How to Eat Scones

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: September 2, 2021 References

The best way to eat scones is still a hotly debated topic. Scones are part of afternoon tea or cream tea services, and there is more to scone than you might think. Do you eat them the Devon way or the Cornish way? What kind of jam do you put on them? Do you use double whipped cream or clotted cream? Eating scones is actually quite simple, though, so long as you follow proper etiquette. You will be able to freely indulge yourself in some sweet scones and tea in no time!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Choosing the Perfect Toppings and Pairings

1
Eat scones after tea sandwiches but before sweets. You will typically find scones on the second tier plate. Take one or two to save some space for sweets as well. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Choose whipped double cream or clotted cream. Go with clotted cream for the traditional British flavor that is the favorite among scone lovers. If you want to stand out, choose the whipped double cream, which will give you a cleaner, earthier taste. Try both creams see which one you like best.^{[2]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
3
Have sharp, tart jam to balance out the cream’s taste. Put on a classic like strawberry or damson jam. Be new wave and choose raspberry or blackcurrant jam, which can make your scone even more delicious.^{[3]
X
Research source}
4
Pick a scone, then put 2 tablespoons worth of cream and jam on it. Try to hit that 2:1:1 ratio sweet spot, which means you need about the same weight of toppings as the weight of your scone. ^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Drink loose leaf tea after eating the scone. Drinking loose leaf tea enhances the flavor and the overall experience. Brew the tea for 3 to 6 minutes. Be careful, though: brewing the tea for too long might affect the flavor.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Setting up the Scone

1
Use a spoon to scoop small portions of cream or jam onto your plate. Use the serving spoons provided for each bowl. You only want to mix the cream and jam on your scone with your spoon. ^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Break the scone horizontally with your fingers. Use your knife for slathering only the cream. Don’t worry, the scone is super easy to break apart!
3
Start by dressing the scone with cream then jam or vice versa. Use a knife to spread enough cream and jam on a small bite.^{[7]
X
Research source} Choose either the Devon or the Cornish way. If you want to be like the Queen, go with the Cornish method.^{[8]
X
Research source}
- Devon way: cream first, jam second. You will be able to taste the flavor of the jam better because it will hit your taste buds first.
- Cornish way: jam first, cream second. You can avoid being messy if you choose this. The jam will hold the cream in place so you don’t have to worry about staining your shirt.
4
Eat the bite-sized piece of scone. Have some napkins nearby because scones are very delicate. Enjoy!