Marianne Martinez
Scones are a delightful treat, but what's the best way to bake them? While a scone pan can help you achieve the perfect triangle shape, there are other options. You can use a cake pan, a baking sheet, or even free-form your scones on a lined baking tray. If you're after a more uniform look, an aluminum sheet pan or a mini-scone pan will do the trick, but if you're feeling creative, you can use cookie cutters to make fun shapes. So, whether you're a traditionalist or a scone rebel, there's an option for you!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of pan | Baking sheet, half sheet pan, cookie sheet, baking tray, cake pan, shortbread pan |
| Material | Aluminum, aluminized steel coated in silicone, glass |
| Other tools | Bowl scraper, bench scraper, pastry brush, measuring cups and spoons, cooling rack, biscuit or cookie cutters, rolling pin, parchment paper, pastry blender, dough cutter, sharp knife |
Explore related products
Cookie sheets or baking trays
Cookie sheets, also known as baking trays, are a good alternative to scone pans. They are flat metal pans with a rim on only three sides, allowing baked goods to slide off the fourth, rimless edge. Cookie sheets are designed for baking cookies, but they can also be used for roasting and other savoury preparations. They are also useful for very shallow cakes, such as jelly rolls.
Cookie sheets come in various sizes, but they are typically smaller than baking sheets. They are often square, and common sizes include 10 x 14 inches and 14 x 17 inches.
When baking scones, it is recommended to use parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat with cookie sheets. This is because aluminium cookie sheets can react with acidic ingredients, causing discolouration and a metallic taste. Parchment paper can also help create a non-stick surface and makes cleaning up easier.
It is important to note that insulated cookie sheets may bake more slowly, so adjustments to the baking time may be necessary. Additionally, if you want crispy edges or browned bottoms on your scones, a standard aluminium pan may be a better option.
Molar X-rays: When and Why You Need Them
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Parchment paper
When using parchment paper for scones, it is important to consider the size and shape of the scones you wish to make. Parchment paper can be cut to fit the size of your baking sheet or pan. If you are making wedge-shaped scones, you can simply line your pan with parchment paper, sprinkle a bit of flour on top, and then divide your dough into the desired number of wedges.
For round or square-shaped scones, you can use biscuit or cookie cutters to cut out the desired shape directly on the parchment paper. Parchment paper can also be used to create a non-stick surface when rolling out your scone dough. Simply sprinkle a bit of flour on the parchment paper and roll out your dough to the desired thickness.
In addition to its use in baking, parchment paper can also be used for a variety of other tasks in the kitchen. It can be used for steaming foods, such as chicken, fish, or vegetables, and it can also be used to cover dishes to keep them warm or to wrap sandwiches or raw meat for freezing. Parchment paper can also be formed into a piping cone for decorating or a funnel for transferring dry ingredients.
While parchment paper is a convenient and versatile tool, there are some alternatives you can use if you don't have any on hand. One option is aluminum foil, which can be used for many of the same tasks as parchment paper. However, unlike parchment paper, foil does not have non-stick properties, so it is important to grease it well before using it for cooking or baking to avoid sticking. Another alternative is to simply grease your pans or baking sheets directly with butter, coconut oil, olive oil, or another grease of your choice, and then sprinkle with flour to create a non-stick surface.
Hello Dolly Bars: Grease or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Biscuit cutters
You don't need a scone pan to bake scones—a good cookie sheet or baking tray works perfectly. Biscuit cutters are a great alternative to a scone pan. Biscuit cutters come in a variety of sizes, depths, and shapes, with or without handles. They can be used to make round or square scones.
To make round scones, roll or pat the dough into a single disk, then use a biscuit cutter to cut out the rounds, cutting close together to avoid having to re-roll and cut a lot of excess dough. For the best rise, be sure to cut scone dough with something sharp, like a biscuit cutter or a chef's knife. Using a drinking glass or jelly jar isn't the best choice, as these tools tend to compress the sides of the scones and inhibit their rise in the oven.
For square scones, pat the dough into a square or rectangle. Gently flatten the dough into a square cake pan, ensuring you have enough dough to fill the pan about 3/4" to 1" thick. Cut the shaped dough into smaller squares with a sharp knife or biscuit cutter.
If you don't have a biscuit cutter, a sharp knife or dough cutter and a pastry blender are good alternatives. A pastry blender is a must-have if you are going to make biscuits, scones, or pie crusts. This tool allows you to cut frozen butter or shortening into flour.
Free-form scones are another alternative if you don't have a scone pan. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or use it without greasing. Using about 1/3 cup of the mix for each scone, drop each scone onto the baking sheet and flatten them a bit so they bake evenly.
Stripping Down to Restore: Reviving a Cast Iron Pan's Glory
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Pastry blender
A pastry blender, also known as a pastry cutter or dough blender, is used to work solid fats like butter, shortening, or lard into flour to create a dough. It is often used when making pie crusts, biscuits, and other baked goods, including scones. The arched blades at the bottom of the pastry blender help to cut pieces of cold butter into smaller pieces while dispersing them in a flour mixture, creating a bread crumb-like texture.
If you don't have a pastry blender, you can use a few common kitchen tools as substitutes. Here are some alternatives:
- Fork: Cut the butter or fat into small pieces and add them to a bowl with your flour and other dry ingredients. Then, use the fork to mash the butter into the flour until you achieve a crumbly consistency.
- Knives: You can use two butter knives in a scissor-like fashion to cut the butter into the flour. Alternatively, use a paring knife, a small sharp knife, to cut cold butter into small cubes before incorporating them into the flour.
- Hands: You can also use your hands to blend the butter into the flour. However, it is essential to ensure that the butter doesn't melt into the flour, as it will affect the desired crumbly texture. Wear latex-free gloves or food preparation gloves to help keep the butter cold while handling it.
While these alternatives can work in place of a pastry blender, a pastry blender is specifically designed for this task and will make the process easier and more efficient. It is a worthwhile addition to your collection of kitchen tools if you do a lot of baking, especially when making scones, biscuits, or pie crusts.
Accessing WyzeCam Pan Feeds on PC: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cake pan
A cake pan can be used instead of a scone pan. However, it is important to note that the type of cake pan will influence the cooking process and the final product. Dark or non-stick cake pans are not recommended as they tend to burn the bottoms of baked goods. Instead, opt for a light-coloured aluminium cake pan, as it conducts heat well and creates even baking.
When using a cake pan for scones, it is important to prepare the pan properly. Parchment paper can be used to create a non-stick surface and make cleanup easier. Additionally, butter can be used to grease the pan, although this is a matter of personal preference and may depend on the type of cake pan being used.
The dough preparation for scones in a cake pan is similar to that of a scone pan. The dough can be mixed in a large glass or metal bowl, with butter or margarine incorporated until the mixture is unevenly crumbly. Flavourings such as blueberries, lemon zest, chocolate chips, orange zest, walnuts, dried cranberries, or butterscotch chips can be added to the dough for variety.
Once the dough is prepared, it can be dropped onto the cake pan and flattened slightly to ensure even baking. For wedge-shaped scones, the dough can be divided in half and each half can be shaped into a circle, which can then be cut into wedges. For free-form scones, the dough can be dropped onto the pan and flattened without creating a uniform shape.
After shaping, the scones can be brushed with milk and sprinkled with sugar or other desired toppings. Chilling the scones in the freezer for 30 minutes before baking can improve their texture and rise. Finally, the scones can be baked in the oven until golden brown, and then cooled briefly on the pan before serving warm or storing for later.
Front Load Washers: Will They Fit Your Drain Pan?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You can use a cookie sheet, also known as a baking sheet or baking tray. You can also use a cake pan.
You will need parchment paper, a sharp knife or dough cutter, and a pastry blender to cut in butter. You may also want a pastry brush to brush milk on the tops of the scones, and a cooling rack.
The best scone pan is an aluminum sheet pan as they conduct heat very well and create even baking. Dark or non-stick surface pan varieties are not recommended as they tend to burn the bottoms of the baked goods.
Most large scones are cut into wedges, but you can also use biscuit cutters to make round or square shapes, or cookie cutters to make special shapes like hearts.
