Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The lemon zest and juice infuse these scones with a refreshing citrus taste that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.
- Light and Fluffy Texture: These scones have a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, thanks to the cold butter technique.
- Quick and Easy: With a prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, these scones are ideal for busy mornings or last-minute baking.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy them plain, with a smear of butter, or elevate them with clotted cream and lemon curd for a truly decadent treat.
- Diet-Friendly: These scones are vegetarian and can be easily adapted for other dietary needs with tested substitutions.
Ingredients & Preparation Notes
- All-purpose flour: The base of the scone dough, providing structure. Use extra for dusting to prevent sticking.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
- Baking powder: Essential for leavening and achieving that light, fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky layers. Cut it into small cubes for easier incorporation.
- Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the scones.
- Heavy cream: Contributes to the richness and tenderness of the scones. Use some for brushing the tops for a golden finish.
- Lemon zest and juice: Freshly grated zest and squeezed juice provide the bright, citrusy flavor that defines these scones.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle addition that complements the lemon flavor.
For substitutions, you can use buttermilk instead of heavy cream for a tangier flavor, or try using a gluten-free flour blend if needed. When selecting lemons, choose ones that are heavy for their size and have a bright, smooth skin for the best zest and juice.
Professional Tips & Techniques
- Temperature Matters: Keep your butter and cream cold until you’re ready to use them. Cold ingredients help create steam in the oven, leading to a flakier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overworking it can lead to tough scones.
- Cutting the Butter: Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour. Aim for pea-sized pieces for the best results.
- Shaping the Dough: Pat the dough into a circle gently. Avoid rolling it out, as this can compress the layers and result in denser scones.
- Visual Cues for Doneness: Look for a golden brown top and check the bottom of the scones. They should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
Recipe Variations
- Blueberry Lemon Scones: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough for a fruity twist.
- Gluten-Free Lemon Scones: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Mix in 2 tablespoons of poppy seeds with the dry ingredients for added texture and flavor.
- Vegan Lemon Scones: Substitute the butter with vegan butter, use a flax egg instead of a regular egg, and replace the heavy cream with coconut cream.
- Herbed Lemon Scones: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory version.
- Lemon Ginger Scones: Include 1 tablespoon of finely grated fresh ginger for a spicy kick.
- Mini Lemon Scones: Divide the dough into smaller portions for bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
- Lemon Lavender Scones: Add 1 teaspoon of culinary lavender to the dry ingredients for a floral note.
Serving Suggestions
- Traditional British Style: Serve warm with clotted cream and lemon curd for an authentic experience.
- Afternoon Tea: Pair these scones with a pot of Earl Grey tea for a refined afternoon treat.
- Brunch Buffet: Include these scones on a brunch spread alongside fresh fruit, yogurt, and granola.
- Dessert Option: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for a sweet finish.
- Presentation Tip: Arrange the scones on a tiered stand with lemon slices and fresh berries for an elegant display.
- Pairing Suggestion: Serve with a glass of sparkling lemonade or a mimosa for a refreshing beverage pairing.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature Storage: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheating: Warm scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to restore their freshness.
- Make-Ahead Dough: Prepare the dough up to a day in advance, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate. Cut and bake when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. Cut and bake the scones when you’re ready.
Q: How do I know when the scones are done baking?
A: Look for a golden brown top and check the bottom. The scones should be lightly browned and sound hollow when tapped.
Q: Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
A: Fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor, but bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
Q: What can I use instead of heavy cream?
A: Buttermilk or coconut cream can be used as substitutes for heavy cream, altering the flavor slightly.
Q: Can I freeze these scones?
A: Yes, you can freeze unbaked scones and bake them from frozen, or freeze baked scones and reheat them when needed.
Q: How can I make these scones gluten-free?
A: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free version.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
A: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Q: Can I add other flavors to these scones?
A: Yes, you can add ingredients like blueberries, poppy seeds, or herbs to customize the flavor of these scones.
Conclusion
These Lemon Scones are a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch table. Their bright, zesty flavor and light, fluffy texture make them a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to whip up in no time. With professional tips and tested variations, you can confidently bake these scones to perfection.
Try this recipe today and share your results on social media. Enjoy the scones warm with your favorite toppings for a truly satisfying experience.
Lemon Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream. This will help them brown nicely in the oven.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.