If you love a sweet treat that mixes fruit and zest, you’ll adore these Blueberry Lemon Scones. They are simple to make and bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up a batch that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack. Get ready to impress your friends and family with these warm, buttery delights! Let’s dive into the recipe and get baking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Fresh Flavors: The combination of blueberries and lemon creates a refreshing and vibrant taste that is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Easy to Make: This scone recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Versatile Ingredients: Fresh or frozen blueberries can be used, allowing you to enjoy this recipe year-round regardless of the season.
- Perfectly Indulgent: With a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of lemon glaze, these scones are an indulgent treat that still feels light and airy.
Ingredients
To make these delightful blueberry lemon scones, gather the following:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1 cup fresh blueberries (you can use frozen if needed)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Each ingredient plays a key role in creating the perfect scone. The flour gives structure, while the sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder makes them rise, and salt enhances all the flavors. Cold butter is essential; it creates flaky layers. Fresh blueberries burst with juice, adding a nice tartness. Lemon zest brightens the flavor, and heavy cream adds richness. The egg binds everything together, and vanilla brings warmth.
Think about using fresh ingredients. They make a big difference in taste. Enjoy the process of measuring and mixing each component. It’s fun and rewarding to see how they come together into something delicious.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating and Preparation
– Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
– Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
First, set your oven to 400°F. This step is key for baking. While the oven heats, prepare your baking sheet. Parchment paper will help prevent sticking.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
– Whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
In a large bowl, add the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix them well. This helps to evenly distribute the ingredients.
Incorporating Butter and Blueberries
– Cut butter into flour mixture.
– Fold in blueberries and lemon zest.
Next, add cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix it in. Aim for a crumbly texture with small bits of butter. Then, gently fold in the fresh blueberries and lemon zest. Be careful not to crush the blueberries.
Preparing Wet Ingredients
– Whisk cream, egg, and vanilla.
In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, the large egg, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth. This blend adds richness to the scones.
Combining the Mixtures
– Create a well in dry ingredients and add wet mixture.
– Form soft dough.
Now, make a well in the center of the dry mix. Pour the wet ingredients into this well. Stir gently, just until combined. This forms your soft dough.
Shaping and Baking
– Knead dough lightly and shape into circles.
– Cut into wedges and place on baking sheet.
– Bake for 15-18 minutes.
Lightly flour your work surface. Turn the dough onto it and knead it a couple of times. Shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges. Space them out on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. They should turn golden brown and spring back when touched.
Enjoy the delightful smell of baking blueberry lemon scones!
Tips & Tricks
Tips for Perfect Scones
– Ensure butter is cold: Cold butter helps create flaky layers. Cut the butter into small cubes and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. This step makes a big difference in texture.
– Avoid overworking the dough: Mix just until combined. If you knead too much, the scones can turn out tough. Gently handle the dough, and don’t worry if it looks a bit rough.
Serving Suggestions
– Dust with powdered sugar: This simple touch adds sweetness and makes the scones look lovely. Use a fine sieve to sprinkle the sugar evenly.
– Drizzle with lemon glaze: Mix powdered sugar with a bit of lemon juice. This glaze adds a tangy sweetness that pairs perfectly with blueberry and lemon. Drizzle it over warm scones for the best flavor.
These tips will help you create delicious blueberry lemon scones that everyone will love!
Pro Tips
- Chill the Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold for flaky scones. You can even chill the flour mixture for 10 minutes before combining it with the butter.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh blueberries and real lemon zest to enhance the flavors of your scones and achieve the best taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to keep the scones light and airy. Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add a handful of chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon for a unique twist on this classic scone recipe.
Variations
Flavor Additions
You can change the flavor of your blueberry lemon scones easily. Here are some fun ideas:
– Substitute other berries: If you want to switch things up, try using raspberries or blackberries instead of blueberries. This gives the scones a new taste and look. Each berry has its own sweetness and tartness, making every bite special.
– Add nuts or chocolate chips: For a crunchy twist, add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. If you love chocolate, try adding chocolate chips. Both options will add fun textures and flavors to your scones.
Dietary Adjustments
Making these scones fit your diet is simple. Here’s how:
– Gluten-free flour options: If you need a gluten-free choice, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour mix. Many brands work well in scone recipes. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for better texture.
– Vegan alternative using plant-based ingredients: To make vegan scones, swap the heavy cream and egg for plant-based options. Use almond milk or coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For the egg, a flax egg or applesauce works well. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your blueberry lemon scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps them stay soft and tasty longer. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want them to last longer, freeze the scones. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
When you want to enjoy your scones again, reheating is key. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to keep them soft. Heat for about 10 minutes. If you prefer the microwave, heat each scone for 15-20 seconds. This keeps the center warm but may make the outside less crisp. Enjoy your scones warm for the best taste!
FAQs
How do I make my scones fluffier?
To make your scones fluffier, ensure your butter is very cold. This helps create steam during baking, which makes them rise. Also, do not overmix the dough. Mix just until combined to keep the texture light. Lastly, use fresh baking powder for best results.
Can I make blueberry lemon scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these scones ahead of time. Prepare the dough and cut it into wedges. Then, cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, you can use whole milk mixed with melted butter. Combine 1/4 cup of melted butter with 3/4 cup of milk. This mix will give you a similar fat content for your scones.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Your scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. You can also gently press them. If they spring back, they are baked through. If they feel soft and sink, give them a few more minutes in the oven.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can definitely use frozen blueberries. Just fold them in while still frozen. They may release more juice, so adjust the flour slightly if needed. The flavor will still be delicious!
In this post, I shared how to make delicious blueberry lemon scones. We covered the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for perfect results, and ways to store them. Remember, using cold butter and not overworking the dough helps create the best scones.
Feel free to experiment with flavors too, like using different berries or adding nuts. Enjoy baking these tasty treat
