Lemon Cream Scones

There’s something magical about the perfect scone—flaky, buttery, and just the right balance of sweetness. If you love bright, zesty flavors that make your taste buds dance, Lemon Cream Scones are going to be your new favorite. Picture it: a warm scone, slightly crisp on the outside, soft and tender on the inside, with a burst of refreshing lemon flavor. Add a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of lemon glaze, and you’ve got yourself the most delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Trust me, these scones will fill your kitchen with a citrusy aroma that’s impossible to resist. They’re the perfect balance of tangy and sweet, and they’re incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll be savoring these scones in no time!

Why You’ll Love Lemon Cream Scones

These Lemon Cream Scones are the kind of treat you’ll want to have on hand for any occasion. Here’s why they’re so irresistible:

Bright and Zesty:

With fresh lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice, these scones bring a refreshing citrus flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of the cream.

Quick and Easy:

Even though scones are known for their delicate texture, these are super easy to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic ingredients and a little love, and you’ve got yourself a batch of fluffy, tender scones.

Buttery and Flaky:

The key to a perfect scone is that golden, buttery flakiness. These scones deliver with every bite—crispy on the outside, soft on the inside.

Versatile:

These scones are perfect on their own, but you can serve them with jam, lemon curd, clotted cream, or even a light drizzle of icing for a little extra sweetness.

Perfect for Sharing:

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet afternoon, or gifting a batch to a friend, these scones are the perfect way to share a little joy.

Ingredients in Lemon Cream Scones

Here’s what you need to make your Lemon Cream Scones:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of any scone, giving them structure and texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Just enough to add a touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the lemon.
• Baking Powder: This helps the scones rise and become nice and fluffy.
• Salt: To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
• Cold Unsalted Butter: The key to creating flaky layers—make sure it’s cold to get that perfect scone texture.
• Heavy Cream: This adds richness and helps create that tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
• Egg: For structure and a touch of richness.
• Lemon Zest: Fresh lemon zest gives the scones that zingy, citrusy flavor.
• Lemon Juice: A bit of lemon juice enhances the fresh lemon flavor and adds moisture.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla adds warmth and depth to the flavor.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get baking! Here’s how you make these Lemon Cream Scones:

1. Preheat Your Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This is the foundation of your scones, and mixing the dry ingredients ensures they’re evenly distributed.

3. Cut in the Butter:

Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pea-sized pieces of butter scattered throughout the flour for that perfect flaky texture.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—you want to keep that light, airy texture.

5. Shape the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a round disc, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza.

6. Bake:

Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the scones have risen.

7. Cool and Serve:

Let the scones cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. They’re best served warm, so you can enjoy them with a dollop of clotted cream, jam, or even a little lemon glaze if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: [Time to prepare ingredients]
Cook Time: [Time to bake]
Total Time: [Total time needed]

How to Serve Lemon Cream Scones

These Lemon Cream Scones are perfect for so many occasions:

Afternoon Tea:

Serve them with tea, jam, or lemon curd for a cozy, elegant treat. The citrus flavor is bright and refreshing, making it the ideal pairing with a cup of your favorite tea.

Breakfast or Brunch:

Enjoy them for a light breakfast or as part of a bigger brunch spread. They’re perfect with coffee, fresh fruit, and maybe a side of scrambled eggs or bacon.

Dessert:

These scones are so flavorful that they can easily double as a dessert. Serve them warm with a drizzle of lemon glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple yet satisfying dessert.

With a Cup of Coffee:

There’s something about a buttery scone paired with a hot cup of coffee that makes the perfect pick-me-up. Whether it’s a casual snack or a sweet treat after lunch, these scones will elevate your coffee break.

Additional Tips

Make Them Mini:

If you prefer smaller scones, you can shape the dough into a smaller round and cut into 12 mini wedges instead of 8 regular-sized scones.

Add a Lemon Glaze:

For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a little milk) over the top of your scones once they’ve cooled slightly.

Use Buttermilk:

For a slight tang and extra tenderness, try replacing the heavy cream with buttermilk in the recipe.

Freeze the Dough:

Make the dough in advance, cut into wedges, and freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, store the wedges in an airtight container and bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time!

Add Fresh Blueberries:

For a fruity twist, toss a handful of fresh blueberries into the dough along with the wet ingredients. The burst of berries paired with lemon will be an unforgettable combination.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use non-dairy cream in this recipe?

A1: Yes, you can! Substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream or almond milk. Keep in mind that it may slightly affect the texture and flavor.

Q2: Can I make these scones ahead of time?

A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking, or even freeze the dough for later.

Q3: Can I freeze baked scones?

A3: Yes! Once baked and cooled, store the scones in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the freezer. They’ll stay fresh for up to a month. Just reheat in the oven before serving.

Q4: What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

A4: No problem! You can use two forks or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Q5: How do I know when the scones are done?

A5: The scones should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re ready!

Q6: Can I use a different fruit in these scones?

A6: Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or even cranberries would work wonderfully in place of the lemon zest for a different fruity flavor.

Q7: What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

A7: Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to a week.

Q8: Can I use self-raising flour?

A8: If using self-raising flour, omit the baking powder and salt from the recipe. The self-raising flour already contains leavening agents.

Q9: Can I add a glaze to these scones?

A9: Yes! A simple lemon glaze made of powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of milk will add a sweet, tangy finish.

Q10: Can I make the dough by hand without a mixer?

A10: Yes, absolutely! Just use your hands or a pastry cutter to incorporate the butter into the flour, and then gently stir in the wet ingredients.

These Lemon Cream Scones are the perfect balance of buttery goodness and refreshing lemon zest, and they’ll quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy every bite!

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