Butterbeer Scones Recipe {Like Harry Potter!}

Butterbeer-Inspired Scone

Our house has been a longstanding Harry Potter fan since the Harry Potter books by J.K Rowling were published. We would listen to the books on tape and read as a family for hours after dinner. When the movies were released, we were front and center and also have the entire collection on DVD. Are DVD's even a thing anymore? 

We also visited Universal Studios to enjoy the Harry Potter World theme park and partake in the cream soda-based drink- Butterbeer! It is very refreshing and it has been the first purchase with each visit. We loved the drink so much, that I wanted to recreate it in a scone recipe.  

If this is your first time making scones don't be nervous. Check out my Master Scone Recipe to get started. It has helpful tips for making any scone recipe whether sweet or savory! Scones are easy to make and I walk you through them step by step so you will have a nice, fluffy, and tender scone, one that will rival any coffee shop!

Tools for baking

Before we start to make our homemade scones, it is a great idea to prep our work surface with the ingredients and items we will be using. Here are the go-to baking tools I use for every batch of the best scones.

• Pastry blender we mention this item with every single recipe because it is THE item that will ensure a fluffy outcome for your scones. You can use 2 knives or your hands, but a pastry blender or pastry cutter is best.
• Parchment paper a baking sheet lined with parchment paper is not only great for non-stick baking, but it is also awesome for easy cleanup! No pan scrubbing is needed!
• Mixing bowl should be a large mixing bowl if you want to make this a one-bowl recipe! I mix and also knead the scone dough right in the bowl before turning it out onto a floured surface. 

Secret to Making Good Scones

First, let's go over THREE VERY IMPORTANT THINGS you MUST DO to ensure a perfect flaky scone:

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees for at least 20 minutes before baking. A hot oven will help your scones rise tall instead of being flat.
2. Make sure you're using COLD butter. It does not matter if you use cold unsalted butter or salted butter, but it MUST BE COLD. As the butter melts it will allow for air to create flaky scones
3. Minimal handling of the dough. The more you knead the scone dough, the tougher it becomes and you will end up with a flat, hard scone.

Scone ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Pure Vanilla extract
• Butter extract
• Butterscotch flavor extract
• Chilled butter, cut into small pieces
• Half-and-half, plus 1 tablespoon
• Butterscotch chips

How to Make Butter Beer Scones Recipe

Grab your cup of coffee or tea ready and get this easy recipe into the oven and soon you will be enjoying nice warm and tender scones!

As I mentioned above in the Baking tips section, it is important to preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Be sure to do this at least 20 minutes before you intend to bake.

We are going to mix our dry ingredients first. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. 

Now, in the flour mixture, we are going to cut in the cold butter with a pastry blender or two knives until it resembles coarse crumbs. You should see lumps of butter and that is exactly what you want.

Next, we are going to add our wet ingredients. With a rubber spatula, stir in 2/3 cup half-and-half until just moistened. If you only have heavy cream That is ok too. Add in your vanilla extract, butter extract, and butterscotch extract and stir.

Before kneading the dough, gently fold in butterscotch chips. 

On a lightly floured surface, knead dough gently 5 to 10 times and pat it into a 1-inch thick round disc shape.

With a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges and transfer dough triangles onto a prepared baking tray 2- inches apart. I can usually fit all eight on a large baking sheet.

With a pastry brush, brush the top of each scone with 1 Tablespoon half-and-half, and sprinkle each top with sugar for a little extra sweetness.

Place scones in center of the oven on the middle rack.

Bake until golden brown, which is about 12 to 15 minutes.

Cool completely on wire rack.

Serve warm scone with your cup of hot tea or coffee!

If you have any leftovers, store scones in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months, or you can keep them on the counter at room temperature loosely covered with a sheet of plastic wrap.

Other scone recipes you should try: Bisquick Scones, Biscoff Scones, Lemon Raspberry Scones, Eggnog Scones, Chocolate Chip Scones, Chai Spice Scones, Hot Chocolate Scones

Butterbeer scone recipe

The combination of sweet buttery butterscotch and butter flavor creates a taste that is so close to the real thing! If you have sweet cravings for this famed beverage, then you must make these. They are so good, they should be sold in Diagon Alley or maybe the Leaky Cauldron! If you are having a birthday party, then be sure to add butterbeer cupcakes with Butter Beer Frosting made by my friend Mel. 

Top FAQ

Should I use a food processor or electric mixer to make scone dough?

My recommendation is, absolutely not. Using these items or even a stand mixer will overwork your scone dough making it flat and hard. For tender, fluffy scones, be sure to hand-mix your dough! 

What is the Best Temp For Baking Scones? 

Setting the oven at 425 degrees I have found to be the best temperature for baking our easy scones recipe. As mentioned in our baking tips sections, it is important to bake your scones in a preheated, hot oven. This helps to release steam from the butter when baking creating layers of tender scone.