Introduction
There’s something incredibly delightful about the smell of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen. These lemon scones are a perfect blend of zest and sweetness, ideal for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea treat. With a golden, crisp exterior and a soft, buttery interior, every bite offers a burst of citrusy flavor that will have you coming back for more. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to whip up, taking just about 30 minutes from start to finish!
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
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
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.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized bits of butter remaining.
- In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk, lightly beaten egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges or use a round cutter for classic scone shapes.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until they are beautifully golden brown.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by mixing the powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and pourable.
- Once the scones are done, let them cool slightly before drizzling generously with the lemon glaze.
Notes or Tips
- For extra lemony flavor, consider adding a bit more lemon zest into the dough.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store any leftovers in an airtight container for a day or two.
Cooking Techniques
To achieve that perfect scone texture, remember to keep your ingredients cold. The cubed butter should be straight from the fridge, and minimizing the time the dough spends in your warm hands will help maintain that delightful flaky texture. Also, avoid overworking the dough; you want to mix just until combined for the best results.
FAQ
- Can I freeze the scones? Absolutely! You can freeze the shaped scones before baking. Just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
- Can I add other flavors to these scones? Yes! Feel free to incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory twist, or add in some chocolate chips or dried fruits for added sweetness.
Conclusion
These lemon scones are a wonderfully quick and delightful treat that emphasize the bright flavors of citrus. Perfectly sweet and tangy, they make for an inviting breakfast or afternoon snack. Whether you enjoy them plain or drizzled with glaze, they are sure to bring a smile to your face and warmth to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients and start baking; you won’t regret it!