Scones, a classic British treat, have been a staple in bakeries and homes for centuries. Traditionally, scones are made by hand, requiring a gentle touch and a bit of elbow grease to mix and knead the dough. However, with the advent of stand mixers, many bakers are wondering if it’s possible to make scones using these powerful machines. In this article, we’ll explore the world of scone making and answer the question: can you make scones in a stand mixer?
The Benefits of Using a Stand Mixer for Scone Making
Stand mixers have revolutionized the way we bake, making it easier and faster to mix, knead, and whip ingredients. When it comes to scone making, a stand mixer can be a game-changer. Here are some benefits of using a stand mixer for scone making:
- Faster mixing time: Stand mixers can mix ingredients much faster than hand mixing, which is especially useful when working with large batches of dough.
- Less effort required: With a stand mixer, you don’t need to worry about overmixing or developing the gluten in the dough, as the machine will do the work for you.
- Consistent results: Stand mixers ensure that ingredients are mixed evenly and consistently, resulting in a more uniform texture and flavor in your scones.
Choosing the Right Stand Mixer for Scone Making
Not all stand mixers are created equal, and when it comes to scone making, you’ll want to choose a mixer that can handle the task. Here are some factors to consider when selecting a stand mixer for scone making:
- Power and speed: Look for a mixer with a powerful motor and multiple speed settings. This will ensure that your mixer can handle thick dough and mix ingredients efficiently.
- Bowl size and material: A larger bowl is essential for mixing large batches of dough. Look for a mixer with a stainless steel or glass bowl, as these materials are easy to clean and durable.
- Attachments and accessories: Consider a mixer with a dough hook attachment, as this will make kneading and mixing dough much easier.
The Best Stand Mixer for Scone Making
Based on our research and testing, we recommend the KitchenAid Professional 600 Series Stand Mixer for scone making. This mixer boasts a powerful 575-watt motor, a large 6-quart stainless steel bowl, and a dough hook attachment that makes quick work of thick dough.
How to Make Scones in a Stand Mixer
Making scones in a stand mixer is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort and supervision. Here’s a basic recipe and guide to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
Instructions:
- In the stand mixer bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream or buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix on low speed until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
- Attach the dough hook to the mixer and knead the dough for 5-7 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
- Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and brush with a little extra heavy cream or buttermilk.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Tips and Variations for Making Scones in a Stand Mixer
While the basic recipe above will yield delicious scones, there are many ways to vary the recipe and add your own twist. Here are some tips and variations to try:
- Add-ins: Try adding dried fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips to the dough for added flavor and texture.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dough for a unique flavor.
- Cream vs. buttermilk: Experiment with using heavy cream or buttermilk to see which yields the best results.
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough scones.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Scones in a Stand Mixer
While making scones in a stand mixer is relatively easy, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: Mix the dough just until it comes together in a shaggy mass. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Not using cold ingredients: Make sure to use cold butter and cream or buttermilk, as this will help the dough to come together properly.
- Not kneading the dough enough: Knead the dough for at least 5-7 minutes to develop the gluten and create a smooth, elastic dough.
Conclusion
Making scones in a stand mixer is a game-changer for bakers of all levels. With the right mixer and a basic recipe, you can create delicious, flaky scones with minimal effort and supervision. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, we hope this article has inspired you to try making scones in a stand mixer. Happy baking!
What are the benefits of making scones in a stand mixer?
Making scones in a stand mixer offers several benefits, including ease of use and reduced manual labor. With a stand mixer, you can cream butter and sugar, mix wet and dry ingredients, and fold in add-ins with minimal effort. This is especially helpful when working with large batches or making scones frequently.
Additionally, using a stand mixer helps to ensure consistency in your scone dough. The mixer’s precise speed control and powerful motor allow for thorough mixing and aeration, resulting in a tender and flaky texture. This consistency is difficult to achieve when mixing by hand, making a stand mixer an invaluable tool for scone enthusiasts.
Can I use any type of stand mixer to make scones?
While most stand mixers can be used to make scones, some models are better suited for the task than others. Look for a mixer with a powerful motor (at least 250 watts) and a large mixing bowl (at least 5 quarts). This will provide the necessary capacity and power to handle thick scone dough.
It’s also important to consider the type of mixing attachments that come with your stand mixer. A paddle attachment is ideal for creaming butter and sugar, while a dough hook attachment can be used to mix and knead the dough. Some stand mixers may also come with a specialized pastry attachment, which is designed specifically for working with delicate pastry dough.
How do I prevent overmixing when making scones in a stand mixer?
Overmixing is a common mistake when making scones, as it can lead to tough and dense scones. To prevent overmixing when using a stand mixer, mix the wet and dry ingredients separately and gently fold them together using the mixer’s lowest speed setting. This will help to minimize the development of gluten in the dough.
It’s also important to monitor the mixer’s progress and stop it as soon as the ingredients come together in a shaggy mass. Overmixing can occur quickly, so it’s better to err on the side of caution and undermix the dough slightly. This will allow the dough to come together during the folding and kneading process.
Can I make gluten-free scones in a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make gluten-free scones in a stand mixer. However, gluten-free flours can be more delicate and prone to crumbling, so it’s essential to use a gentle mixing action and avoid overmixing. Start by creaming the butter and sugar, then gradually add the gluten-free flours and mix until just combined.
When working with gluten-free flours, it’s also important to use a combination of flours that provide structure and texture. Almond flour, coconut flour, and rice flour are popular options for gluten-free scones. Additionally, you may need to adjust the liquid content of the dough, as gluten-free flours can absorb more liquid than traditional flours.
How do I ensure my scones are flaky and tender when made in a stand mixer?
To ensure your scones are flaky and tender when made in a stand mixer, it’s essential to keep the butter cold and use a light touch when mixing the dough. Cold butter will help to create a flaky texture, while overmixing can lead to a dense and tough scone.
When mixing the dough, use the mixer’s lowest speed setting and stop the mixer frequently to scrape down the sides of the bowl. This will help to prevent the dough from becoming overworked and developing too much gluten. Additionally, be gentle when folding in any add-ins, such as fruit or nuts, to avoid overmixing the dough.
Can I make sweet and savory scones in a stand mixer?
Yes, you can make both sweet and savory scones in a stand mixer. The mixer’s versatility allows you to cream butter and sugar for sweet scones or mix herbs and spices for savory scones. Simply adjust the ingredients and mixing time according to your recipe.
When making savory scones, be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to a dense and tough texture. Instead, mix the ingredients just until they come together in a shaggy mass, then gently fold in any add-ins, such as cheese or herbs. For sweet scones, you can use the mixer’s creaming function to cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and flavorings as desired.
How do I clean my stand mixer after making scones?
Cleaning your stand mixer after making scones is essential to prevent the buildup of dough and butter residue. Start by removing any large pieces of dough from the mixer bowl and beaters. Then, wash the bowl and beaters in warm soapy water, using a soft-bristled brush to remove any stubborn dough.
For tougher stains or residue, mix equal parts water and white vinegar in the mixer bowl and let it sit for 10-15 minutes. Then, scrub the bowl and beaters with a soft-bristled brush and rinse thoroughly. Finally, dry the mixer bowl and beaters with a towel to prevent water spots.