You wouldn't rate it as an odds-on Royal favourite. But the humble scotch pancake is one of the Queen's go-to snacks.

And her majesty's recipe for the perfect drop scone is included in a new book on how chefs prepare the perfect Palace tea.

MORE: Royal recipes for afternoon teaDrop scones can be eaten with melted butter, spread with jam, or served with maple syrup.

Ingredients:

1 free-range egg

2 tablespoons unrefined caster sugar

1 teaspoon unsalted butter, melted

250ml full-fat milk

1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda

240g plain flour

2.5 teaspoons baking powder

1.5 teaspoons cream of tartar

100g clarified unsalted butter

Equipment:

pancake griddle, or non-stick frying pan

1. In a mixing bowl sieve together the dry ingredients: flour, bicarbonate of soda, cream of tartar and sugar. Add to this the milk and egg and whisk to a smooth batter, finally adding the warm melted butter. Pass through a sieve to get rid of any lumps and if necessary thin with more milk. The batter should have a dropping consistency, but remain thick enough to retain its shape on the griddle.

2. Heat the griddle (or frying pan) over a medium heat and grease with clarified butter. Using a dessert spoon or small ladle, carefully pour spoonfuls of the batter on to the griddle. After one side has cooked, flip the scones with a palette knife to cook the other. Once you feel more confident you can cook a few scones at a time, being careful not to let them over-cook on either side.

3. Serve warm with butter and home-made preserves.