How to bake scones in a bakery oven?

Hey there, baking enthusiasts! If you're running a bakery or thinking about starting one, scones are a classic treat that can really draw in the customers. And as a bakery oven supplier, I'm here to walk you through the process of baking delicious scones in a bakery oven. Whether you've got a Deck Baking Oven or a Rotary Baking Oven, I'll share some tips and tricks to make your scones turn out perfect every time.

Understanding Your Oven

First things first, it's super important to understand the type of oven you're working with. A deck oven, like the one I mentioned earlier, is great for baking scones because it provides even heat distribution. The stone decks absorb and radiate heat, giving your scones a nice, crispy bottom and a well-baked top. On the other hand, a rotary oven, which rotates the baking racks, can also be a good choice as it ensures uniform baking and can handle larger batches.

Before you start baking, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. This is crucial for getting the scones to rise properly. Most scone recipes call for an oven temperature between 400°F and 425°F (204°C - 218°C). It usually takes about 15 - 20 minutes to preheat a bakery oven, but it can vary depending on the size and type of the oven.

Ingredients for Scones

Let's talk about the ingredients. Scones are pretty simple to make, and you probably have most of them in your pantry already. Here's what you'll need:

• Flour: All-purpose flour is a good choice for scones. It gives them a nice texture. You'll need about 2 ½ cups.
• Sugar: Just a little bit of sugar, around ¼ cup, to add some sweetness.
• Baking powder: About 1 tablespoon. This is what makes the scones rise.
• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavor.
• Butter: Cold butter is key. You'll need 8 tablespoons, cut into small pieces. The cold butter creates little pockets of fat in the dough, which turn into steam during baking and make the scones flaky.
• Milk or cream: You'll need about ¾ to 1 cup. This helps bind the dough together. You can use whole milk, but heavy cream will make the scones richer and more tender.
• Optional add-ins: You can add things like dried fruits (such as raisins or cranberries), nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or chocolate chips to give your scones some extra flavor and texture.

Making the Dough

Now, let's make the dough. Start by combining the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Use a whisk to make sure they're well mixed. Then, add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This might take a few minutes, but it's important to get the butter evenly distributed.

If you're adding any optional ingredients, like dried fruits or nuts, now's the time to toss them in and mix them gently with the flour - butter mixture.

Next, gradually add the milk or cream to the dry ingredients. Start with ¾ cup and add more as needed. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until it comes together to form a soft dough. Be careful not to over - mix the dough. Over - mixing can develop the gluten in the flour, which will make the scones tough instead of tender.

Shaping the Scones

Once you have the dough, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a round about 1 - 1 ½ inches thick. You can use a round cutter or a glass to cut out the scones. If you don't have a cutter, you can also use a knife to cut the round of dough into wedges, like you're cutting a pie.

Place the cut scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Make sure to leave some space between the scones because they'll spread a little bit during baking.

Baking the Scones

Now, it's time to bake the scones. Open the door of your preheated bakery oven carefully. Slide the baking sheet with the scones onto the middle rack of the oven. Close the oven door quickly to keep the heat inside.

The baking time will depend on the size of your scones and the type of oven you're using. Generally, scones take about 12 - 15 minutes to bake. Keep an eye on them through the oven window. The scones should turn golden brown on the top and bottom. You can also use a toothpick to test if they're done. Insert a toothpick into the center of a scone. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready.

If you're using a deck oven, you might notice that the heat from the stone deck gives the scones a nice, crispy crust. In a rotary oven, the rotation ensures that all sides of the scones are evenly baked.

Checking for Doneness

As the scones are baking, it's a good idea to rotate the baking sheet halfway through the baking time. This helps ensure that the scones bake evenly, especially if your oven has any hot spots.

Once the scones are done baking, carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven using oven mitts. Place the baking sheet on a wire rack to let the scones cool for a few minutes. This allows the steam inside the scones to escape and makes them easier to handle.

Finishing Touches

While the scones are cooling, you can make a simple glaze if you want. Just mix some powdered sugar with a little bit of milk or lemon juice until you get a smooth, drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for an extra touch of sweetness.

Tips for Success

• Keep everything cold: As I mentioned earlier, using cold butter and cold milk or cream is really important. It helps create those flaky layers in the scones.
• Don't over - work the dough: Mix the dough just enough to bring it together. Over - mixing can lead to tough scones.
• Use the right oven temperature: Preheating the oven to the correct temperature is crucial for proper rising and baking.
• Let the scones cool: Allowing the scones to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack helps them set and develop their flavor.

Contact for Purchase

If you're looking to upgrade your bakery oven or get a new one for your scone - baking adventures, I'd love to help. As a bakery oven supplier, I can offer you a range of high - quality ovens, including Deck Baking Ovens and Rotary Baking Ovens. These ovens are designed to meet the needs of professional bakers and can help you bake delicious scones and other treats with ease.

If you're interested in learning more about our bakery ovens or have any questions, feel free to reach out. We can discuss your specific requirements and find the perfect oven for your bakery.

References

• "The Joy of Baking" by Karen Tack and Alan Richardson
• "Baking Illustrated" by the editors of Cook's Illustrated Magazine