What is the Difference Between Biscuits and Scones

The main difference between biscuits and scones is that biscuits are flakier and less dry than scones.

British scones look very much like North American biscuits. They are quickbreads made with a chemically-leavened dough, typically containing ingredients like flour, salt, dairy and fat. However, there are differences between the two based on their texture, ingredients and condiments that accompany them. Moreover, biscuits are of North American origin, while scones are of British origin. It’s also important to note that English biscuits are equal to American cookies.

Key Areas Covered

1. What are Biscuits 
     – Definition, Ingredients
2. What are Scones
     – Definition, Ingredients
3. What are the Similarities Between Biscuits and Scones
     – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Biscuits and Scones
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Biscuits, Scones

What are Biscuits

In the United States and Canada, biscuits are a type of small quick bread with a firm browned crust and a soft, crumbly interior. They are made with flour, salt, and vegetable shortening or butter. Baking powder is also used as a leavening agent in this recipe. The dough made with these ingredients are kneaded briefly and rolled out, and then biscuits are cut with a round cutter; it’s also possible to drop spoonfuls for irregular shapes without using a cutter.

Biscuits are usually light and airy with flaky layers. Although they are tender, they are sturdy enough to be eaten with gravy or syrups. Moreover, biscuits are rarely sweet in themselves (sugar not added), but they are usually served with sweet condiments like fruit preserves or maple syrup. They can also be eaten with sausage gravy, runny egg yolks, or ham.

What are Scones

Scones are a British baked good with Scottish origins. It is a small quick bread made from wheat, barley or oatmeal. It generally includes baking powder as a leavening agent. Scones are usually lightly sweetened and sometimes glazed with egg wash. Scones are a basic component of the cream tea (light afternoon meal consisting of tea, scones, clotted cream and jam).

Although scones have layers, they are more crumbly than flaky, when compared to biscuits. They are also slightly dryer than biscuits. Moreover, scones are usually eaten with jam, clotted cream, or butter.

British scones usually include ingredients like currants, raisins, cheese or dates. In the US, scones typically include fillings like blueberries, cranberries, and nuts. They can also be savoury.

Similarities Between Biscuits and Scones

• British scones look very much like North American biscuit
• They are made with a chemically-leavened dough, and typically contain similar ingredients (flour, salt, dairy and fat).
• Moreover, the dough is made incorporating tiny pieces of butter or other shortening into flour; then, the dough is kneaded, rolled out and cut into shapes.

Difference Between Biscuits and Scones

Definition

Biscuits are a type of small quick bread with a firm browned crust and a soft, crumbly interior while scones are small, round cakes that are like bread, made from flour, milk, and a little fat.

Texture

Scones are more crumbly than flaky when compared to biscuits. They are also slightly dryer than biscuits.

Sweet Taste

Biscuits are rarely sweet in themselves while scones may be slightly sweetened.

Origin

While biscuits have a North American origin, scones have a Scottish origin.

Conclusion

Biscuits (in the US and Canada) are a type of small quick bread with a firm browned crust and a soft, crumbly interior while scones are small, round cakes that are like bread, made from flour, milk, and a little fat. British scones look very much like North American biscuits. The main difference between biscuits and scones is their texture.

Reference:

1. “Biscuit.” Encyclopaedia Britannica, 17 Mar. 2020, Available here.
2. “Scone.” Wikibook: Cookbook, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Biscuit, gravy, breakfast, homemade, sausage, food, biscuits” (CC0) via Pikist
2. “Lemon Scones (6849625315)” By Benson Kua from Toronto, Canada – Lemon SconesUploaded by tm (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Commons Wikimedia