Are you ready to indulge in a warm, fresh treat? My Lemon Blueberry Scones combine the zing of lemon with sweet blueberries, creating a delightful snack perfect for any time of day. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll be amazed at how quick these scones come together. Join me in whipping up this delicious recipe that will brighten your mornings and impress your friends!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bright Flavor: The combination of zesty lemon and sweet blueberries creates a refreshing and delightful taste that's perfect for any time of day.
- Easy to Make: This scone recipe is straightforward and requires minimal ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
- Perfect Texture: The scones are light and flaky on the outside while remaining tender and moist on the inside, making every bite irresistible.
- Customizable: You can easily adjust the flavors by adding nuts, different fruits, or spices, allowing you to make it your own!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients List
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
I love how each ingredient plays a key role in the flavors of lemon blueberry scones. The all-purpose flour gives the scones their structure. The granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder and baking soda are vital for that perfect rise. A pinch of salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
For the wet ingredients, cold unsalted butter is a must. It creates a tender crumb. The fresh blueberries burst with flavor in each bite. Lemon zest brings a bright, zesty taste that pairs perfectly with the berries. Heavy cream and sour cream add moisture and richness, while the egg binds everything together. Lastly, a touch of vanilla extract adds warmth to the flavor profile.
For the glaze, mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice creates a sweet and tangy finish that glazes each scone beautifully. Each of these ingredients is essential to crafting the perfect lemon blueberry scone.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the scones bake evenly.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the scones from sticking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
This mix creates a solid base for your scones.
Incorporating Ingredients
4. Add the cold, cubed butter (1/2 cup) to the dry mix. You can use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work the butter in until it looks like coarse crumbs.
5. Now, fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries and the zest of 1 lemon. Be gentle, so you don’t mash the blueberries.
6. In a second bowl, whisk together:
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix these until smooth, then pour into the dry mix. Fold gently until just combined. Don’t overmix; this keeps the scones light.
Forming and Baking the Scones
7. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Knead it gently until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
9. Bake for 15-18 minutes. Look for a light golden color on top. Let them cool on a wire rack.
10. While the scones cool, mix 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to make a glaze. Drizzle it over the cooled scones for a sweet finish.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices
- Avoiding overmixing for tender scones: When you mix the dough, stop as soon as it comes together. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want them light and fluffy.
- Correct butter temperature and size for mixing: Use cold, cubed butter straight from the fridge. This helps create flaky layers in your scones. Work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Variations
- Using different fruits or citrus zest: You can swap blueberries for raspberries or strawberries. Try lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a new flavor twist.
- Adjusting sweetness or adding spices: If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. You can also mix in spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- Ideal accompaniments and presentation tips: Serve your scones warm on a nice platter. Add fresh blueberries and a sprig of mint for color. Pair with tea or coffee for a cozy treat.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is cold and cubed before mixing it into the flour. This helps create flaky layers in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This can enhance the scone's texture and flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add different zest or spices, like orange zest or cinnamon, to customize your scones to your taste.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To keep your lemon blueberry scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture. This helps maintain the right texture. You can keep the scones in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, refrigeration is a great option.
Freezing Instructions
For longer storage, freezing is best. First, let the scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze them for up to three months. When you are ready, just pull out the scones and thaw them in the fridge overnight.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy scones after storage, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This warms them up and restores their nice texture. For a quick option, you can use a microwave too. Heat each scone for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your tasty treats warm!
Nutritional Information
Serving Size
Each scone serves as a delightful treat. A single scone weighs about 75 grams. This size is perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Caloric Values
Each scone has around 210 calories. Here’s the breakdown:
- Fats: 9 grams
- Sugars: 6 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
The combination of butter and cream gives these scones a rich taste. The blueberries add natural sweetness and fiber.
Dietary Considerations
For those avoiding gluten, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour. It works well and keeps the texture light. Also, you can swap heavy cream with a non-dairy milk or yogurt. This way, everyone can enjoy these tasty scones!
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh for lemon blueberry scones?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Frozen berries work well in scones. They add a nice burst of flavor. The main benefit is that they are easy to find year-round. When using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them first. This helps keep the scones from turning too blue. Just fold them into the dough straight from the freezer.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
You’ll know the scones are done when they turn lightly golden on top. The edges should look firm and dry. The center should not feel wet when you touch it. Use a toothpick to check if they are done. Insert it in the center; it should come out clean. The perfect scone will be soft inside but not doughy.
Can I make the dough in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Make the dough and shape it into a circle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. This keeps it fresh for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, cut it into wedges and bake as usual. This saves time and gives you fresh scones on demand!
In this blog post, we covered how to make lemon blueberry scones. You learned the dry and wet ingredients needed, plus how to create the glaze. We walked through easy steps for preparation, baking, and serving. I shared tips for best results, storage, and nutrition info.
Making scones should be fun and rewarding. Enjoy them warm, and don't hesitate to experiment!
