How to Eat a Scone Properly
on Mar 01, 2026
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Is there a proper way to eat a scone at afternoon tea? Why yes, yes there is. Get step-by-step instructions on how to eat a scone, the correct way.
Scones at Afternoon Tea
Like anything with afternoon tea, there are certain rules to follow to eating a scone correctly. I’ll give you the scone etiquette run-down.
By the way, do you pronounce it scon, rhyming with gone or scone, rhyming with own? Turns out, both are used depending on where you’re from. In the US, we usually say scone, rhyming with own.
Note from Jee
When I went to etiquette school in Switzerland, I was taught to eat a scone by breaking off small pieces. But, when I posted a video showing how I did it on Instagram and Facebook, I was corrected by so many people in the UK, that I was doing it WRONG.
So, when I went to London for my marathon of afternoon teas, I made sure to observe and sure enough, everyone was eating it the same way, which was not the same as I was taught. I’ve updated this blog post with the scone etiquette I learned while in London.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: After placing a scone on your plate, put clotted cream along the side using a knife. Since the clotted cream is meant to be shared with others at the table, just scoop a small portion.
You can a second serving of jam and cream once you’ve finished what’s on your plate.
Step 2: Add the jam. Use a separate utensil from the one you used for the clotted cream.
Step 3: Split the scone in half, horizontally, using your hands. Traditional scones at afternoon teas are round, not triangular, and there should be an indentation or break in the middle of the scone where it’ll easily split apart.
Scones are meant to be eaten with your hands so don’t be afraid to break it apart.
Step 4: Use your knife to take a bit (or a lot) of the clotted cream from your plate and spread it on the scone. Slather the clotted cream on a bite-size portion, not the entire cut half of the scone.
Some people swear by jam first, then topped with cream (Cornish-style) and others, cream and then jam (Devon-style). Do what you like.
Step 5: Use the same knife and add the jam on top of the clotted cream.
Step 6: Put the knife down on the plate, diagonally on the right side, with the blade facing you. Used utensils should never be placed back on the table. Take a bite of the scone, then repeat by adding more clotted cream and jam onto the scone.
A HUGE no-no is making a scone sandwich by putting the two halves together with the cream and jam in the middle. Don’t do it! Shudder.
I know it’s wrong but I Love scones with butter too!!!
Hi Liza, it’s great with butter too!
clotted cream is like a mild unsalted butter.
clotted cream started in Devon as a way to separate the fat from milk to make butter. Centuries later in Cornwall, it became popular to use the cream on its own.
i had no idea! i learned a thing today.
Thanks for the just in time education. I’m considering a scone and tea spot. This shall be printed and laid on the tables.
Jam or cream first is entirely up to your preference. Don’t listen to the mental Cornish or Devonians. I always suggest thinking of it this way. If you like more jam than cream then put the cream on first. If you like more cream than Jam then put the Jam on first. If you like equal amounts then emigrate to the west country, eat pasties and start arguing with the locals.