Paul Hollywood Shares Scone Tips and Discusses Hand Surgery

Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood has shared his method for improving homemade scones and revealed he plans surgery after dealing with severe carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands. The 60-year-old baker discussed his baking advice and health issue through social media updates covered by WalesOnline and AOL.

Hollywood said his scone guidance comes from more than 30 years of professional baking experience. His advice focuses on avoiding butter lumps, controlling egg wash, and using a precise baking time.

In a TikTok tutorial reported by WalesOnline, Hollywood explained that uneven butter distribution can damage the texture of scones.

"Lumps are bad in a scone because you don't want a big lump of butter in there. You'll end up with just butter pouring all over your tray, which is what you don't want." said Paul Hollywood, Great British Bake Off judge.

He also warned bakers that egg wash should be applied carefully because it can affect how the dough rises during baking.

"Egg wash the top, try not to egg wash the sides. If it goes down the sides too much, it creates a glue, and prevents it from rising up." said Paul Hollywood, Great British Bake Off judge.

Hollywood said timing is another key factor for achieving a light texture. His recommended recipe uses 500g strong white bread flour, 25g baking powder, 80g unsalted butter, eggs, milk and caster sugar before baking the scones at a high temperature.

"Use the 15 minutes of a scone in the oven as a good rule. 15 minutes bang on is 99% of the time going to be spot on." said Paul Hollywood, Great British Bake Off judge.

The baker also addressed a separate health issue after fans noticed him wearing wrist and arm supports. According to AOL, Hollywood was diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome about 12 years ago and said the condition is severe in both hands.

"Basically, I've got Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I was diagnosed about 12 years ago now. It's severe in both.

And it's down to my job, basically, from working on the table with dough, manipulating dough for over 30 years. Yeah, so occasionally it flares up, and I wear a brace." said Paul Hollywood, Great British Bake Off judge.

Hollywood said the condition has been linked to years of working with dough and was worsened after he injured his hand during a race-car test drive. He said he has delayed surgery because of concerns about the procedure.

"have to bite the bullet soon and get the operation done on both of my hands" said Paul Hollywood, Great British Bake Off judge.

The NHS says carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms can include pain, numbness, tingling and difficulty gripping. Surgery is considered when symptoms worsen or other treatments do not provide enough relief.