Earl Grey Scones: Perfect Coronation Tea Party Recipe

Earl grey scones are perfect to add to your tea party food offerings! These scones are light, fluffy, and full of flavor from actual tea leaves. They're perfect for serving with jam and cream, or for enjoying with a simple glaze. I've included all the tips and tricks you need to make these scones perfectly every time. 

I first made these for the Coronation celebration. It had been over 70 years since the last British Monarch was crowned in Westminster Abbey. Prince Charles became King Charles lll and England is set to celebrate.

England is known for traditional scones and from what I am reading, will be baking many to have on hand to stuff with Coronation Chicken, a dish that resembles chicken salad. Sounds good, but I decided to make a delicious scone using my favorite tea instead. 

Today, I'm going to show you how to make the perfect Earl Grey scones for your Coronation Party

What are Coronation party scones?

English scones recipe are a type of quick bread that is typically served with jam and clotted cream along with a pot of tea. Coronation Party scones are served at coronation parties and can be decorated with royal symbols, such as crowns and lions. Another party favorite is a coronation quiche which seems fitting for any celebration. 

Why are Coronation party scones so special?

Coronation Party Scones are special because they are a way to celebrate the coronation of a new monarch. I wonder if Princess Kate Middleton enjoyed a scone at the ceremony?

Other scone flavors to celebrate the day are: 

• Mixed Berry Scones
• Chocolate Chips Scones
• Strawberry Prosecco Scones
• Cranberry Orange Scones
• Date Scones
• Lemon Lavender Scones

How to make Earl Grey scone recipe

These tender scones are typically made with Earl Grey tea, a type of black tea that is flavored with bergamot oil. I didn't have a box of this in the cabinet like I usually do, so I used lady grey tea instead which made a darn good scone. 

• Ingredients:
  • all-purpose flour
  • baking powder
  • salt
  • sugar
  • unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • cream or half and half
  • vanilla extract
  • loose tea chopped if needed
  • Jam and cream, for serving
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients of flour, baking powder, sugar, tea leaves, and salt.
  3. Add cubed butter and with a pastry cutter, cut into flour mixture until the mixture looks like coarse bread crumbs.
  4. Add in wet ingredients of half and half and vanilla. Stir in the tea and fold in the scone dough mixture until just combined.
  5. Make an 8-inch dough disc and with a bench scraper, cut into 8 wedges. 
  6. Place scone wedges on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. 
  7. Top unbaked scones with a brush of cream and sprinkle of sugar.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
  9. Cool on a wire rack or serve warm with jam and cream and your favorite cup of tea.

Tips for making Earl Grey tea scones

• Use cold butter for flaky scones.
• Don't overmix the dough, or your scones will be tough.
• Bake the scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet for even cooking.
• Preheat oven for at least 15 minutes before baking.

FAQs

• What can I use instead of Earl Grey tea? 

You can use any type of black tea or even herbal tea. I found a tin of Coronation Tea from one of my favorite tea makers, Harney & Sons. I found this beautiful tin on Amazon and it is filled with Darjeeling tea, the King-to-be's favorite tea. 

• How do I store leftover scones?

Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature or on a serving plate loosely covered with saran wrap for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months in a ziplock freezer bag. If frozen, bring scones to room temperature before serving. 

• Are scones British or Irish?

​Scones are traditionally Irish, Scottish, and English foods, but no one knows for certain where scone recipes originated. If we searched way back, we may find scones from Scotland. I like to think that English scones have always been enjoyed with afternoon tea, and made their way over to America so we could make our own American version. 

Earl Grey scones (Coronation Party Scones) are a delicious and festive treat that is sure to please everyone at your party. They are easy to make and can be customized to your liking making them the ultimate indulgence.

So next time you're celebrating a special occasion, like a birthday, wedding or baby shower, or perhaps another royal event, be sure to make a batch of Earl gray scones.

Original post: 5/3/23, Updated 3/12/24