The main ingredient in traditional English scones is flour, specifically all-purpose flour or self-raising flour. This ingredient forms the base for the scone dough, which is mixed with other components such as sugar, baking powder, and butter. The resulting mixture is then combined with milk or cream to achieve the desired consistency. While scones can be flavored with various ingredients like fruits, nuts, or chocolate, flour remains the essential component that gives them structure and texture, making them a beloved part of British afternoon tea.