Get ready to delight your taste buds with my Blueberry Lemon Scones! These scones are flaky, flavorful, and packed with juicy blueberries and zesty lemon. Perfect for breakfast or a snack, they’re simple to make. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, I’ll guide you step-by-step to create these tender treats. Let’s dive into the ingredients and bring some sunshine to your kitchen!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright and Zesty Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and lemon zest creates a refreshing burst of flavor in every bite, making these scones a delightful treat.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward with simple steps, perfect for both novice and experienced bakers looking for a quick and delicious snack.
- Perfectly Flaky Texture: With the right technique, these scones achieve a light and flaky texture that melts in your mouth, ensuring a satisfying experience.
- Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or a special tea time, these scones fit perfectly into any setting and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
List of 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 cup fresh blueberries
– Zest of 1 large lemon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling
To make Blueberry Lemon Scones, you need key ingredients. Each one plays a part in creating flavor and texture.
First, all-purpose flour is the base. It gives the scones structure. The baking powder helps them rise. Salt adds balance to the sweetness.
Next, cold, cubed butter is vital. It creates a flaky texture. You want to mix it until it looks like crumbs.
Fresh blueberries are crucial for flavor bursts. They also add color. The lemon zest brightens the scones, making them fresh and vibrant.
For the wet mix, heavy cream keeps the scones rich. The egg binds everything together. Vanilla extract adds a warm note, while lemon juice enhances the lemon flavor.
Finally, sprinkle some sugar on top before baking. This creates a delightful crunch. Each ingredient works together to make these scones a treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a good bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up a breeze.
Combine Dry Ingredients
Take a large bowl and whisk together the dry ingredients. You will need 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix until everything is well combined.
Incorporate Butter
Next, add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to your flour mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter. You want it to look like coarse crumbs. Avoid big chunks of butter.
Add Flavors
Now it’s time to add some zest! Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries and the zest of 1 large lemon. Be careful not to crush the blueberries as you mix.
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together your wet ingredients. You will need 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Make sure everything is smooth and well combined.
Combine Mixtures
Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix. Stir gently with a spatula or wooden spoon. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix; this keeps your scones light and fluffy.
Shape the Dough
Flour a clean surface lightly. Turn out the dough and shape it into a circle that is about 1 inch thick. You can cut it into wedges with a knife or use a round cutter for nice shapes.
Prepare for Baking
Place the scones on your lined baking sheet. Leave some space between each scone. Brush the tops with a bit of extra heavy cream. Sprinkle a little granulated sugar on top for a sweet crunch.
Bake
Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be golden brown on top. Test with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool for a few minutes on the sheet. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm for the best taste!
Tips & Tricks
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough helps the butter stay cold. Cold butter gives scones their flaky texture. After mixing, wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes. This step is key to making light, airy scones.
Choosing the Right Blueberries
Fresh blueberries are the best choice for this recipe. They burst with flavor when baked. If you use frozen blueberries, ensure they are thawed and drained. This avoids excess moisture in your dough and keeps the scones from becoming soggy.
How to Achieve a Flaky Texture
To get that perfect flaky texture, handle the dough gently. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. When you add the wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Using cold ingredients, especially butter and cream, also helps create those lovely layers.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are cold to achieve that flaky texture in your scones.
- Handle the Dough Gently: Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so mix just until combined.
- Check the Oven Temperature: An oven thermometer can help ensure your oven is at the right temperature for perfect baking.
- Add a Glaze: For extra sweetness and shine, consider drizzling a lemon glaze over the cooled scones.
Variations
Lemon Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones
You can make your scones even richer by adding cream cheese. Start by softening 4 ounces of cream cheese until it’s smooth. Mix it in with the heavy cream and egg. This adds a nice tang and extra moisture. Your scones will be fluffy and creamy, with bursts of blueberry flavor.
Adding Nuts for Crunch
A great way to add texture is by adding nuts. You can use chopped walnuts or pecans. Mix in about 1/2 cup of nuts with the blueberries and lemon zest. The nuts give a nice crunch and pair well with the sweet blueberries. They also add healthy fats to your treat.
Mini Scones Recipe
If you prefer smaller bites, try making mini scones. Shape the dough into a smaller circle, about 1/2-inch thick. Cut them into smaller wedges or use a smaller round cutter. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. These mini scones are perfect for brunch or tea time. They are cute and easy to share.
Storage Info
How to Store Scones
To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps retain moisture and flavor. Store at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, refrigeration is an option. Just remember, cold scones can dry out faster.
Freezing Instructions
If you want to freeze your scones, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet first. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, you can bake them from frozen or thaw them overnight in the fridge.
Reheating Tips
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10 minutes or until warm. This will help restore their flaky texture. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds, but this may make them slightly chewy. Enjoy your freshly warmed scones!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. This helps prevent extra moisture in your scones. If you add them frozen, they may make the dough too wet.
How can I make my scones sweeter?
To make your scones sweeter, add more sugar. You can increase granulated sugar by one or two tablespoons. Another way is to drizzle honey or a lemon glaze on top after baking.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, use whole milk mixed with butter. Combine 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix gives a similar richness to the scones.
How do I fix tough scones?
If your scones turn out tough, you likely overmixed the dough. Always mix gently until just combined. If you feel the dough is too dry, you can add a bit more cream to help.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just shape and bake it. This saves time for a fresh treat!
This post showed you how to make delicious blueberry scones. We covered ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember to chill the dough for the best flakiness. You learned about variations like cream cheese and nut options. Storing and reheating scones extends their life and keeps them tasty. Baking can be fun and easy with this guide. Enjoy your fresh scones with family and friend
