What is the best Cornish scones recipe?
RecipesFrom its stunning coastline to its locally produced foods, the county of Cornwall is celebrated for many reasons. One of its most celebrated foods is Cornish scones as they truly enhance any Cornish cream tea and afternoon tea.
Who doesn’t love a traditional Cornish cream tea? There really isn’t anything better than eating warm fluffy scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream with a nice cup of tea. If you’re staying with us at our Falmouth hotel you can enjoy afternoon teas with a spectacular view over the bay.
Our Exec Head Chef Darren tells us why you need to try our cream teas during your next visit to St Michaels Resort: “I think great food experiences occur when the best ingredients are expertly combined and presented in a memorable setting. Relax into the resort vibe, slurp some good Cornish tea and nibble on a warm St Michaels scone and you’ll be so busy looking out across our sub-tropical gardens to the sea beyond that you won’t even notice the Cornish clotted cream dripping onto your chin. It’s indulgence, rest and the freshest of fresh light scones, delivered with an informal smile by our great crew here.”
Scones can come in all shapes and sizes but in this guide, we take a look at the best Cornish scones recipe with suggested servings - jam first of course!
There are lots of Cornish scones recipes on the internet with some telling you to do one thing and another telling you to do something completely different and it can all be a bit confusing. If you’re looking for the traditional way to make a Cornish scone, then read on.
Lisa, the author behind the lifestyle blog Scoop of Cornwall, tells us that she feels the best Cornish scones recipe is one from Rodda’s, who are famous for making Cornish Clotted Cream.
“The recipe I use if I’m ever baking is this one by Rodda’s. I’ll admit, I’m not the best baker, so I’ll always look for local cafes or independent bakeries with a proper Cornish view!”
Cornish Scones Ingredients (for 12 people)
500g plain flour
5g baking powder
pinch of salt
100g caster sugar
100g diced butter
250ml milk
1 egg
Cornish Scones Recipe
Rodda’s say for the perfect Cornish scones recipe that you need to follow the following steps:
Sieve flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a bowl, then by using your fingertips, you need to rub the butter into the flour until it is no longer visible.
The next step is to add the milk and mix well. Once the mixture starts to form, turn out on to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it forms a smooth, soft dough.
Preheat the oven to 200 degrees /Gas Mark 6.
You will then need to roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface to 2.5 cm thick and cut into rounds with a 5cm cutter. Place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
For the egg wash, beat the egg in a small bowl and brush the tops of the scones twice.
Bake in the oven for approximately 15 minutes. Do not over-bake them or they will be dry.
Serve your Cornish scones with jam and cream
Cornish Hampers, who sell gift hampers that celebrate the vibrant and active food scene in Cornwall, shared some further steps you could follow when making Cornish scones.
“Choose quality ingredients and be sure to use cooled unsalted butter. Handle the dough with cool hands as little as possible and with a light touch. Even if the dough looks a bit bumpy and ‘rough and ready’, the finished scones will be light, fluffy and well-risen.
“Make the scones by hand rather than using a food processor and avoid overworking or kneading the dough as this will result in flat, heavy scones. Cut the rounds out of the dough to a generous depth of about 5cm by pressing down on the cutter, don’t twist. Finally serve the scones warm with lashings of Cornish clotted cream and jam and a teapot filled with the finest Cornish brew. And for the perfect finishing touches, a view of the beautiful Cornish coastline whilst breathing in the Cornish sea air is a must!”
Think of India vs Pakistan in the cricket, Coca Cola vs Pepsi, Celtic vs Rangers in football or McDonald’s vs Burger King, the rivalry between Cornwall and Devon over their cream teas is one for the ages.
Cream tea has been served in the UK since the 11th century and the debate over whether the jam or the cream be spread first has raged ever since.
Our Exec Head Chef Darren has his say and suggested that you could even be creative with your toppings: “That debate is one for magazines (and food marketing companies) to continue to drool over, but as a good Cornish boy, I’m going for a generous smear of jam followed by an almost indecent dollop of good clotted cream on top, though why not cream-jam-cream and blow the debate wide open!”
Sarah, who runs the food blog Life In Full Flavour, told us how she likes to serve her Cornish scones: “When it comes to serving, it's got to be strawberry jam and Cornish clotted cream (in that order!) which is the ultimate way to enjoy your Cornish scone. Add a cup of tea - for me, it has to be tea - and that's heavenly.”
Cornish Hampers also feel that the Cornish way of spreading jam first is their favourite: “Warm, light fluffy scones, generous in size, served with local Cornish Boddington’s fruity strawberry jam, Rodda’s clotted cream and Cornish Smugglers Brew tea are essential ingredients for the perfect cream tea.”
Other toppings for your Cornish Scones
As well as the traditional jam and cream, there are plenty of other toppings that you can try with your scones as our chef Darren explains: “Added to that, the scone is about the best vehicle for all manner of treats. Why stop with jam and cream? How about Nutella, or a good blue cheese, the possibilities are endless!”
Below is a list of other potential toppings you can try with your Cornish scone:
Nutella
Blue cheese
Fresh fruit such as blueberries or strawberries
Lemon curd
Marmalade
Plain honey
Salmon
Scrambled egg
So, what is all the fuss about Cornish cream tea and why should you try it when you come and enjoy afternoon tea in Falmouth?
Put simply, no trip to Cornwall is complete without indulging in a Cornish cream tea, whether you enjoy it on the coast, on the moors or in the valleys, it is the perfect treat for any occasion.
We asked our Exec Head Chef Darren why people need to try a Cornish cream tea: “A cream tea has been the bedrock of Cornish afternoon indulgence for as long as anyone can remember. Many holiday day trips have been saved by a warm cream-laden scone, and if you’re stepping off the beach and feeling ravenous, it’s the greatest afternoon snack. Also, let’s face it, the scone is very adaptable: it’s not seasonal, it doesn’t matter what the weather’s doing, it’s widely available at a high standard across Cornwall and it’s usually on your table very soon after you order.”
Lisa from Scoop of Cornwall tells us why she’d recommend people visiting the county to try this popular treat.
“I’d recommend everyone try a Cornish scone when visiting, they’re the perfect afternoon snack when exploring the county - just make sure you’re sticking by the Cornish tradition of jam first!
“For me, a Cornish cream tea should be enjoyed with a pot of Tregothnan’s loose leaf tea, with a side of sea views. With the number of breathtaking destinations Cornwall has to offer, you won’t be short of scenic spots to choose from!”
Sarah from Life in Full Flavour adds that even if she tries the treat when she is not in the county it brings back happy memories for her.
“Cornish scones are synonymous with a trip to Cornwall and even when you're not there, they can conjure up memories of the beautiful scenery, picturesque coasts, and of course, mouth-watering food. I love Cornish scones, they are a perfect dessert or treat in my eyes as they are not too heavy, not too light and the right level of sweetness.”
These are just some of the reasons why you should try a Cornish scone during your next visit to Cornwall and with our guide we have given you ideas about potential other toppings you can try. For articles like this, check out the blog section of our website.
A festive favourite
Christmas in Cornwall 2025
Enjoyed Christmas so much you're already making plans for 2025? Make it a sea-filled one next year
and stay at St Michaels to get your fix of coastal calm.
Christmas at St Michaels is special with good Cornish food, warming evenings around the fire and plenty of festive cheer. Book your 4-night break before the end of Feb to secure your room at 2024 rates. It's never too early to start making plans!
Christmas at St Michaels comes with
• Classic King Room (upgrades available)
• Breakfast each day
• 3-course Christmas Eve celebration meal
• Festive Christmas lunch and evening meal on Christmas Day
• 3-course Boxing Day dinner
• Complimentary Health Club gym and swim
• Discounted spa use
4-night break starts from just £935 per person.
From £169 for 2
Sunday Sleepover
Extend your weekend with a 1-night treat, from £192 for 2. Taste the best of Cornwall in Brasserie on the Bay, wind down into an incredible night of comfort in our coastal bedrooms then start the week right with a full Cornish breakfast.
Your Sunday Sleepover inclusions:
• 3-course dinner in Brasserie on the Bay
• Classic King Room
• Full Cornish breakfast
• Complimentary swim & gym access. Fitness and yoga classes are available for £6pp.
Offer starts from just £192 for 2.
Upgrade to a Luxury Room from just £10pp.
Stay must be within 10 weeks of booking.
Dogs stay for free
Pampered Pooch
The perfect break to enjoy with your pampered pooch on the Cornish coast. Make the most of Falmouth’s off-season charm as the beaches welcome back dogs, and with direct access to the South West Coast Path; one of the UK’s best loved national trails. We've partnered with five local Cornish pet brands on this package with goodies including natural treats and chews from Natural Cornish Pet, handcrafted all-weather dog leads from Storeys & Tails, premium toys and snacks from Wags R Us, stylish leads and accessories from Tide & Country and unique and handrawn designed accessories from Fluffing Fabulous. The resort will also provide a cosy dog bed, blanket, and bowl, to ensure every tail is wagging.
Your inclusions:
• 2-night stay in a Classic King bedroom
• 3-course dinner on your first night
• Pampered Pooch Goodies
• Full Cornish breakfast daily
• Complimentary swim & gym access
2-nights from just £215 per person, with dogs staying free.
Valid on stays from 01 Jan 25 - 30 Apr 25
* dinner will be served in Nourish if dining with your pooch
15% off in 21 days
Last Minute Bed & Breakfast
Escape for a dose of coastal goodness and enjoy 15% off last minute Bed & Breakfast stays within the next 21 days. Celebrate a special occassion or just treat yourself to some much-needed 'us time'. Wander down subtropical resort gardens and onto the sheltered calm sands of Gylly Beach. Drink in ocean views over your Cornish breakfast, then head out onto beaches and coastpaths, or take a stroll into the bustling harbourside town of Falmouth.
Your Last Minute inclusions:
• Complimentary Health Club swim & gym access
• Full Cornish breakfast
Discount applies on Bed & Breakfast stays within 21 days of the time of booking.
Dip & Dine
Twilight Spa Break
Our most popular spa break is back. Spend a blissful twilight evening in our spa, with a 2-hour Hydrothermal Experience followed by a 3-course dinner in our AA rosette Brasserie on the Bay.
Your Twilight Spa Break inclusions:
• 1-night stay in a Classic King Room
• A 2-hour Hydrothermal Experience in the spa
• A 3-course dinner in the Brasserie on the Bay
• Full Cornish breakfast
Your standard inclusions:
• Complimentary access to gym and swim facilities
Offer starts from just £132pp.
Upgrade to a Luxury Room from just £10pp.
Available on Sun-Thu stays, excludes bank holiday weekends and special occasion dates. Stay must be within 10 weeks of booking.
3 nights for 2
Be Free
Cornwall's natural beauty shines through no matter the season you visit. With stunning evening sunsets and miles of dramatic coastline to explore from our doorstep, it's the perfect time to detox from the day-to-day. What's more, you'll enjoy your third night with us free of charge.
Your inclusions:
• 3-night stay in a Classic King Room
• Full Cornish breakfast each morning
• Complimentary access to gym and swim facilities
Available on 3-night stays until 28 Feb 25 and 01 Oct - 22 Dec
Sun - Fri
Spring is in the air
You, Me & The Sea
Whisk your loved one away to the sea this spring for two nights at St Michaels. Arrive to a glass of prosecco at the bar before tucking into a three-course Cornish feast at Brasserie on the Bay, just the two of you. Then relax the next day with a flower-filled coast path stroll followed by two dreamy hours in our spa, soaking it all in from the bubbling hot tub overlooking the Bay. A special springtime retreat.
Included in You, Me & The Sea:
Pre-dinner glass of prosecco on the first night
A 3-course dinner in the Brasserie on the Bay on the first night
2-hr hydrothermal spa experience
Your standard inclusions are:
• 2-night stay in a Classic King/Twin Room
• Full Cornish breakfast each morning
• Complimentary swim & gym Health Club access
From £217pp | Valid on stays until 01 Apr 2025 | 2-night break
5 nights for 4
All Summer Long
Heatwaves that stay for days. Hours spent lounging around the beach. Summer at St Michaels is magic. Stay for longer this year and get a free night when you book five nights or more. All of our stays come with paddleboard rental and e-bikes so you get more time to explore sun-kissed Falmouth. And after your day of adventuring is done, return to the resort to indulge in a sunset dinner and late-night drinks in the gardens. Midsummer bliss.
Available to book from 01 Jun - 01 Oct 2025
Min 5 nights stay | Exclusion dates apply
Flee to the sea
Kids Stay Free
Time for a break? With busy school terms and a long old winter, we're all in need of an escape at this time of year. So book a stay at St Michaels and get away with kids this season. Spend endless hours on the beach rockpooling, building sandcastles and splashing in the sea before returning to the Health Club pool to warm up with unlimited access included in your stay.
Valid on Bed & Breakfast stays only | 2-night min stay
Valid on stays from 13 Feb - 31 Mar 2025 | 15 Sep - 22 Dec 2025