Looking for a fresh and tasty treat? My Lemon Blueberry Scones deliver bright flavors in every bite. With zesty lemon, juicy blueberries, and a sweet glaze, these scones are perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. In this post, I’ll guide you through easy steps to make them from scratch. Trust me; you won’t want to miss out on this delightful recipe! Let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon and blueberries creates a refreshing and uplifting taste that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and quick, making it ideal for both novice bakers and experienced cooks.
- Perfect Texture: The scones are light and flaky on the outside, with a moist and tender crumb inside, ensuring a delightful bite every time.
- Beautiful Presentation: With a drizzle of lemon glaze and a sprinkle of fresh blueberries, these scones look as good as they taste!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
– 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Components
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
For these lemon blueberry scones, I love using fresh ingredients. The all-purpose flour gives a solid base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder and baking soda help the scones rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors.
When it comes to the wet ingredients, the cold unsalted butter must stay cold. This is key for the perfect flaky texture. I like to cube the butter. It makes it easy to blend into the flour. Blueberries bring juicy bursts in each bite. The zest of one lemon brightens the flavor. Buttermilk adds moisture and richness. The egg binds everything together, while vanilla gives a warm touch.
Lastly, for the glaze, I mix powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice. This adds a sweet and tangy finish. Drizzling it on top makes the scones look as good as they taste.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easy.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour and 1/4 cup of sugar. Mix well until combined. Next, add 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. These ingredients help the scones rise and give them a light texture.
Incorporating Butter and Blueberries
Now, it’s time to work in the cold butter. Take 1/4 cup of cold, unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes. Add these cubes to the flour mixture. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Gently fold in 1/2 cup of blueberries and the zest of 1 lemon. This adds flavor and color.
Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Ensure the mixture is smooth. This will add moisture and richness to the dough.
Forming the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut this circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Baking the Scones
Bake the scones for 15-20 minutes. They are done when golden brown. To check doneness, insert a toothpick. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
Preparing the Glaze
While the scones bake, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir until smooth. This glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish to the warm scones.
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting Texture
To get the best texture, avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stop once everything is just combined. This keeps the scones light and fluffy.
To achieve the right consistency, the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together. If it feels too sticky, add a bit more flour. If it is too dry, a splash of buttermilk can help.
Enhancing Flavor
You can add more flavor to your scones by mixing in some nuts or spices. For example, a dash of cinnamon pairs well with the blueberries. Fresh ingredients are key. Always use ripe blueberries and fresh lemon juice for the best taste.
Presentation Ideas
For serving, warm scones are a treat. They have a nice, soft texture that everyone loves. However, you can also serve them at room temperature. Place them on a pretty platter to impress your guests.
Garnish with fresh blueberries or a sprig of mint. A drizzle of lemon glaze adds a beautiful touch too. These small details make your scones look even more inviting.
Pro Tips
- Chill the Ingredients: For flakier scones, ensure your butter and buttermilk are cold before mixing. This helps create those delicious layers in the scone.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can result in tough scones, so stop as soon as you see no dry flour.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding to the dough. This prevents them from bleeding and keeps your scones looking beautiful.
- Perfect Glaze: For a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar; for a thinner glaze, add a bit more lemon juice. Adjust according to your preference for a delightful finish!
Variations
Flavor Enhancements
You can elevate your lemon blueberry scones by adding nuts or spices. Walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch. For spices, try cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you crave different fruits, swap the blueberries for raspberries or cherries. Each fruit brings its own sweet twist to the scones.
Dietary Alternatives
Making gluten-free scones is easy. Use a good gluten-free flour blend to replace all-purpose flour. You can also make vegan scones. Substitute buttermilk with almond milk and the egg with a flax egg. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty treats without worry.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy treat. For a fun twist, serve them with lemon curd or whipped cream. Present your scones on a colorful platter, drizzled with glaze. Top with fresh berries and mint leaves for a stunning look.
Storage Info
Short Term Storage
To keep your Lemon Blueberry Scones fresh, store them at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and tasty for up to two days. If you want to keep them a bit longer, you can refrigerate them. Wrap the scones in plastic wrap and place them in a container. They will last about four days in the fridge.
Long Term Storage
For long-term storage, freezing is your best option. Place your scones in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing. They can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, take out the scones. Thaw them at room temperature or heat them in the oven. To reheat, set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 10 minutes. This will bring back their fresh-baked taste.
FAQs
How do you make Lemon Blueberry Scones from scratch?
To make Lemon Blueberry Scones from scratch, follow these steps. First, gather your ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, blueberries, lemon zest, buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Next, cut in the cold butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients. Combine both mixtures, being careful not to overmix. Shape the dough, cut it into wedges, and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until golden. Drizzle with a lemon glaze once cooled.
Can I use frozen blueberries in the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. They work well with this recipe. Just toss them in a bit of flour before adding them to the dough. This helps prevent them from sinking. Frozen blueberries may make the dough a bit wetter. So, you may need to adjust your baking time slightly. Keep an eye on the scones as they bake.
What’s the best way to store leftover scones?
To store leftover scones, let them cool completely. Place the scones in an airtight container. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, wrap them in plastic wrap and freeze them. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. To enjoy, simply thaw and reheat in the oven for a few minutes.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Prepare the dough as instructed and shape it into a circle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut the dough into wedges and bake as usual. This saves time and allows you to enjoy fresh scones anytime.
How can I make scones more tender?
To make scones more tender, handle the dough gently. Avoid overmixing, as this can create tough scones. Use cold butter, which helps create flakiness. Adding a bit more buttermilk can also help. If you want, you can even try using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour. This will yield a softer texture.
You now know how to make delicious lemon blueberry scones from scratch. We covered key ingredients, mixing methods, and tips for perfecting texture. Remember to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Experiment with variations like nuts or spices to make them your own. Store them properly to keep them fresh. With these steps, you can enjoy warm, tasty scones anytime. Happy bakin
