Lemon Scones: The Perfect Recipe for a Refreshing Treat

Lemon scones are a delightful treat that can brighten up any morning or afternoon tea. With their zesty flavor and tender crumb, these scones are not just a simple baked good; they are a celebration of citrus that brings a refreshing twist to traditional recipes. Originating from the British Isles, scones have a rich history, often enjoyed with clotted cream and jam during tea time. Over the years, lemon scones have gained popularity for their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making them a favorite among many. People love this dish not only for its delicious taste and light, fluffy texture but also for the convenience of whipping them up in no time. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply indulging in a quiet moment with a cup of tea, lemon scones are sure to impress and satisfy.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• Zest of 1 large lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
• 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)

Preparing the Dough

Let’s get started on these delightful lemon scones! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a pastry cutter or fork, a baking sheet, and parchment paper. Once everything is ready, we can dive into the preparation.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting those scones nice and golden brown.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed. This step ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture. This is what will make your scones flaky!
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Make sure to mix it well so that the egg is fully incorporated.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and we want them to be light and fluffy!

Shaping the Scones

Now that we have our dough ready, it’s time to shape the scones.

6. Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it. Gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together. Again, be gentle; we don’t want to develop too much gluten.
7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use your hands or a rolling pin, but I prefer using my hands for a more rustic look.
8. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges. You can also use a round biscuit cutter if you prefer round scones. Just make sure to press straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly.
9. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one. This allows them to expand while baking.

Baking the Scones

Now, let’s get these scones in the oven!

10. Before baking, I like to brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream. This gives them a beautiful golden color when they bake.
11. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
12. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Lemon Glaze

While the scones are cooling, let’s whip up a quick lemon glaze to drizzle on top. This will add an extra burst of lemon flavor!

13. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, you can add a little more lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
14. Once the scones are completely cool, drizzle the lemon

Conclusion:

In summary, these lemon scones are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their baking game. The bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons combined with the tender, flaky texture of the scones creates a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon tea. Whether you enjoy them plain, drizzled with a sweet lemon glaze, or served alongside clotted cream and fresh berries, these scones are sure to impress your family and friends. For a fun twist, consider adding poppy seeds for a delightful crunch or incorporating blueberries for a burst of sweetness. You can also experiment with different citrus fruits like oranges or limes to create your own unique variations. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this lemon scone recipe a try and share your experience with me. I would love to hear how they turned out for you and any creative variations you came up with. Trust me, once you taste these lemon scones, you’ll be hooked! So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!

Print