Elizabeth’s confectioners have long shared a traditional Easter dessert, with a detailed ingredient list and preparation method once published by a major outlet, the Daily Mail. This recipe reflects a storied kitchen tradition tied to royal celebration and charitable distribution across centuries. Cross-pattern scones are a familiar Good Friday bake in Buckingham Palace’s kitchens, prepared yearly for the Queen and her household. The core components include raisins, a blend of ground spices, eggs, butter, warm water, flour, yeast, candied fruit, and a finishing dusting of powdered sugar, all brought together through careful technique and time-honored steps.
The process begins by diluting yeast in warm water to awaken the yeast cells. In a separate bowl, dry ingredients are combined to create a stable base for the dough. A small well is created, and fermented water with lightly beaten eggs is poured in, gradually forming a cohesive mixture. As the dough comes together, softened butter is folded in, enriching the texture and lending a tender crumb once baked.
The dough is then kneaded briefly on a flour-dusted surface, and ready raisins along with candied fruits are worked into the mix. The handwork is gentle but decisive, ensuring the fruits are evenly distributed without tearing the dough. After a brief rest, the dough is rolled and light kneading resumes to achieve a smooth, elastic surface that springs back when pressed.
Next, each portion is shaped into a compact ball and laid onto a baking sheet lined with foil. The scones bake for a period of 30 to 45 minutes, until the outer crust develops a gentle golden tone. Once cooled just enough to handle, the buns take on a final touch: a liberal dusting of powdered sugar arranged in a diagonal pattern, a nod to decorative tradition. A short return to the oven for about eight minutes finishes the process, yielding a golden, aromatic finish with a softly crisp exterior.
These confections have roots that reach back to the 14th century when a monk at St Albans Abbey is said to have crafted them to provide for the needy. The generosity of this origin story mirrors the present-day charitable ethos often associated with royal culinary traditions, where festive foods serve both ceremonial and communal purposes. Through generations, the recipe has evolved while maintaining its core elements—spiced sweetness, fruity depth, and a texture that balances tenderness with a subtle bite. The result is a dessert that remains a symbol of Easter observance within royal circles and a reminder of the long-standing practice of sharing food with others during holidays. [Daily Mail]