My sourdough buttermilk scones/biscuits…

I devised this recipe especially for my courses, it’s a great way to use sourdough starter in a different way, it’s fast and it tasty!!!!

These are based on American ‘biscuits’, which in the UK we would call savoury scones. In my recipe there is no butter; the butter is replaced with bubbly sourdough starter, this gives them a great sourdough flavour as well as a chewier texture than usual.

They’re great plain, and even better with added cheese, or like those above, a concoction such as cheese and za’atar…the possibilities are endless!!!

Ingredients

350g plain/cake flour

85g bubbly active starter (my starter is 100% hydration i.e. I feed it with equal weights of flour and water; for more details about my starter management, visit the relevant pages on the site, links to the left)

284ml tub of buttermilk or 300g in weight

1tsp bicarbonate of soda

Pinch of salt

Optional additions: cheese, herbs, spices, nuts, seeds…

Method

Loosely mix all of the main ingredients together. This mixture does not benefit from being overworked so resist the temptation to handle it too much. It does not need to be kneaded, just brought together like you would with pastry.

Preheat the oven to 200C fan/convection, 220C non fan/non convection.

Turn the mix out onto a floured surface, spread and push the dough with your hands to flatten it out to a 2cm thick layer.

Line a large baking tray with parchment paper.

Use a 5 or 6cm cookie cutter to cut out the scones. Push the cutter directly downwards and remove directly upwards, do not twist it to cut the dough otherwise you will lose the edging and the rise.

Place them evenly on the baking tray. They can be close together as they don’t spread outwards very much.

Bake for 16-18 minutes until nicely browned.

Remove and place the scones on a rack to cool – resist eating immediately and burning your mouth!

24 thoughts on “My sourdough buttermilk scones/biscuits…”

  2. Pingback: My sourdough buttermilk scones/biscuits… | foodbod

  7. I’m afraid I’m not a sweet eater, but I’d suggest maybe dried cranberries or other dried fruit, and/or cinnamon…I’m sure other people will have better ideas than me for sweet options!

  12. Yummy Elaine – my husband has been running a stall for a local artisan sourdough maker and they need this recipe! Scones are one thing that always feel distinctly English!

  14. Hi there, I’m giving these a whirl and notice that you don’t specify a temp for the buttermilk. I’m guessing that means you aren’t really counting on getting much leavening from it, but rather from the soda. Is that correct?

  15. Yes, the buttermilk is whatever temperature you’ve got it, I’ve used it direct from the fridge and at room temp, it’s made no noticeable difference

  16. Hi, Elaine. Can I use full cream milk instead of buttermilk?
    I also noticed that you didn’t use any butter in this recipe. Is that where the starter comes into play?
    Thank you.

  17. I fear the full cream would be quite heavy. And quite a different flavour.
    And yes, the starter replaces the butter, it gives a different flavour & texture to the usual scones x

  20. I did these scones today with chunks of Stilton on the inside and topped with cheddar and cayenne. Used sour cream as that was all I had and it worked out wonderfully. They are very delicious, a bit too much! Thanks for the recipe 🙂

  22. Pingback: My breakfast mix banana buttermilk sd bites… – The home of great sourdough

  23. I followed your recipe as given and was absolutely pleased with the outcome. I added asiago cheese shavings to mine with savory herbs and the fragrance in my kitchen was beautiful and so pleasing to the nose. There are so many possibilities to this recipe and I am ever thankful having another fabulous recipe that I can use my sourdough discard for. Many thanks. xo

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