These buttery and zesty lemon scones are perfect for breakfast, tea time, or a light dessert. They are flaky, soft, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 lemon
- ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
For the Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until a dough forms. Do not overmix.
Step 3: Shape and Cut the Scones
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about ¾-inch thick.
- Cut into 8 equal wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a little heavy cream for a golden finish.
Step 4: Bake the Scones
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on a wire rack.
Step 5: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Drizzle over the cooled scones and let set for a few minutes.
Tips for the Best Lemon Scones
- Use Cold Butter: Cold butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense scones.
- Chill Before Baking: Chilling the scones for 15 minutes before baking helps them rise better.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more sugar if you prefer sweeter scones or reduce it for a more tart flavor.
Nutrition Facts (Per Scone)
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
- Sugar: 12g
Enjoy these delicious lemon scones with a cup of tea or coffee!