When it comes to perfect English Scones, who’s would be the best? Today we’re sharing the Queen’s favorite scone recipe made by her former private chef Darren McGrady. He spent an impressive 11 years rattling pans in Buckingham Palace.
For four years he was Royal Chef to Princess Diana, William, and Harry. He says this is the Queen’s go-to recipe! If you loved her favorite chocolate cake, you have to try her scones.

Top Image via Express UK
Do You Put Jam Or Cream On Scones First?
We were completely unaware that this was even a question but apparently it is! Darren McGrady was asked this very question by Express UK News and here’s what he had to say.
“ALWAYS jam first on the scones – I spent 11 years making them for the royal tea tent. Have a look in the royal tea tent at how it should be done properly.”
– Darren McGrady

Queens Tea Scones Ingredients
Makes About 16 Scones
via Darren McGrady
- 3 ¼ cups all-purpose flour (450g)
- 1 stick soft butter (113g)
- 1/2 cup plus 1 Tbs granulated sugar
- 4 tsp baking powder
- 1 egg
- ¾ – 1 ¼ cups of milk
- 1 cup raisins (if making fruit scones)
- 1 egg yolk for glazing
Queen’s Favorite Scones Video
via Darren McGrady, Youtube.
Are you ready to learn how to make the Queen’s favorite Scones? Darren McGrady is here to show you how!
You will earn plenty of kitchen kudos from your friends at your next garden party! To watch, click Play above now ^

How To Make Queens Favorite Scone Recipe
via Darren McGrady, Youtube.
1. Set the oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add the flour, baking powder and sugar. Add and rub in the butter until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
2. Make a well in the center and add the beaten egg and about ¾ cup of milk. With a metal spoon bring the mixture together making sure you do not over mix it or you will tighten the dough.
3. If the mixture is a little dry add more of the remaining milk gradually (you don’t want the mix too dry, or too set that it sticks to the rolling pin.)
4. Lightly dust the table with flour and roll out the dough to about 1 ” thick. Then cut using a 2″ round cookie cutter. Place on a baking sheet about 1″ apart and brush tops with beaten egg yolk.
5. Bake for about 15 – 20 minutes. When cooked, lift onto a wire rack to cool.