In Maddy Barber’s own words, “if you haven’t tried the Barber scones, you haven’t tried anything!” After touring the radio host’s kitchen for our April issue, we got treated to these famous buttermilk scones—and we can definitely say that they are worth all of the hype they get! Today, we bring you Maddy’s all-time favourite recipe and top kitchen appliances, so go ahead and give the fluffy Barber scones a try.

Ingredients

For the dough:

• 2 cups plain flour
• 1/4 teaspoon bicarbonate soda
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 113g frozen butter (cubed)
• 1/3 cup fine raw sugar
• A good handful of dried currants, raisins or sultanas
• 2/3 cup buttermilk
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 teaspoon good-quality vanilla extract

To brush:

• Buttermilk or egg wash

Method

1. Pulse the flour, bicarbonate soda and baking powder with the butter in a food processor until the consistency resembles bread crumbs
2. Transfer the mixture to a large mixing bowl and add the sugar and currants/dried fruits
3. Quickly mix in the wet ingredients (do NOT knead)
4. Dust countertop with loads of flour as the dough is very sticky
5. Gently pat down the dough and shape it into an irregular circle about 1.5 inches thick
6. Cut it into 8-10 portions
7. Place the portions on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush the top and sides with buttermilk or egg wash
8. Bake at 200°C for 20 minutes until golden brown

Kitchen appliances

Whether you’re making scones or cooking up a feast, “you’ll definitely need a good stove and oven combo,” Maddy shares. “Mine is the SMEG Freestanding Cooker, which is nice and big so I can cook everything in one go.” She also can’t live without the Breville food processor, “which can honestly do everything—I use it for smoothies, pasta sauce, homemade mayonnaise and of course my famous Barber scones.” Finally, there’s the SMEG stand mixer, which she uses to make things like bread and cakes. “The mixer will knead the dough for you and save your hands some work.”

If you liked this recipe, make sure to check out Maddy Barber’s top kitchen renovation tips as well!