Tea time wouldn't be complete without the quintessential British delight – scones. These delightful baked treats, typically enjoyed with clotted cream and jam, have been a staple of afternoon tea for centuries. However, if you're following a vegan diet, you might think scones are off the menu. Fear not! With a few simple substitutions, it's easy to create delicious vegan scones that rival their traditional counterparts. Join us as we explore the world of vegan scones, from their rich history to tips for creating the perfect batch at home.

A Brief History of Scones

The origins of scones can be traced back to Scotland in the 16th century. Originally a type of unleavened bread made with oats, scones were cooked on a griddle and served as a staple food. Over time, the recipe evolved to include ingredients like flour, butter, and milk, resulting in the light and fluffy scones we know today. Scones gained popularity across the UK and became synonymous with afternoon tea, often served with clotted cream and jam.

Going Vegan: Substitutions for Traditional Ingredients

Traditional scone recipes typically contain dairy products such as butter, milk, and sometimes even eggs. Fortunately, it's easy to swap these ingredients for plant-based alternatives without sacrificing taste or texture. Here are some common substitutions for vegan scones:

• Butter: Replace dairy butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. These alternatives provide the necessary fat content for a tender crumb.
• Milk: Use non-dairy milk such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. These options offer a similar creaminess to dairy milk and help bind the dough together.
• Eggs: While traditional scones may contain eggs for richness, they're not essential for the structure of the dough. Simply omit the eggs or use a vegan egg replacer if desired.

Tips for Perfect Vegan Scones

Creating the perfect batch of vegan scones requires a bit of finesse, but with the right techniques, anyone can achieve scone perfection. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

1. Keep Ingredients Cold: Just like traditional scones, it's essential to keep your vegan scone ingredients cold. This helps create a flaky texture and prevents the fat from melting too quickly.
2. Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Handle the dough as little as possible and use a light touch when shaping and cutting.
3. Use a Pastry Cutter: A pastry cutter or two knives is the best tool for cutting the fat into the flour mixture. This helps create a crumbly texture that's characteristic of scones.
4. Don't Overmix: Once you've added the liquid to the dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can result in dense scones.
5. Bake at the Right Temperature: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (usually around 200°C or 400°F) and bake the scones until they're golden brown on top.

Recipe: Classic Vegan Scones

Now that you're armed with the tips and tricks for perfecting vegan scones, let's dive into a classic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/3 cup vegan margarine or coconut oil, chilled
• 1/2 cup non-dairy milk (such as almond milk or soy milk)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: 1/2 cup dried fruit or chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut the chilled vegan margarine or coconut oil into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two knives to cut the fat into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the non-dairy milk and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. If using, fold in the dried fruit or chocolate chips.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
7. Pat the dough into a circle that's about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
8. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a couple of inches of space between each one.
9. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they're golden brown on top.
10. Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

Serving Vegan Scones

Once your vegan scones are baked to perfection, it's time to enjoy them in all their glory. Serve them warm with your favourite vegan spread – whether it's dairy-free butter, coconut whipped cream, or fruit preserves. Pair them with a steaming cup of tea or coffee for the ultimate afternoon treat.

Vegan scones offer a delicious and cruelty-free alternative to traditional scones and make the perfect desert for when you have polished off one of our delicious vegan ready meals without sacrificing any of the flavour or texture. With a few simple substitutions and some handy tips, anyone can master the art of vegan scone-making. Whether you're hosting a vegan afternoon tea or simply craving a tasty baked treat, these scones are sure to hit the spot. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the delightful taste of vegan scones – the perfect addition to any tea time spread.