Introduction
Potato scones, sometimes called tattie scones, are a tasty and traditional food mostly popular in Scotland and Northern Ireland. They are soft, flat, and round cakes made mainly from potatoes, flour, and butter. Potato scones are a perfect breakfast side or snack, loved for their mild flavor and soft texture. You can eat them plain, with butter, or as part of a full Scottish breakfast.
They are easy to make at home and use simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. In this article, I’ll guide you through how to make potato scones step by step. I will also share nutritional information and answer some common questions about them. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Potato Scones
To make potato scones, you will need just a few basic ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount |
---|---|
Potatoes (peeled and boiled) | 2 medium-sized (about 400g) |
All-purpose flour | 1 cup (120g) |
Butter (softened) | 2 tablespoons |
Salt | ½ teaspoon |
Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
Milk | 2-3 tablespoons (optional) |

Step by Step Process – Potato Scones
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by peeling and boiling the potatoes until they are soft. This usually takes about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, drain the water and mash the potatoes well until smooth. Let the mashed potatoes cool down to room temperature before using them.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and baking powder. Stir these together to mix evenly.
Step 3: Add Potatoes and Butter
Add the cooled mashed potatoes and softened butter to the dry ingredients. Mix everything with your hands or a spoon until it forms a soft dough. If the dough feels too dry, add a little milk (one tablespoon at a time) to bring it together. The dough should be soft but not sticky.
Step 4: Shape the Dough
Lightly flour a clean surface and roll out the dough into a flat circle about ½ inch thick. Use a knife or a pizza cutter to divide the circle into 6 or 8 triangular pieces, like slicing a pizza.
Step 5: Cook the Potato Scones
Heat a non-stick pan or griddle over medium heat. Place the scones in the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown. Be careful not to burn them — medium heat is best.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once cooked, serve the potato scones warm. They taste great with butter, jam, or as part of a breakfast with eggs, bacon, or sausage.
Nutritional Information
Nutrient | Amount per Scone |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Saturated Fat | 1.5 g |
Fiber | 1.5 g |
Sugar | 0.5 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are potato scones gluten-free?
No, traditional potato scones are made with all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. However, you can try making them with gluten-free flour if needed.
2. Can I use leftover mashed potatoes?
Yes! Leftover mashed potatoes work great for making potato scones and save time.
3. How should I store leftover potato scones?
You can keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in a pan or microwave before eating.
4. Can I freeze potato scones?
Yes, potato scones freeze well. Place them in a freezer bag and thaw before reheating.
5. What can I eat with potato scones?
Potato scones are great with butter, jam, honey, or alongside breakfast items like eggs and bacon.
Final Thoughts
Potato scones are a simple, tasty, and filling food that you can easily make at home. They don’t need many ingredients and are quick to cook. Whether you want a soft bread substitute or a side for breakfast, potato scones are a great choice. Plus, they carry a bit of Scottish tradition in every bite!
Try making your own potato scones this weekend. Once you get the hang of it, you can experiment with adding herbs or cheese for extra flavor. Enjoy the comfort of homemade potato scones!