Scotch Pancakes Recipe (Drop Scones) (2024)

• ▢ 225 g self raising flour
• ▢ 40 g caster sugar
• ▢ 1 egg
• ▢ 250 ml semi skimmed milk
• ▢ Butter for cooking

• Start by sifting flour and sugar into a large mixing bowl.

• Make a well in the flour mix and crack in 1 large egg.

• Add half of the milk then start to whisk the milk and egg into the flour.

• Slowly start to add more of the milk to the batter, whisking well between each addition. The gradual addition will ensure a lump free batter.

• Add enough milk until the batter is the consistency of thick pouring cream.

• Place a frying pan on a medium heat. Add a bit of butter and melt. Spread the butter around the pan using kitchen towel and remove any excess. Give your batter a good mix and then scoop ½ of a ladleful of pancake mix into the pan.

• Cook for a minute or so, until bubbles start forming on top of the batter.

• Flip the pancake and cook for a further minute on the second side.

• Repeat steps 6-8 until all the batter is used. Keep cooked pancakes warm by wrapping in foil.

Milk:Semi skimmed milk (2%) is used in this recipe but for a richer flavour you can use whole milk. I don't recommend using skimmed milk which lacks the fat required to keep the pancakes soft and full of flavour.

Flour: This recipe uses UK self raising flour, which is different to the USA version. If you don't have this type of flour, it can be substituted for: 250g (2 cups) of all purpose flour + 1 level teaspoon of baking powder. For more info see this article on how to make self raising flour.

Butter: The butter is purely for use as a cooking agent but you can use oil if you prefer. I suggest melting the butter in the pan, then wiping with a kitchen towel to spread the butter and remove any excess.

Caster Sugar: The caster sugar (or bakers sugar) is added to the recipe to make the pancakes sweet. Caster sugar is the best option as it dissolves quickly and produces a nice even flavour throughout the scotch pancakes. Either white or brown caster sugar can be used.

Why are my pancakes browning too much? If your pancakes are browning too much or are sticking to the pan then you need to add more oil or butter and spread it evenly around the whole surface. I usually melt a bit of butter and then use kitchen towel to spread it around and remove any excess.

Can you reheat pancakes? In my opinion pancakes are best eaten straight from the pan. However, if you wish, you can make a full batch of pancakes and wrap in foil as you go to keep them warm. If they do need reheating, place the foil wrapped pancakes in a hot oven for 5 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop the pancakes in a toaster briefly or pop the pan back on the heat and warm each pancake on both sides for 10 seconds or so.

What toppings to serve with pancakes? The most simple topping for scotch pancakes is butter. The butter can be left out if preferred but I do like the nutty and slightly salty flavour that the butter adds. Honey can also be added, but this isn't strictly necessary as scotch pancakes are already sweet. Other toppings you may want to use could include berries, banana, mango, nutella, cream, yogurt, chocolate chips, nuts and seeds.