I have made this recipe with my mom and the rest of my family every christmas morning for as long as I can remember. It is one of my all-time favorite treats! Even though my family enjoys these delights during the Holidays, these are perfect for any time of the year. Especially afternoon tea!
In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of flour, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 cup of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk or spoon to ensure an even distribution of the ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Cut 1/2 cup of cold butter into small cubes. Add these butter cubes to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to incorporate the butter into the dry mixture. Continue until the mixture looks crumbly with pea-sized butter pieces.
Pour 1 tablespoon of almond extract into the crumbly mixture. Then, add 1/2 cup of half and half. Mix these wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a dough starts forming. Be careful not to overmix; stop when the ingredients are just combined.
Sprinkle some flour on a clean surface. Transfer the dough onto the floured surface. Gently shape the dough into a round, flat disc that's about 1 1/2 inches thick. This disc will be the base for cutting out your scones. Use a cutter to cut the scones from the dough disc. Press the cutter straight down without twisting to ensure the scones rise evenly.
Place the cut scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Ensure some space between each scone for even baking. Brush the tops of each scone with a bit of milk using a cooking or pastry brush. This helps them achieve a golden color while baking. Sprinkle a the desired amount of the confectioners AA sugar on the tops of the scones for a sweet finish. Then, top each scone with sliced almonds. This not only adds flavor but also a delightful crunch.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown. Keep an eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.
Let your scones cool and enjoy!