How to Bake Perfect “Wolf’s Mouth” Scones Using Pancake Mix

Hotcake Mix Scones (ホットケーキミックススコーン)

I’m not very good at making sweets, so pancake mix is very useful for me! In Japan, pancake mix is commonly called “Hotcake Mix” (ホットケーキミックス).

While it’s essentially a pancake mix, the Japanese version is a versatile “all-in-one” powder that’s perfect for baking. Let’s take a look at why it’s so special and how to use it to make delicious scones.

What is Japanese Hotcake Mix?

The main ingredient is cake flour, but it also contains a perfect balance of other ingredients:

Sugar: Not only sweetens the batter but also gives the scones a beautiful golden brown color and improves the texture.
Starch: Used to adjust the texture, making the result moist and chewy.
Dairy products: Help improve browning and add a rich flavor.
Salt: Adjusts and balances the overall taste.
Fat: Suppresses gluten production for a better crumb.
Flavors: Adds lovely aromas like vanilla and maple.

💡 If you want to make homemade “Hotcake Mix”:

Cake flour: 240g
Sugar: 40g
Salt: 4g
Baking powder: 12g

This is a photo of the scones made without using pancake mix.

What are Scones?

A scone is a classic treat made by mixing flour or oatmeal with baking powder, butter, and milk. The dough is kneaded for a short time, shaped, and then baked. The recipe is very simple and requires no special ingredients, so almost anyone can make it easily!

From “Bannock” to Modern Scones

It is said that scones originated from Bannock, a sweet baked using coarsely ground barley flour in Scotland.

Bannock is a little different from the image of scones we have today.

With the advent of ovens and baking powder, scones evolved into the shape we know now and became popular all over the world.

Types of Scones

The world of scones is quite diverse:

British Style: Often eaten with jam or clotted cream, so the dough itself is kept simple.
American Style: Characterized by more sugar and mix-ins like raisins, dried fruits, nuts, and chocolate. (The first time I ate a scone was at Starbucks—the chocolate chunk scone was unforgettable!)
Salty (Savory) Scones: Mixed with cheese, bacon, onions, etc.

Here, I will show you a simple, timeless recipe that leans toward the traditional style but uses the convenience of Japanese Hotcake Mix.

Characteristics of a Perfect Scone: The “Wolf’s Mouth”

A perfect scone is crispy on the outside and moist on the inside. The most important feature to look for is the horizontal crack on the side. In the UK, this beautiful crack is known as the “Wolf’s Mouth” (オオカミの口). This is a sign that the scone has risen straight up and will be easy to split by hand!

🥣 NUTRITION FACTS : English Scones Made With Pancake Mix

1694kcal | Protein: 27.5g | Fat: 71.4g | Carb: 241.7g | Salt Equivalent: 3.9g

🛒Ingredients (10 pieces) : English Scones Made With Pancake Mix

Pancake mix (Hotcake Mix): 300g
Butter: 60g
Milk: 90g
☆ 1 Egg (for egg wash)

How to make English Scones Made With Pancake Mix

Cut Butter: Cut the cold butter into 1cm cubes.
Rub In: Rub the pancake mix and the cold butter together with your fingers until it becomes crumbly (like breadcrumbs). Important: Do not let the butter melt!
Mix: Add the milk in several portions. Use a “scraping motion” with a rubber scraper to combine. Do not knead, as this creates gluten and ruins the texture. Instead, press the dough together to hold it.
Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and put it in the refrigerator for 1 hour.
Layering: Roll out the dough to 1cm thickness, divide it into thirds, and stack them together. This helps create those beautiful, professional layers.
Shape: Roll out the dough to 2cm thickness and cut it using a mold (4cm to 6cm).
- Tip: Dust the mold with a little flour to prevent sticking.
- Tip: Pull the mold straight up. Do not touch the cross-section (the cut sides) to ensure the “Wolf’s Mouth” forms correctly.
Rest: Chill the dough in the refrigerator again for 30–60 minutes. (You can skip this if you’re in a hurry.)
Glaze: Brush the surface with beaten egg. Be careful not to get egg on the sides, as this can prevent the scone from rising.
Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C for 10 minutes, then reduce to 180°C and bake for 5 more minutes.

How to Enjoy

When the dough has risen straight up and formed a nice crack on the side, your delicious scones are ready!

Freshly baked is best, but they are also wonderful the next day. Reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the aroma. Split them in the middle by hand and enjoy with your favorite jam and clotted cream!

🍩 Don’t Miss Out: Quick & Easy Donuts!
If you enjoyed making these scones, you’ll love my Pancake Mix Donuts!

Using the same versatile Japanese “Hotcake Mix,” you can create crispy, fluffy donuts without the hassle of measuring complex ingredients. They are perfect for a quick snack or a fun weekend baking project with family. Check out the full recipe here! 👉 Old fashioned donuts made with pancake mix

📖Related Link: Read the Japanese version of this article here! パンケーキミックスで、完璧な「狼の口」があるスコーンを焼く方法

naokoan

Hi, I’m Naoko! I am a licensed Registered Dietitian in Japan, currently working in a hospital setting. My daily mission is to provide nutritious, healing meals to patients, ensuring that every dish supports their health and brings a smile to their face. My recipes are more than just cooking guides—they are built on scientific nutritional balance and clinical experience. Why I provide ingredients in grams (g): You might notice that all my recipes use precise gram measurements. This is because, as a dietitian, I believe that accuracy is the key to true health management. Whether you are tracking calories, managing salt intake, or simply want to recreate the exact flavor of a professional hospital kitchen, these measurements ensure your success and well-being. My Specialty: I specialize in high-pressure cooking and oven recipes that save time without sacrificing nutrition. My goal is to introduce the world to “Real Japanese Home Cooking”—dishes that are simple, budget-friendly, and body-friendly. I’m thrilled to share the wisdom of Japanese nutrition with you. Let’s cook our way to a healthier life!