20 Minute Scone Recipe for Two – Perfect for Small Batch Baking

Bake the perfect small batch scones in just 20 minutes! This easy scone recipe for two uses pantry staples and is totally customizable with your favorite mix-ins like berries, chocolate chips, or citrus zest. A cozy tea-time treat with no buttermilk required. Great for beginners!

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My first memory of eating scones was at high tea in Victoria, BC when I was 6 years old. Over summer break my mom took my sister and I to visit my Aunt Gert. As a treat we went out for a very proper, Victorian high tea. I remember the clotted cream, the strawberry preserves, drinking tea from beautiful teacups while trying to stick my pinky finger out. I remember feeling special and important and like I was being invited into a grown up world. 

My love for scones has stuck with me. Not the dry, overly sweet scones that you buy at the grocery store, but good, proper homemade scones. It feels special when you sit down with a cup of tea and a scone. There is a sense of occasion to it. 

Sometimes it’s nice to create a special occasion out of everyday. A last minute cup of tea with a girlfriend. Celebrating a special occasion with breakfast in bed with The Hubs. Or an easy treat while having a brainstorming meeting with a client. 

I decided to adapt my favorite scone recipe so that it made 2 scones. These will be ready, start to finish, in less than 20 minutes. The recipe title is Mix and Match Scone Recipe for Two because you can mix and match the ingredients that you put in.

I also love that the ingredients are all staples in my home. Buttermilk scones are delicious, but it’s not an ingredient that I always have in my fridge. This recipe is great to whip up last minute. Intrigued? Read on.

Mix and Match Scone Recipe for Two… or One

Bake the perfect small batch scones for breakfast, brunch or snack in just 20 minutes! This easy scone recipe for two uses pantry staples and is totally customizable! No substitutions needed because you can fully customize this with your favorite mix-ins like berries, chocolate chips, or citrus zest. A cozy tea-time treat with no buttermilk required. A one bowl recipe that’s great for beginners!

Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 2 tablespoons of sugar (plus a bit more for sprinkling on top)
• 1 teaspoon of baking powder
• 2 tablespoons of cold butter cut into small pieces
• 5 tablespoons of milk
• 4 tablespoons of “Mix-Ins” (to borrow a term from our favorite ice cream shop, Marble Slab Creamery.) I used dried cranberries in the scones in the photo but you could also use dried or fresh apples, pears, peaches, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract, etc.

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 450
• Combine all ingredients in the bowl of your food processor. Pulse until dough comes together as course crumbs. Alternatively you could do this step by hand and stir the ingredients together.
• Break dough into 2 pieces. Press into a triangle shape that is approximately 3/4 of an inch thick.
• Sprinkle sugar on top of the scones. (Optional)
• Put on a cookie sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden around the edges.
• Serve and enjoy! I love these topped with butter, jam, clotted cream or whippin gcream.

Why You’ll Love This Small Batch Scone Recipe

If you’ve ever wondered how to make just two scones without having to break out your mixer or buy specialty ingredients, this is the recipe for you.

• Ready in under 20 minutes
• Uses milk instead of buttermilk
• Makes exactly 2 scones (or one generous one)
• Easy to customize with seasonal fruits or pantry mix-ins
• Perfect for date mornings, tea parties, or a treat-yourself moment

This is a small batch scone recipe that delivers big flavor and nostalgic comfort—without needing to scale down a full-size recipe.

More Scone Recipes You’ll Love

If you love baking scones, here are a few more delicious scone recipes from the Hello Creative Family kitchen:

FAQs: Small Batch Scones

Can I use milk instead of buttermilk in scones?
Yes! This is one of my favorite scone recipes with milk. No special ingredients required—just pantry staples.

Can I make just one scone?
Absolutely. Halve the recipe and shape the dough into one triangle. Bake as usual.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
If you have any! 😉 Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days or freeze for later. Reheat briefly in the oven to bring back that fresh-baked magic.

Like this recipe? Check out our cast iron baking series! 

Love this Recipe? Pin It for Later!

If this small batch scone recipe made your day a little sweeter, I’d love for you to share it! Pin this post to your favorite baking or breakfast board on Pinterest so you’ll always have the recipe handy the next time a scone craving hits. Fresh-baked goodness for two in just 20 minutes? Yes, please!