Are you craving a delightful treat that's both simple to make and utterly delicious? Look no further! These petite vanilla bean scones are the perfect answer. Imagine the warm, buttery crumb, the subtle sweetness of vanilla, and the satisfying crunch with every bite. This easy recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, quick weekend breakfasts, or an elegant addition to your afternoon tea. Let's get baking!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Staples
This recipe makes about 12 petite scones. Feel free to double or halve it based on your needs.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract plus the seeds from ½ vanilla bean)
- Coarse sugar (for sprinkling, optional)
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions: Easy as Pie!
Getting Started: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly fluffy scone.
Cutting in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing; some pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal for a tender crumb.
Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract and vanilla bean paste.
Combining: Gently add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until the dough comes together. Overmixing will result in tough scones.
Shaping the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a ½-inch thick circle. Use a 2-inch biscuit cutter or a sharp knife to cut out individual scones.
Baking: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar, if desired. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Cooling: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Scones Every Time
- Cold Ingredients: Using cold butter and milk is crucial for creating a flaky texture.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
- Gentle Handling: Handle the dough gently to avoid toughening it.
- Even Baking: Rotate the baking sheet halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
Delicious Variations to Explore
- Lemon Poppy Seed: Add the zest of one lemon and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients.
- Chocolate Chip: Fold in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
- Cranberry Orange: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 150-200
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
- Protein: 3-4g
These petite vanilla bean scones are a true delight, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade baking! They're also great for gifting – a homemade treat always makes a wonderful present.