Mary Berry Drop Scones Recipe

Mary Berry’s Drop Scones, also known as Scotch pancakes, are a quick and delicious treat that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Light, fluffy, and golden brown, these small pancakes are cooked on a griddle or frying pan and can be served with butter, honey, syrup, or fresh fruit.

This easy recipe uses basic pantry ingredients and follows Mary Berry’s reliable all-in-one method. The result is a soft, slightly sweet scone with a tender crumb—perfect for a comforting snack or a classic British breakfast favourite.

What are Mary Berry Drop Scones?

Mary Berry’s Drop Scones are small, thick pancakes traditionally cooked on a hot griddle. They’re called “drop” scones because the batter is dropped onto the pan instead of being rolled or shaped. The texture is light and fluffy, and the flavour is subtly sweet, making them a versatile base for both sweet and savoury toppings.

Other Popular Mary Berry Recipes

• Mary Berry Marble Cake
• Mary Berry Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
• Mary Berry Dijon Chicken
• Mary Berry Chicken Noodle Soup
• Mary Berry Mediterranean Chicken Thighs

Why This Recipe is Worth Trying

• Quick and simple – Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Perfect texture – Soft and fluffy inside, lightly crisp outside.
• Versatile – Delicious with fruit, honey, or savoury toppings.
• Family favourite – Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Freezer-friendly – Ideal for meal prep and busy mornings.

Essential Ingredients to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones

• 175g self-raising flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 40g caster sugar
• 1 large egg
• 200ml milk
• 1 tbsp melted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• Pinch of salt

Optional additions:

• Handful of raisins or chocolate chips
• ½ tsp vanilla extract for extra flavour

Handy Kitchen Tools for Best Results

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Non-stick frying pan or griddle
• Spatula
• Measuring jug and spoons

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mary Berry Drop Scones

Step 1: Prepare the batter

In a large bowl, sift the self-raising flour, baking powder, and salt together. Stir in the caster sugar. In a separate jug, whisk together the egg, milk, and melted butter. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and whisk until you get a smooth, thick batter. The consistency should be thick enough to drop easily from a spoon but not too runny.

Step 2: Heat the pan

Place a non-stick frying pan or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. To test the temperature, drop a small bit of batter onto the pan—it should sizzle and cook evenly without burning.

Step 3: Cook the drop scones

Drop tablespoons of batter onto the hot pan, spacing them slightly apart. Cook for about 1–2 minutes, or until small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to set. Flip them gently and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Step 4: Keep warm and repeat

Transfer the cooked scones to a plate and cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm. Repeat the process with the remaining batter, greasing the pan lightly between batches if needed.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

Serve the drop scones warm with butter, maple syrup, honey, or fresh berries. For a traditional touch, try them with jam and clotted cream.

What I Got Wrong (And How I Fixed It)

• Too dense – Reduced mixing time to prevent overworking the batter.
• Uneven colour – Lowered heat slightly for more even browning.
• Too dry – Added a splash more milk for a looser consistency.

Healthier Ways to Make Mary Berry Drop Scones

• Replace white flour with wholemeal self-raising flour for added fibre.
• Use low-fat milk or plant-based milk alternatives.
• Swap sugar with honey or maple syrup for natural sweetness.
• Add grated apple or banana to make them naturally moist.

Ingredient Substitutions for Mary Berry Drop Scones

• Self-raising flour → Plain flour + 2 tsp baking powder.
• Milk → Buttermilk for a tangy flavour.
• Butter → Vegetable oil or dairy-free spread.
• Sugar → Coconut sugar or brown sugar for a deeper taste.

Pairing Ideas: What to Serve With Mary Berry Drop Scones

• Fresh berries and honey – A naturally sweet topping.
• Butter and jam – Classic British combination.
• Greek yogurt and fruit compote – Light and healthy option.
• Smoked salmon and cream cheese – A savoury twist.
• Maple syrup and banana slices – Comforting and delicious.

Expert Tips for Drop Scones Success

• Keep batter thick – Prevents spreading and keeps the scones fluffy.
• Use medium heat – Too high will brown outside before the inside cooks.
• Avoid overmixing – Keeps texture soft and airy.
• Cook in batches – Don’t overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
• Serve immediately – Best enjoyed warm for maximum softness.

Creative Ways to Customize Mary Berry Drop Scones

• Add lemon zest and serve with lemon curd.
• Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet treat.
• Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth.
• Fold in blueberries for a fruity version.
• Top with whipped cream and caramel sauce for dessert-style scones.

Storing Drop Scones the Right Way

• Let them cool completely before storing.
• Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Mary Berry Drop Scones (If Needed)

• Pan: Warm in a dry frying pan for 1–2 minutes per side.
• Oven: Heat at 160°C for 5 minutes.
• Microwave: Reheat for 10–15 seconds until soft and warm.

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

• Calories: ~200 kcal
• Protein: 6 g
• Carbohydrates: 24 g
• Fat: 8 g
• Fibre: 1 g
• Sugar: 5 g

Print

FAQs

Why are my drop scones not fluffy?

Drop scones turn out dense if the batter is overmixed or too thin. Mix just until combined, keeping the batter thick enough to drop easily from a spoon. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise and fluffiness.

How do you know when drop scones are ready to flip?

Drop scones are ready to flip when small bubbles form on the surface and the edges start to look set. Flip gently using a spatula and cook for another 1–2 minutes until golden brown on both sides.

Can I make drop scone batter ahead of time?

You can prepare the batter a few hours ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Before cooking, let it rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes and stir gently to restore consistency.

What is the best pan temperature for cooking drop scones?

A medium heat is ideal. If the pan is too hot, the scones will brown too quickly and remain raw inside. The perfect temperature is when a small drop of batter sizzles and turns golden in about 60 seconds.

Wrapping It Up

Mary Berry’s Drop Scones are a simple yet delightful recipe that captures the charm of classic British baking. Light, fluffy, and endlessly versatile, these scones are perfect for any time of day—whether you serve them plain, sweet, or savoury. With just a few pantry ingredients and a few minutes on the stove, you’ll have a stack of warm, golden perfection ready to enjoy.