If you crave a sweet treat that bursts with flavor, you’ve come to the right place! Fresh strawberry scones are simple to make and a delight to eat. I’ll guide you through easy steps to create these flaky gems. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a perfect snack for breakfast or tea. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious recipe! Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients for Fresh Strawberry Scones
To make fresh strawberry scones, you need the following ingredients:
– 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
– 3/4 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
– 1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water, for brushing)
These ingredients come together to create a light and fluffy scone. The fresh strawberries really shine in this recipe.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can add some fun twists to your scones. Here are some optional ingredients:
– Zest of 1 lemon or orange for a citrusy flavor
– 1/2 cup chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips for a sweet touch
– 1 teaspoon almond extract instead of vanilla for a different taste
Feel free to mix and match these options. Each one will give your scones a unique twist.
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each scone offers a delightful balance of flavors. Here’s a rough idea of the nutritional information per serving:
– Calories: 210
– Total Fat: 10g
– Saturated Fat: 6g
– Cholesterol: 55mg
– Sodium: 180mg
– Total Carbohydrates: 28g
– Dietary Fiber: 1g
– Sugars: 6g
– Protein: 3g
This nutritional breakdown helps you enjoy your treat while being mindful of your diet. For more detailed information, check the Full Recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps for the Dough
To start making these fresh strawberry scones, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cold butter, cream, an egg, vanilla extract, and fresh strawberries.
1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they mix well.
3. Now, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until they are smooth.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix!
6. Next, fold in the diced strawberries carefully. You want them spread out in the dough.
Baking Instructions for Perfect Scones
Once your dough is ready, it’s time to shape and bake the scones.
1. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together.
2. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Brush each scone with the egg wash. This helps them turn golden brown.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. They should be lightly golden on top. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
After baking, let the scones cool for about 5 minutes on a wire rack.
– For serving, I recommend enjoying them warm. Dust with powdered sugar for a sweet touch.
– Serve with whipped cream, clotted cream, and a few fresh strawberries on the side. This makes every bite a delight!
For the full recipe, check out the ingredients and instructions above. Enjoy your baking!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve Flaky Scones
To get flaky scones, keep your butter cold. Use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cut it into small cubes. Mix it into the flour quickly. You want small pieces of butter in the dough. This creates air pockets and makes the scones rise. Don’t overwork the dough. Mix until just combined. This helps keep the scones light and airy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This leads to tough scones. Mix just enough to combine the ingredients. Another mistake is using warm butter. Warm butter melts instead of creating flakes. Also, avoid skipping the egg wash. It gives your scones a beautiful golden color. Lastly, be careful with the strawberries. If you chop them too small, they can make the dough soggy.
Best Practices for Working with Fresh Strawberries
When using fresh strawberries, choose ripe ones. They should be bright red and firm. Wash them gently to avoid bruising. Remove the green tops and dice them. Add them to the dough last. This helps keep the strawberries intact. If they are too juicy, pat them dry with a paper towel. This keeps the dough from getting too wet. For more tips, check the [Full Recipe](#).
Variations
Substitutions for Dietary Preferences
If you need to make some changes, don’t worry! You can swap out ingredients to fit your needs. For a dairy-free version, use almond or coconut milk in place of heavy cream. Use dairy-free butter for a buttery taste without dairy. For gluten-free scones, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. These swaps help everyone enjoy fresh strawberry scones.
Flavor Variations
You can make these scones even more fun by adding different flavors. Try folding in chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Nuts like walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. If you want to mix it up, add other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. Each addition brings a new taste to your scones!
Creative Serving Ideas
Serving these scones can be just as fun as making them. Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty look. Pair them with whipped cream or clotted cream for a rich treat. You can also create a delightful platter with scones, fresh strawberries, and a pot of jam. This makes for a lovely brunch option! For more details on making these tasty treats, check the Full Recipe.
Storage Info
Best Practices for Storing Leftover Scones
To store leftover scones, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and moist. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap. Make sure they cool completely before wrapping. Store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
How to Reheat Scones for Optimal Freshness
To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This restores their softness and warmth. You can also use a microwave. Heat them for about 10 to 15 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
Freezing Instructions for Longer Storage
For longer storage, freeze the scones. First, allow them to cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat them as mentioned above. For best results, use the Full Recipe to guide your scone-making process.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. However, fresh strawberries give better flavor and texture. If you use frozen ones, thaw them first. Drain off any extra juice to avoid a soggy dough. This way, your scones will still taste great.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Check your scones after 15 minutes of baking. They should be lightly golden on top. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your scones are ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes.
What type of flour works best for scones?
All-purpose flour works best for scones. It provides the right balance of structure and tenderness. You can also mix in some whole wheat flour for more flavor. Just remember to adjust the liquid slightly if you do.
For the full recipe, don’t forget to check the details in the earlier section!
You now know how to make fresh strawberry scones, with tasty variations and smart tips. Follow the easy steps for dough prep, baking, and serving. Use fresh strawberries for the best flavor. Remember to store leftovers properly for later enjoyment. Experiment with different flavors and dietary options to find your favorite. With these simple guidelines, you’re set for perfect scones every time. Enjoy the process, and happy baking!
