Introduction
Welcome to a delightful baking adventure! Today, we’re making lemon scones that are bursting with zesty flavor and are just perfect for a cozy morning or an afternoon tea. These scones are light, buttery, and incredibly easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. The bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist that will uplift your spirits with every bite. So, grab your apron and let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 scones
Directions and Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with the butter peeking through.
- Gently stir in the freshly grated lemon zest, allowing that citrus aroma to fill your kitchen.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Remember, we want these scones to be tender, so don’t overmix!
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently a few times until it comes together. It doesn’t need to be perfect!
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick and cut it into wedges, or use a cookie cutter for fun shapes.
- Place the shaped scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fragrant.
- Allow the scones to cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Enjoy them warm!
Notes or Tips
For an extra lemony kick, you can glaze the scones with a simple icing made of powdered sugar and lemon juice. Just whisk together until smooth and drizzle over the cooled scones. Additionally, these scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a couple of days.
Cooking Techniques
When making scones, the key to a light and flaky texture is to handle the dough as little as possible and to keep your butter cold. This will create steam during baking, resulting in that delightful rise and airy crumb. If you want to get a little fancy, try folding in some blueberries or dried cranberries for added flavor and texture!
FAQ
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
No problem! Just adjust the added salt down slightly to balance the flavors.
How do I know when the scones are done?
Check for a golden brown color on the top and edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for a few hours, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These lemon scones are sure to become a favorite in your home! With their tender crumb and bright flavor, they make for a delightful treat any time of day. Whether enjoyed plain or with a dollop of clotted cream and jam, they are sure to bring a burst of sunshine to your routine. Happy baking!