Name: 4-ingredient milk powder scones
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 24
Ingredients: 582.50 ml self-raising flour; 125.00 ml Milk Powder; 50g Unsalted Butter, cubed; 250.00 ml water; 1 egg, beaten; Whipped cream & jam, to serve

by Wendy22 - Reviewed by Amira Georgy Last updated on 09/17/2025

There's something wonderfully satisfying about homemade scones, and these milk powder scones prove you don't need fresh milk to create bakery-quality results. The secret ingredient here is milk powder, which not only adds a lovely creamy flavour but also helps create that perfect tender crumb we all love in a good scone. With just four simple ingredients and a simple method, this recipe is ideal for both beginner bakers and busy home cooks who want fresh scones on the table quickly. The generous yield of 24 scones makes them perfect for feeding a crowd or popping extras in the freezer for later.

How to make 4-ingredient milk powder scones: key tips

To create light and fluffy scones, you’ll want to work quickly and handle the dough as little as possible. Once you add the water, mix just until the dough comes together to ensure you get that perfect fluffy texture (as overworking the dough will result in tough scones).

Once you’ve perfected the dough, it’s time to get the perfect rise. Gently pat the dough to 2cm thickness rather than using a rolling pin, as a rolling pin can compress the dough and affect how well your scones rise. Make sure to also use a sharp cutter and press straight down without twisting to help the scones rise evenly. Placing the scones close together on the tray also helps them rise higher as they support each other during baking.

What goes into this 4-ingredient milk powder scones recipe

This simple recipe relies on pantry staples that most home cooks will have on hand. Self-raising flour provides the structure and lift, while milk powder adds richness and a subtle dairy flavour that makes these scones extra special. Unsalted butter creates the tender, flaky texture when rubbed through the flour, and water brings the dough together without making it too wet. A beaten egg brushed on top gives the scones their golden, glossy finish. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity – just four ingredients that work together to create something truly delicious, served traditionally with jam and whipped cream.

Recipe image, video and recipe notes by Digital Food Director, Amira Georgy.

- Wendy22

Ingredients

2 1/3 cup self-raising flour
1/2 cup Woolworths Milk Powder
50g Woolworths Unsalted Butter, cubed
1 cup water
1 egg, beaten
Whipped cream & jam, to serve

Method

Step 1

Preheat oven to 230C/210C fan-forced. Line a large oven tray with baking paper.
Step 2

Sift flour and milk powder into a medium bowl. Rub in butter with fingertips until it resembles breadcrumbs. Add water and mix with a round bladed knife to a soft dough, adding a little extra flour, if needed. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead briefly to bring dough together.
Step 3

Pat dough out to 2cm thickness, then cut into 5cm rounds. Place close together on the prepared oven tray and brush tops with beaten egg. Bake for 10 minutes or until golden and cooked.
Step 4

Serve warm with cream and jam.

Recipe Notes

from Australia’s Best Recipes team

Can I freeze these scones?

Yes, you can make these scones in advance and freeze them for up to 2 months. After cooking, make sure to cool them completely. Then wrap each scone in plastic wrap, and place them all into a large resealable bag. Seal and place in the freezer. When ready to eat, unwrap the scones and place them at room temperature to defrost. To heat through, microwave them for 15-20 seconds, then serve with whipped cream and jam.