Why is self raising flour used for scones?

Self-raising flour is used for scones because it contains baking powder, which is a chemical leavening agent. This means the flour already has the necessary ingredient for the scones to rise and become light and fluffy.

Here's why this is important:

* Convenience: Using self-raising flour eliminates the need to add separate baking powder to the recipe. This simplifies the process and saves time.

* Consistent results: Pre-measured baking powder ensures consistent rising and texture in the scones.

* Faster baking time: Since the flour is already leavened, scones made with self-raising flour bake faster than those made with plain flour.

While self-raising flour is the traditional choice for scones, some bakers prefer to use plain flour and add their own baking powder. This gives them more control over the leavening agent and allows for variations in the amount of baking powder used, potentially affecting the texture and rise of the scones.

However, for most home bakers, using self-raising flour is the easiest and most reliable way to achieve delicious and fluffy scones.