The Great Scone Debate: Jam or Cream First?

 

There’s something quietly luxurious about a freshly baked scone. Golden on the outside and tender and flaky inside. Cream scones are the pinnacle of a British bake. It’s a staple of afternoon teas, countryside cafés and family kitchens alike and it always rouses the great scone debate: jam or cream first! 

What Makes a Scone Special? Aside from everything…? It’s actually pretty simple to make. Not if you want 80 of them mind, like one of our customers did this week. 

 

Flour, baking powder, butter salt and sugar, with a touch of cream and fruit (if it takes your fancy). The result is a soft, slightly crumbly scone with just the right amount of indulgence. 

 

They’re versatile too. Whether served plain, studded with currants or sultanas, or lightly glazed with cream and sugar before baking for that golden top, cream scones always feel like a treat — without being fussy. 

 

Scones are believed to have originated in Scotland in the early 1500s, named after the Stone of Scone, where Scottish kings were once crowned. Over time, they made their way into English tea culture, becoming a key part of the now-iconic cream tea, especially in Devon and Cornwall, where debates still rage about whether cream or jam should go first… 

 

 

We had this debate in the Production kitchen recently and it was pretty balanced. Although a flyaway comment of adding butter before cream and jam was out there, as well as a suggestion of adding cream on one side and jam on the other to make a scone sandwich! 

 

Whilst the people of Cornwall and Devon will fiercely defend their serving suggestions, here’s a few extras: 

 

• Switch up the jam: use marmalade or lemon curd for a different twist. 

• Fresh & Fruity: Serve with seasonal berries and a drizzle of honey. 

• Savoury Twist: Add cheese and chives to the dough and pair with salted butter. 

 

And of course, a pot of tea, ideally English breakfast tea rounds it off perfectly. 

 

Whether you're serving guests at an afternoon event or treating the team, cream scones bring a taste of tradition and a whole lot of comfort. 

 

 

Want to add scones to your next event? Get in touch with the team: