture and taste. The scones can be served with various toppings to suit any preference, from sweet whipped cream and jam to savory peanut butter and Nutella.
- Delicious and Fulfilling: These scones are not only delicious, with a soft, moist texture and a subtle sweetness enhanced by orange zest, but they’re also satisfying and nourishing. Whether paired with sweet or savory toppings, they provide a hearty and energizing meal.
Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones
To make Mary Berry’s drop scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 175g (6oz) self-raising flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 40g (1½oz) caster sugar
- 1 small orange, zest only
- 1 egg
- 200ml (7fl oz) milk
- sunflower oil, for frying
To serve, you’ll need:
- butter
- Maple syrup or honey
- natural Greek yogurt
- fresh blueberries and raspberries
Instructions to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones
Step 1: Prepare the batter
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and orange zest.
- Make a well in the center and add the egg and half of the milk.
- Whisk well until you have a smooth and thick batter.
- Then, whisk in enough of the remaining milk to make a batter that is the consistency of thick pouring cream. You may not need all the milk.
Step 2: Cook the scones
- Heat a little oil in a large non-stick frying pan over high heat.
- Drop the batter in dessert spoonfuls into the hot pan, spacing them well apart to allow them to spread.
- Cook for about 2 minutes or until bubbles start to appear on the surface, then flip them over with a palette knife or spatula and cook on the other side for another 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until they are lightly golden brown on both sides.
- Transfer the scones to a wire rack and cover them with a clean tea towel to keep them soft and warm.
- Repeat with the remaining batter, adding more oil to the pan if needed.
Step 3: Serve and enjoy
- Serve the scones at once with butter, maple syrup or honey, yogurt, fresh berries, or any other toppings you like.
- Enjoy your delicious drop scones!
What Do I Serve With Mary Berry Drop Scones
Here are some suggestions for what to serve with them:
- Classic Breakfast: For a traditional touch, serve the scones with butter and maple syrup or honey. Add natural Greek yogurt for a creamy and protein-rich option.
- Fruity Delight: Accompany them with fresh blueberries, raspberries, or your favorite berries. Enhance the flavor with a drizzle of lemon curd or orange marmalade for added zest and sweetness.
- Indulgent Treat: For a more decadent experience, top the scones with whipped cream and chocolate sauce, or Nutella and sliced bananas. Chopped nuts or chocolate chips can add a crunchy texture.
- Savory Option: Pair them with bacon and eggs, or cheese and ham for a hearty, savory breakfast. Chutney or relish can add a spicy and flavorful twist.
Pro Tips to Make Perfect Mary Berry Drop Scones
Crafting the perfect Mary Berry drop scones is an art that combines simplicity with a touch of culinary finesse.
Here are some professional tips to help you achieve the best results:
- Ingredient Quality and Measurements: Ensure all ingredients are fresh, especially the baking powder, as its effectiveness diminishes over time. Measure ingredients accurately for consistency. Using a kitchen scale for dry ingredients like flour and sugar can make a significant difference.
- Batter Consistency: Aim for a batter that’s thick yet pourable, similar to thick cream. If the batter is too thick, the scones will be heavy; if too thin, they won’t hold their shape. Adjust with a little extra milk or flour if needed.
- Orange Zest Freshness: Use freshly grated orange zest for the best flavor. The zest is a key ingredient that should be fresh to ensure a bright, citrusy aroma.
- Mixing Technique: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in tough scones as it develops the gluten in the flour. Some lumps in the batter are perfectly fine.
- Pan Heat Management: Use a good quality non-stick pan and get it to the right temperature before adding the batter – it should be hot but not smoking. This ensures a nice golden crust without burning the scones.
- Spoon Size Consistency: For uniform scones, use the same spoon for each one – a dessert spoon is ideal. This helps in cooking them evenly as they will all be the same size.
- Cooking Patience: Resist the urge to flip the scones too soon. Wait until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set. Flipping them at the right time is key to achieving the perfect golden-brown finish.
- Serving Freshness: Drop scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you need to keep them warm for a short period, cover them with a clean tea towel on a wire rack. This keeps them warm without them becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Toppings: While traditional toppings like butter and syrup are always a hit, don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Nutella, fresh fruit, or even savory toppings like bacon can add an exciting twist.
- Enjoy the Process: Remember, baking is as much about the joy of creating as it is about the end result. Have fun with it!
Variations of Mary Berry Drop Scones
Mary Berry’s drop scones are a versatile recipe that can be adapted to cater to different tastes and preferences.
Here are some creative variations to try:
- Chocolate Chip Drop Scones: For a sweet twist, mix 50g (2oz) of chocolate chips into the batter. Cook them as usual and enjoy them topped with whipped cream and extra chocolate chips for a double chocolate delight.
- Banana and Walnut Drop Scones: Combine the comforting flavors of banana and walnut by mashing one ripe banana and stirring it into the batter with 50g (2oz) of chopped walnuts. Cook as directed and serve with a drizzle of honey and additional banana slices for a fruity twist.
- Apple and Cinnamon Drop Scones: Create a classic combination by adding one small, peeled, and diced apple and 1 tsp of ground cinnamon to the batter. Cook as usual and serve these autumn-inspired scones warm with butter and a generous pour of maple syrup.
- Lemon and Poppy Seed Drop Scones: Swap the orange zest for lemon zest and add 2 tbsp of poppy seeds to the batter for a zesty, textured variation. Cook as normal and serve with tangy lemon curd and a dollop of creamy yogurt.
How to store Mary Berry Drop Scones leftovers
If you have any leftover drop scones, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Here are some tips on how to store them properly:
- Let the scones cool completely on a wire rack before storing them.
- Separate the scones with layers of parchment paper or wax paper to prevent them from sticking together.
- Label the container with the date and the name of the recipe.
- Do not store the scones with any toppings, as they may make them soggy or spoil faster.
How to reheat Mary Berry Drop Scones leftovers
You can reheat the leftover drop scones in the oven or in the microwave.
Here are some steps on how to reheat them:
To bring back the warmth and freshness of the scones, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave:
- Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 180°C (160°C fan, Gas Mark 4). Place the scones on a baking tray, cover them with foil, and warm for about 10 minutes. This method helps retain their moisture and texture.
- Microwave Method: For a quick option, place the scones on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and microwave for 10-15 seconds per scone. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can dry them out.
Nutrition value:
The nutrition value of one drop scone (without toppings) is approximately as follows:
- Calories: 179 kcal
- Carbs: 26.9 g (26 g net carbs)
- Fat: 6.8 g (4 g saturated fat)
- Protein: 3.2 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Sugar: 9.2 g
- Sodium: 161 mg
- Potassium: 78 mg
- Calcium: 7 %
- Iron: 6 %
Other Scones Recipes
- Mary Berry Buttermilk Scones
- Mary Berry Apple And Cinnamon Scones
FAQs
What are drop scones?
Drop scones are small, thick, and round pancakes that are made with a simple batter of flour, baking powder, sugar, egg, milk, and orange zest. They are called drop scones because you drop the batter in spoonfuls onto a hot pan, and they cook quickly on both sides. They are also known as Scotch pancakes because they originated in Scotland, where they are traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent begins.
Is it possible to prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time. Store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Before cooking, give the batter a gentle stir as it may have thickened slightly. This can make your breakfast preparation even quicker and more convenient.
Can I make Mary Berry’s drop scones gluten-free?
Yes, you can make these scones gluten-free by substituting the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly, but they will still be delicious.
Can I use plain flour instead of self-raising flour?
Yes, you can. Just add 2 teaspoons of baking powder to 175g of plain flour and whisk well.
Can I use a different citrus fruit instead of orange?
Yes, you can. You can use lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest, or a combination of them, to add some zing to the batter.
Can I make the batter ahead of time and store it in the fridge?
Yes, you can. You can make the batter up to a day in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it, and add a little more milk if it’s too thick.
Final Words
I hope you enjoyed this recipe for Mary Berry’s drop scones. They are easy, quick, and delicious, and they are perfect for any occasion. You can make them for breakfast, brunch, or tea time, and serve them with your favorite toppings. They are also great for freezing and reheating, so you can always have some on hand. Try them out and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking!
