Scone

"There is a very special bakery in New Orleans that I visit on my many trips south," writes Lisa Despirito of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. "Piece of Cake serves luscious pastries of all sorts, but I always drop in for a maple-pecan scone and a cup of coffee." Serve with whipped butter sweetened with a little maple syrup, if desired.

Unlike oven-baked versions, griddle-cooked scones get a wonderful golden crust, which is a delicious contrast to the soft, tender interior. Active time: 35 min Start to finish: 35 min

"The scones from Bon Bonerie in Cincinnati are moist, light and sweet," says John Van Eeckhout of Norfolk, Virginia. "When I lived in the area, one of my favorite ways to spend a Saturday morning was to read the newspaper in the bakery's adjacent tearoom while enjoying a raisin scone with clotted cream, preserves and a cup of coffee." Raisin Scones are also delicious served with butter and jam.

Traditionally served with tea in the afternoon, scones are lovely at brunch, too.

Active time: 25 min Start to finish: 45 min

In these easy scones, cumin seeds complement the sharp cheddar, and self-rising flour eliminates the need for baking powder or baking soda. If you prepare the dough the night before, you can just pop the scones into the oven when guests arrive.

Sour cream scones get treated to a cinnamon-sugar swirl and crunchy streusel crown.

As good with a cocktail as they are with tea or coffee, these mostly savory scones are perfect for a hair-of-the-dog brunch when the party continues into the next day.

Scones full of the textures and flavors of a granola bar—a hint of sweetness comes from copious dried fruit and a sprinkle of raw sugar.

Think of these scones as the easier, cooler cousin of the blueberry muffin.

You can use only all-purpose flour for this scones recipe if you’d like, but going 50/50 with whole wheat produces a nice nuttiness that complements the cheese and walnuts.

Using a cookie cutter as a guide to shape and form the scones instead of rolling and cutting them out ensures tenderness.