• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Effortless Foodie
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Privacy Policy
  • Subscribe
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Ebooks
  • Resources
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • Ebooks
    • Resources
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Scotch Pancakes (Drop Scones)

    Published: Feb 8, 2021 · Modified: Mar 8, 2023 by Beth Sachs · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases · 6 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Scotch pancakes pin image.

    Scotch pancakes (also known as drop scones) are fluffy little pancakes made in a frying pan or traditional girdle.

    They're small, thick, and delicious, and just perfect for a lazy weekend brunch or a quick weekday breakfast.

    A plate of drop scones (scotch pancakes with maple syrup.

    Scotch pancakes are great for beginner cooks! The batter is gently dropped onto a hot frying pan, spoonfuls at a time, to create little circular pancakes that are tender and fluffy. The batter is thick and easy to work with and they can be flipped much easier than thin crêpes.

    👩‍🍳 Love pancakes? Try my easy buttermilk pancakes too!

    Jump to:
    • ✔️ Why should you try it?
    • 🥘 Ingredients
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 💭 Top tips
    • 🍴 Serving suggestions
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🥡 Storage
    • 🧊 Suitable for freezing?
    • ❓ FAQS
    • Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    ✔️ Why should you try it?

    • Easier to make than crêpes.
    • Lots of different topping options.
    • Kid-friendly.
    • Great for feeding a crowd.
    • Freezer-friendly.

    🥘 Ingredients

    Ingredients for scotch pancakes (drop scones)
    • Flour - 175g of self-raising flour.
    • Baking Powder - helps the pancakes fluff up and rise on cooking.
    • Golden Caster Sugar - or use ordinary white caster sugar.
    • Egg - 1 large free-range egg.
    • Milk - 180ml of whole milk is used to ensure the batter is a thick dropping consistency. Don't be tempted to add more. The batter should be thick.
    • Lemon - the zest of half a lemon gives the pancakes a lovely subtle citrus flavour. You could use the zest of half an orange instead, or leave it out completely.
    • Vegetable Oil - for frying the pancakes.

    🔪 Instructions

    The recipe card with ingredient quantities and detailed instructions can be found at the bottom of the post

    One: Place the flour, baking powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack in 1 large egg.

    Two: Add the milk and then use a whisk to gently work the ingredients into a batter.

    Three: Grate the zest of half a lemon into the batter and give it a stir.

    Four: Soak a piece of kitchen paper or paper towel in vegetable oil and lightly wipe the surface of a frying pan (do this between every batch of pancakes to prevent them from sticking), place the pan on a high heat for 1 minute.

    Five: Turn down the heat to medium and drop a large spoon of the batter (you might find it easier to put the batter into a jug and pour the batter in) and cook until you see bubbles appearing on top of the pancake.

    Six: Flip the pancake over and cook for another minute. Remove to a plate while you cook the rest of the pancakes. You should be able to cook 2 or 3 pancakes at a time, depending on how big your frying pan is.

    Step by step photo instructions for making scotch pancakes (drop scones).

    💭 Top tips

    • Make sure your baking powder is fresh and within the best-before date. If your baking powder isn't fresh you risk your pancakes not rising and fluffing up in volume.
    • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, rubbery pancakes. Mix until just combined and no lumps remain.
    • Use a paper towel to oil the pan between batches of pancakes to prevent them from sticking.
    • Don't overcrowd the pan. Give each pancake plenty of space in the pan to cook evenly.
    • Cook until little bubbles start to form on top of the pancakes. Flip the pancakes over with a palette knife or fish slice and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Keep the heat moderate. A moderate heat will ensure that your pancakes cook evenly and don't burn on the outside while still being raw on the inside.

    🍴 Serving suggestions

    Traditionally, scotch pancakes or drop scones were served for afternoon tea with butter and jam. These days, they are more likely to be served for breakfast or brunch. My kids enjoy them with Nutella and mashed banana. Berries and yogurt also make a nice topping for the pancakes, as does blackcurrant coulis, cinnamon-spiced stewed apples, and roasted rhubarb.

    Why not serve up a special weekend brunch with these delicious drop scones, homemade peanut butter granola, and lots of fresh seasonal fruit. That will keep tummies nice and full until lunchtime!

    Check out my what to serve with pancakes post for more topping ideas and serving suggestions!

    📖 Variations

    Here are some of my favourite pancake toppings;

    • Fresh berries and Greek yogurt
    • Bacon, maple syrup, and blueberries
    • Chopped banana and Nutella
    • Butter and Strawberry Jam
    • Fruit compote
    • Marmalade
    • Peanut butter and chocolate sauce
    Drop scones served on a plate with butter and jam.

    🥡 Storage

    The pancakes are best eaten fresh, straight from the frying pan.

    Store - in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat them in the microwave for 10 seconds. You can reheat 3 pancakes at a time using this method.

    🧊 Suitable for freezing?

    Freeze - the scotch pancakes can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When cooled, place in a freezer-safe container, between layers of non-stick baking paper to prevent them from sticking together. Defrost and consume within 24 hours.

    ❓ FAQS

    What is the difference between American pancakes and scotch pancakes?

    Scotch pancakes are slightly sweeter than American-style pancakes, with a small amount of sugar in the batter mixture. In contrast, American pancakes generally contain fat as part of the batter mixture, usually melted butter, whereas scotch pancakes do not.

    Where did the tradition of making pancakes come from?

    The tradition of making pancakes came about to use up all the 'forbidden' foods before Lent in order to avoid spoiling and wasting food.

    How do you eat scotch pancakes?

    Traditionally scotch pancakes would have been served for afternoon tea with salted butter and jam. Nowadays they are more often served for breakfast or brunch with toppings such as berries, yogurt, and maple syrup.

    Can I make scotch pancakes ahead of time?

    Yes, you can make scotch pancakes ahead of time and reheat them in the microwave or oven. Just be sure to store them in an airtight container to prevent them from drying out.

    More breakfast recipes from the Effortless Foodie kitchen!

    • Air Fryer Creme Egg Croissants Recipe
    • Easy Buttermilk Pancakes (UK Recipe)
    • Easy No Bake Flapjacks Recipe
    • Creamy Pumpkin Pie Overnight Oats Recipe

    Don't forget to subscribe to the newsletter to stay up to date with what's cooking in the Effortless Foodie kitchen! You can also follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram too!

    Recipe

    A plate of drop scones (scotch pancakes).
    Email
    Print Pin
    5 from 6 votes

    Scotch Pancakes (Drop Scones)

    Scotch pancakes (also known as drop scones) are fluffy little pancakes made in a frying pan or traditional girdle. Much easier to make than traditional crêpe style pancakes, scotch pancakes are perfect for Shrove Tuesday, or any day of the week for that matter!
    Course Breakfast
    Cuisine British
    Keyword drop scones, scotch pancakes
    Prep Time 5 minutes
    Cook Time 10 minutes
    Total Time 15 minutes
    Servings 15
    Calories 79kcal
    Author Beth Sachs
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Kitchen Scales
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Measuring Jug
    • Mixing Bowl
    • Frying Pan

    Ingredients

    Metric - US Customary
    • 175 g Self Raising Flour
    • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • 30 g Golden Caster Sugar or use white caster sugar
    • 1 Egg
    • 180 ml Milk
    • ½ Lemon zest only, or use orange zest
    • 2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil

    Instructions

    • Place the flour, baking powder and sugar in a mixing bowl and make a well in the centre. Crack in 1 large egg.
      175 g Self Raising Flour, 1 teaspoon Baking Powder, 30 g Golden Caster Sugar, 1 Egg
    • Add the milk and then use a whisk to gently work the ingredients into a batter.
      180 ml Milk
    • Grate the zest of half a lemon into the batter and give it a stir.
      ½ Lemon
    • Soak a piece of kitchen paper or paper towel in vegetable oil and lightly wipe the surface of the pan (do this between every batch of pancakes to prevent them from sticking), place the pan on a high heat for 1 minute.
      2 tablespoon Vegetable Oil
    • Turn down the heat to medium and drop a large dessertspoon of the batter (you might find it easier to put the batter into a jug and pour spoonful's onto the frying pan) and cook until you see bubbles appearing on top of the pancake.
    • Flip the pancake over and cook for another minute. Remove to a plate while you cook the rest of the pancakes. You should be able to cook 2 or 3 pancakes at a time, depending on how big your frying pan is.

    Notes

    Serving: Traditionally scotch pancakes or drop scones were served for afternoon tea with butter and jam. These days they are more likely to be served for breakfast or brunch. My kids enjoy them spread with nutella and mashed banana. Berries and yogurt also make a nice topping for the pancakes, as does my tart and fruity blackcurrant coulis or cinnamon-spiced stewed apples.
     
    Top Tips:
    • Make sure your baking powder is fresh and within the best-before date. If your baking powder isn't fresh you risk your pancakes not rising and fluffing up in volume.
    • Don't overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to tough, rubbery pancakes. Mix until just combined and no lumps remain.
    • Use a paper towel to oil the pan between batches of pancakes to prevent them from sticking.
    • Don't overcrowd the pan. Give each pancake plenty of space in the pan to cook evenly.
    • Cook until little bubbles start to form on top of the pancakes. Flip the pancakes over with a palette knife or fish slice and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
    • Keep the heat moderate. A moderate heat will ensure that your pancakes cook evenly and don't burn on the outside while still being raw on the inside.
     
    Freezing: The scotch pancakes can be frozen for up to 3 months. When cooled, place in a freezer-safe container, between layers of non-stick baking paper. Defrost and consume within 24 hours.
     
    Nutrition: The nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.
     
    Nutrition Facts
    Scotch Pancakes (Drop Scones)
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    79
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    3
    g
    5
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    2
    g
    13
    %
    Trans Fat
     
    1
    g
    Cholesterol
     
    12
    mg
    4
    %
    Sodium
     
    38
    mg
    2
    %
    Potassium
     
    37
    mg
    1
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    11
    g
    4
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    3
    g
    3
    %
    Protein
     
    2
    g
    4
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    36
    IU
    1
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    2
    mg
    2
    %
    Calcium
     
    34
    mg
    3
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Tried this recipe?Snap a pic and tag @effortlessf00d on Instagram or Twitter

    More Easy Breakfast Recipes

    • Easy Blackcurrant Compote Recipe
    • Easy Overnight Weetabix Recipe
    • Easy Apple Sauce Recipe
    • Easy Peanut Butter Flapjacks Recipe

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Alisa Infanti

      February 09, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      5 stars
      Interesting I can't wait to try these.... I had waffles that were sweeter and amazing once and wonder if they used a similar batter.

      Reply
    2. Pam

      February 09, 2021 at 2:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is very similar to the way we make pancakes too! I love learning about food traditions from other cultures and have never heard them referred to as drop scones!

      Reply
    3. Chichi

      February 09, 2021 at 4:19 pm

      5 stars
      These pancakes looks gorgeous. They look like mini pancakes. Love how easy they are to make.

      Reply
    4. Toni

      February 09, 2021 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      I just tried it this morning and my kids loved it! Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    5. Angela

      February 09, 2021 at 7:16 pm

      5 stars
      I love the lemon zest in these. They were a hit at my house.

      Reply
    6. Heather Soper

      January 10, 2022 at 11:40 pm

      I must try making these drop scones instead of grabbing toast!

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Beth Sachs Food Blogger

    Hi, I’m Beth, a Mum of three (and one crazy dog), living in Cornwall, UK. I love creating easy, delicious and fuss-free recipes, perfect for busy families, just like my own.

    More about me →

    Easy Air Fryer Snacks

    • Best Air Fryer Cheese on Toast Recipe
    • Cheesy Air Fryer Crumpets
    • Best Ever Air Fryer Cheese Toastie
    • Easy Air Fryer Scones Recipe

    See more air fryer recipes →

    Trending Recipes

    • Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Curry Recipe
    • Simple Savoury Mince Recipe
    • Easy Leftover Roast Beef Stroganoff
    • Pan Fried Pheasant Breasts in a Creamy White Wine Sauce

    My Web Stories

    Footer

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    Copyright © 2022 Effortless Foodie