Griddle scone facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Griddle scone

Potato scones
Alternative names	Girdle scone
Type	Scone

A griddle scone is a special type of scone that is cooked on a hot, flat surface called a griddle or frying pan. Unlike most scones, it is not baked in an oven. These tasty treats are popular in places like Scotland, Northern England, and New Zealand.

Griddle scones are often flat and round. They can be made from different ingredients, like potatoes, which makes them "tattie scones." In New Zealand, a large griddle scone is often cooked as one big circle. This circle is then cut into wedges, like a pizza, and served with yummy toppings such as golden syrup or jam.

The flat, buttered tattie (potato) scones at the bottom of this picture are griddle scones. The other four types of Scottish scones on this plate are (clockwise from bottom) a cheese scone, treacle scones, a milk scone, and a fruit scone.

What is a Griddle Scone?

Griddle scones are a type of quick bread. This means they are made without yeast, so they don't need time to rise. Instead, they use baking powder or baking soda to become light and fluffy. They are cooked quickly on a hot griddle, which gives them a unique texture and flavor.

These scones are a common part of breakfast or a snack in many homes. They can be eaten plain, with butter, or with sweet or savory toppings. Some popular types include potato scones, which are made with mashed potatoes, and fruit scones, which might have raisins or currants.

How are Griddle Scones Made?

Making griddle scones is quite simple. First, you mix flour, baking powder, a little fat (like butter), and a liquid (like milk). For potato scones, mashed potatoes are added to the mix. The dough is then rolled out flat.

Instead of putting the dough in an oven, you place it on a hot griddle. The griddle cooks the scone evenly on both sides until it's golden brown. This cooking method gives griddle scones a slightly crispy outside and a soft, tender inside.

Why is it Called a "Girdle" Scone?

You might hear griddle scones called "girdle scones," especially in Scotland and parts of Northern England. This is because of an old word for a griddle. In the Scots language and the Northumbrian dialect of English, a griddle is called a girdle.

A traditional girdle (griddle) from Auckland Museum.

The change in sound from "griddle" to "girdle" is a linguistic process called metathesis. This is when sounds or syllables in a word swap places. So, "griddle" became "girdle" in some dialects. This name is also very common in New Zealand, where scones are a big part of their traditional food.