Empress Hotel Scones

      

These Empress tea scones are truly the best scones you'll ever taste. Based on the recipe from the famous Fairmont Empress Hotel in Victoria, BC Canada. Perfect for high tea.

• 2 1/4 cups flour plus more for dusting
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 3 eggs
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup raisins
• 3/4 cup whipping or heavy cream

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 deg F
2. Put flour in a large mixing bowl and crumb the butter into the flour with your fingers until it resembles small peas.
3. Add sugar, baking powder, 2 slightly beaten eggs, and salt and mix together with a fork until just combined.
4. Add raisins.
5. Pour the cream in and knead in to the dough.
6. Using a rolling pin, roll dough out on floured surface until 1 inch thick. Using a large circular cookie cutter dusted with flour, cut out the scones and place on ungreased baking sheet. (Note: you could use parchment paper but do not use a silpat - it makes the biscuits flat).
7. Leave the scones to rest for 5-10 min.
8. Beat one egg and brush just the top of the scones.
9. Bake for 10- 15 minutes, until just golden brown.