15 Minute Queen’s Birthday Scones

Whether you’re a monarchist or an anarchist, enjoy a touch of class in just 15 minutes.

• 3 cups self-raising flour, plus extra to dust
• 100g chilled unsalted butter, chopped
• 1 cup milk
• Strawberry jam and whipped cream, to serve

1. Preheat oven to 220C. Sift flour into a large mixing bowl. Dust an oven tray with extra flour. Add butter to sifted flour. Using your fingertips, rub butter into flour until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

2. Make a well in the centre. Add milk and mix using a flat-edged knife until mixture comes together to form a soft, loose dough. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly (about 30 seconds) until dough is smooth.

3. Using the palm of your hand, press dough into a 2cm-thick round. Using a 5cm biscuit cutter, cut 12 rounds from dough. Put dough rounds, 1cm apart, on prepared tray. Dust with a little extra flour. Bake for 12 minutes, or until scones are golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature with jam and cream.

Scones will be served in the drawing room. That will be all.