Lemon Scones Recipe: 7 Steps to Fluffy Goodness

lemon scones

By:

Julia marin

Oh my goodness, let me tell you about these lemon scones! They’re like a little bite of sunshine, bursting with that zesty lemon flavor and so fluffy you’ll think you’re eating clouds. Honestly, there’s nothing better than enjoying a warm scone fresh from the oven, especially with a cup of tea or coffee in hand. I remember the first time I made these for brunch with friends; the smell filled my kitchen, and everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! These scones are super easy to whip up, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. Trust me, the combination of the tangy lemon zest and the rich cream makes for a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or tea time. You’ll want to make these again and again!

lemon scones - detail 1

Ingredients List

Gather these simple ingredients to make your delicious lemon scones. I promise, they’re all easy to find!

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – This is the base of your scones, giving them that lovely structure.
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy lemon.
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder – This is what helps your scones rise and become fluffy. Don’t skip it!
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – A little salt enhances all the flavors beautifully.
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – The cold butter is key for those flaky layers. Make sure it’s cold!
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream – This adds richness and moisture to your scones.
  • 1 large egg – This binds everything together and adds a lovely texture.
  • Zest of 1 lemon – This is where the magic happens! The zest gives an intense lemon flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – A little acidity to brighten up the scone flavor!

Trust me, having everything prepped and measured out makes the whole process smoother and more enjoyable! Happy baking!

How to Prepare Lemon Scones

Making these lemon scones is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying the most delightful treats in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important because it ensures your scones bake evenly and rise beautifully. Don’t skip this step!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them together well. This helps to distribute the baking powder evenly, which is key for fluffy scones. You want everything to be nice and combined before adding in the butter!

Incorporate Butter

Now, add your cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. I like to use a pastry cutter or forks to mix it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You’re going for that flaky texture here, so make sure to keep the butter pieces nice and small. It’s okay if some are a little bigger—those will create lovely pockets of flakiness!

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. The zest is where all that vibrant lemon flavor comes from, so don’t skip it! Once combined, pour this mixture into your dry ingredients.

Form the Dough

Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are totally fine! Once it starts coming together, turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just a couple of times to bring it all together.

Shape and Cut the Scones

Next, shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into wedges—think pizza slices! This helps them bake evenly and gives that perfect scone shape.

Bake the Scones

Place your lovely scone wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them in your preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when they smell amazing and have a beautiful golden hue. Let them cool slightly before serving, and enjoy every fluffy, lemony bite!

Tips for Success

To make sure your lemon scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, remember to use cold butter—it’s crucial for achieving that flaky texture we all love. If your butter warms up, you might end up with dense scones instead of light and airy ones. Also, don’t overmix the dough! A few lumps are okay, and overmixing can lead to tough scones. Just fold the ingredients gently until combined.

Another tip is to make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder can prevent your scones from rising properly. Lastly, if you want to experiment, try adding fresh blueberries or herbs like rosemary for a fun twist. They’ll give your scones a unique flavor that’s sure to impress!

Variations of Lemon Scones

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up these lemon scones! One of my favorites is adding fresh blueberries—they pair perfectly with the zesty lemon and add a burst of sweetness in every bite. Just fold in about a cup of fresh or frozen blueberries when you’re combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Another delightful option is to incorporate some herbs like rosemary or thyme into the dough. Just a teaspoon or two of finely chopped fresh herbs can add an unexpected twist that elevates the flavor profile. If you want a more decadent treat, try drizzling a simple lemon glaze on top after they cool. Just mix some powdered sugar with lemon juice until smooth, and drizzle it over your scones for a sweet finish!

Nutritional Information

Let’s talk about the nutritional info for these delightful lemon scones! Now, keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients, but here’s a general idea of what you can expect per scone:

  • Calories: 210
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Protein: 3g

These scones are a tasty treat, perfect for enjoying with your morning coffee or during an afternoon tea break. Just remember, moderation is key! Happy indulging!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Now, if you happen to have any leftover lemon scones (which is a rare occurrence, trust me!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that fluffy goodness intact. Just place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for a bit longer, you can pop them in the refrigerator, where they’ll last for about a week.

When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheating is super simple! Just preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the scones on a baking sheet. Warm them for about 5-10 minutes until they’re nice and toasty. This helps restore that lovely texture and brings back the delightful aroma. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds, but I find the oven gives a better finish. Enjoy your scones warm, and they’ll taste almost as fresh as when they came out of the oven!

Serving Suggestions

These lemon scones are simply delightful on their own, but pairing them with a few favorites takes them to the next level! I love enjoying them with a steaming cup of tea—the warmth of the tea complements the zesty scones perfectly. If you’re a coffee lover, a nice cappuccino or latte also works wonders with the bright lemon flavor. For an extra special treat, serve them alongside some homemade lemon curd or a dollop of clotted cream. You can’t go wrong with these combinations!

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lemon scones

Lemon Scones Recipe: 7 Steps to Fluffy Goodness


  • Author: Julia marin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Delicious and fluffy lemon scones perfect for breakfast or tea time.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Add cold butter and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
  6. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead lightly.
  7. Shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
  8. Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  9. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
  10. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Use cold butter for a flaky texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough.
  • Experiment with adding blueberries for a twist.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: lemon scones, baking, easy recipes, beginner recipes

About me

Hi, my name is Julia, I am the heart of Vihaad Recipes and a passionate lover of good food. My love for cooking began in childhood, inspired by my grandmother's delicious meals. Today, I share tasty recipes that bring people together through the shared enjoyment of food.

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