Are you craving a delightful treat that's both easy to make and incredibly satisfying? Look no further than these buttermilk blueberry scones! These tender, crumbly scones, bursting with juicy blueberries and boasting a subtle tang from the buttermilk, are the perfect accompaniment to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe is designed to guide you through creating homemade deliciousness with minimal effort. This recipe is perfect for those searching for quick dinner ideas or simply a healthy meal option that tastes amazing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (if frozen, do not thaw)
- Turbinado sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Instructions:
Get started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
Dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Thoroughly combining these dry ingredients is crucial for a light and fluffy texture.
Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly and keeping the butter cold prevents it from melting and creating a tough scone.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough scones, so be sure to stop once the dough comes together.
Fold in the blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to overmix; a few blueberries will likely remain whole, which is perfectly fine!
Shape and bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat or gently roll the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Sprinkle & Bake: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar, if desired, for added sweetness and texture. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cool & Enjoy: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with butter, jam, or your favorite topping.
Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Cold ingredients are key: Using cold butter and buttermilk is essential for creating flaky, tender scones.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough; simply pat it into shape.
- Use a sharp knife or cutter: A sharp knife or cutter will ensure clean cuts and prevent the scones from becoming misshapen.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Scones: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Cranberry Orange Scones: Substitute cranberries for blueberries and add the zest of one orange.
- Streusel Topping: Create a streusel topping by combining flour, brown sugar, oats, and cold butter. Sprinkle over the scones before baking.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 250-300 Fat: 12-15g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Protein: 4-5g
These values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy recipes are perfect for a quick breakfast, brunch, or even a delightful afternoon snack. Enjoy the process of homemade cooking and the delicious results! This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes and healthy meal options.