Welcome to your new favorite morning treat: Lemon Blueberry Scones! This delightful and easy recipe mixes the sweet tang of blueberries with bright lemon zest. In just a few steps, you can whip up perfect scones that are tender inside and lightly crisp outside. Whether you’re a baking pro or a beginner, I’ll guide you through the process. Let’s get started on this tasty adventure!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of fresh blueberries and zesty lemon creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these scones come together quickly, making them ideal for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Versatile Enjoyment: These scones are delicious on their own or can be paired with lemon curd or clotted cream for a more indulgent treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a brunch, afternoon tea, or a cozy evening snack, these scones are sure to impress your guests.
Ingredients
When making Lemon Blueberry Scones, you will need the following items:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Additional blueberries for topping
Each ingredient plays a key role in making these scones light, fluffy, and bursting with flavor.
Flour gives the scones their structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder acts as the leavening agent, making the scones rise. Salt enhances the overall flavor. Cold butter creates a flaky texture. Blueberries provide juicy bursts of flavor. Lemon zest brightens the taste with a fresh citrus note. Heavy cream adds richness and moisture. Egg helps bind the dough together. Vanilla extract rounds out the flavor profile.
Feel free to add more blueberries on top for extra fruitiness!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheating the Oven
First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for baking scones. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick.
Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure even flavor.
Incorporating the Butter
Take 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Add the butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Folding in Blueberries and Lemon Zest
Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries and the zest of 1 lemon. Be careful not to crush the blueberries. Ensure they are spread out in the mixture.
Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Blend until smooth. This mix adds moisture and flavor to the dough.
Forming and Cutting the Dough
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not over-mix; this keeps the scones tender. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a circle, about 1 inch thick. Cut this circle into 8 wedges.
Baking the Scones
Place the wedges on the lined baking sheet. If you want, add more blueberries on top for extra flavor. Bake for 15-20 minutes. They should be lightly golden and a toothpick should come out clean.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven. Let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve the scones warm. Dust them with powdered sugar. Pair them with lemon curd or clotted cream for a tasty treat with tea or coffee.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfectly Tender Scones
To make your scones light and fluffy, use cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and mix it into the flour with your fingertips. This keeps the butter from melting too soon. Do not over-mix the dough. When you add the wet ingredients, stir just until combined. This helps keep your scones tender.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover scones in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you need to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for a week. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help them regain their soft texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is over-mixing the dough. This can make your scones tough. Another mistake is not using cold ingredients. Warm butter or cream can lead to flat scones. Lastly, be careful not to skip the lemon zest. It adds a bright flavor that makes these scones special!
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are very cold to achieve the perfect flaky texture in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep your scones tender and light.
- Add Lemon Juice: A splash of fresh lemon juice in the wet ingredients can enhance the lemon flavor and make your scones even more refreshing.
- Experiment with Berries: Feel free to mix in other berries like raspberries or blackberries for a delicious twist on the classic blueberry scone.
Variations
Recipe Modifications for Different Flavors
You can easily change the flavor of your Lemon Blueberry Scones. For a twist, try adding different fruits like raspberries or strawberries. You can also swap the lemon zest with orange or lime zest for a new taste. Want a richer flavor? Add a teaspoon of almond extract. You can even mix in chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture. Each change makes the scones unique and fun.
Gluten-Free Version
If you need a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum in it, which helps with texture. Follow the same steps as the original recipe. The scones may turn out slightly denser but will still taste great. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour, but you may need to adjust the liquid in your recipe.
Seasonal Variations
Seasonal ingredients can make your scones special. In spring, add fresh herbs like basil or mint for a bright flavor. In fall, mix in pumpkin puree and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for a cozy twist. During the holidays, you can add dried cranberries and a bit of nutmeg for a festive treat. Each season offers a chance to create something new and delightful.
Nutritional Information
Calories and Macronutrients
One Lemon Blueberry Scone has about 200 calories. Each scone contains:
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
These values may vary based on the exact ingredients used.
Health Benefits of Ingredients
Lemon and blueberries pack a punch of nutrients.
- Blueberries: Rich in antioxidants, they support heart health.
- Lemon: High in vitamin C, it boosts your immune system.
- Whole-Wheat Flour (if used): Adds fiber, which aids digestion.
Using fresh ingredients makes these scones a tasty treat with added health perks.
Serving Suggestions for Dietary Preferences
These scones fit various diets.
- Vegetarian: Perfect as is, since they contain no meat.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free option.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free mix.
Pair the scones with fresh fruit or a light yogurt for a balanced meal.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries for scones?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries for scones. They work well and keep the scones moist. Just fold them in gently when mixing the dough. If using frozen berries, do not thaw them first. This helps prevent the dough from turning blue.
How can I make scones ahead of time?
You can make scones ahead by preparing the dough and chilling it. Shape the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges. Wrap the wedges tightly in plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them directly from the fridge.
What can I serve with Lemon Blueberry Scones?
Lemon blueberry scones pair well with many tasty sides. You can serve them with lemon curd or clotted cream. A light drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of powdered sugar also adds sweetness. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a complete treat.
How do I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
Can I freeze the scone dough?
Yes, you can freeze the scone dough. Shape it into a circle and cut it into wedges. Wrap the wedges tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. When you're ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
This blog post covered the delightful art of making lemon blueberry scones. You learned about each ingredient and why they matter. We shared step-by-step instructions to guide you through baking. Helpful tips showed how to avoid common mistakes. Variations offered ways to customize your scones to fit your taste. Finally, we discussed nutrition and storage options. Enjoy these scones fresh from the oven, and share them with friends for a sweet treat! Happy baking!
