Greasing The Pan: Scone-Making Essential

Whether or not you grease the pan when making scones depends on the type of pan you are using. If you are using a non-stick pan, you do not need to grease the pan. However, if you want to, you can grease the pan with butter or cooking spray. If you are using a scone pan, it is recommended to grease the pan with butter or cooking spray to ensure that the scones do not stick when removed from the pan. You can also use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Should you grease the pan?

Greasing the pan is not a mandatory step when making scones. However, it is a step that can be taken to ensure the scones don't stick to the pan.

Advantages of Greasing the Pan

Greasing the pan can make it easier to remove the scones without them sticking or falling apart. It can also help to create a crispier texture on the outside of the scone.

Disadvantages of Greasing the Pan

Greasing the pan may not always be necessary, especially if you are using a non-stick pan or a silicone baking sheet/mat. Greasing the pan can also make the scones too crispy or cause them to spread, resulting in uneven shapes that are difficult to stack and serve.

Alternatives to Greasing the Pan

If you are concerned about the scones sticking to the pan, there are a few alternatives to greasing it:

• Use a silicone baking mat on top of the pan.
• Lightly flour the top of the scones before baking to create a barrier between the pan and the dough.
• Use parchment paper or silicone liners.
• Ensure the oven is preheated to the correct temperature before baking.

Tips for Greasing the Pan

If you decide to grease the pan, here are a few tips:

• Use butter or cooking spray to grease the pan lightly.
• Make sure the pan is well-greased to ensure the scones don't stick.
• Always use oven mitts when handling a hot pan to avoid burns.
• Clean the pan with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth after each use.
• Dry the pan completely before storing it away.

What type of pan is best?

The best type of pan to use when making scones depends on the shape and texture you desire. Circular scones are the most common, but they can also be made in the shape of triangles, squares, or rectangles. The shape you choose will determine the baking time, with larger shapes requiring a longer baking time.

There are several materials that can be used for scone pans, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Aluminum with a non-stick coating is the most common type these days, but cast iron varieties are also available. Cast iron pans are more durable and develop a non-stick coating over time, but they require more care to maintain. Silicone pans are becoming increasingly popular due to their ease of unmolding, but they may not brown the scones as well as metal pans. Carbon steel is another option commonly used in professional kitchens.

When choosing a scone pan, it is recommended to stick with non-stick or cast iron varieties for hassle-free baking. The former is the easiest to use, while the latter is the most durable. Silicone pans should be avoided if the color of the scones is important, as they do not transmit heat as well and may result in uneven browning.

What temperature should the oven be?

The oven temperature for scones depends on the type of cookware you are using. For shiny aluminium baking sheets, which cook and brown baked goods evenly, set your oven to 425°F (218°C). If you are using glass bakeware or dark, non-stick metal bakeware, which tend to brown baked goods more quickly, reduce the heat by 25°F (14°C) and watch the scones closely.

Convection ovens, which circulate air freely throughout, are ideal for baking scones. They bake goods more evenly, with a golden brown crust and tender interior. With convection ovens, you can bake goods at a lower temperature and for less time than in a standard oven. In general, reduce the heat by 25°F (14°C) if using a convection oven and reduce the time by five to 10 minutes. If you set the convection oven at 425°F (218°C), you risk browning the outside of the scones too quickly, while the dough is still raw inside.

One baker recommends preheating the oven to 405°F (207°C) to achieve an oven temperature of 425°F (218°C). They found that their scones did not bake properly at 360°F (182°C).

How long should you bake the scones?

The baking time for scones varies depending on the recipe and the size of the scones. Most scone recipes recommend baking the scones for 20-25 minutes in an oven preheated to 400°F (204°C). However, the exact baking time will depend on the size and shape of your scones, as well as your oven. It is always better to start with a shorter baking time and check the doneness of your scones, as you can always put them back in the oven if they need more time.

• Your scones should be lightly browned on top and have a hollow sound when tapped.
• Scones are done when they can be easily slid off the parchment paper or picked up without any problem.
• A toothpick inserted into the center of a scone should come out clean. However, keep in mind that scones will continue to bake even after being removed from the oven, so avoid over-baking them.

Some recipes suggest brushing the scones with heavy cream, buttermilk, or egg before baking to give them a golden brown color and an extra crisp and crumbly exterior. You can also sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra crunch.

Additionally, it is recommended to chill the scone dough in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before baking to prevent over-spreading and ensure a successful bake.

How do you know when they're done?

Knowing when your scones are done is crucial to getting the right texture. You want to avoid over-baking them, as this will make them dry and hard. Here are some ways to tell when your scones are done:

• Check the suggested baking time in your recipe and use that as a guide.
• Look at the tops of the scones—they should be a light golden brown colour.
• Tap the top of the scones with your fingers—if they sound hollow, they are likely done.
• Insert a skewer or toothpick into the centre of a scone—if it comes out clean, without any dough on it, the scones are ready.
• Break one open—the interior should be moist but not doughy or wet.

If you are still unsure, it is better to err on the side of caution and take the scones out of the oven. You can always put them back in if they need a little longer, but you can't undo over-baking!

Frequently asked questions