Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Look no further! These delightful blueberry scones with buttermilk are the perfect answer. Fluffy, tender, and bursting with juicy blueberries, these scones are ideal for a weekend brunch, an afternoon tea, or a quick and easy dessert. This recipe focuses on homemade cooking, offering a delicious dish that's both satisfying and healthy. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this easy recipe!
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
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups fresh blueberries
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, crucial for fluffy scones.
Step 2: Cutting 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. Avoid overmixing; some pea-sized pieces of butter are fine. This step creates flaky layers in the scones.
Step 3: Combining Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a fork just until the dough comes together. Overmixing will result in tough scones.
Step 4: Incorporating Blueberries
Gently fold in the blueberries. Be careful not to overmix, as this can crush the berries.
Step 5: Shaping and Baking the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk for a golden brown crust.
Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
Step 6: Cooling and Serving
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 your favorite spread, such as clotted cream, jam, or even a simple pat of butter.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky scones. Make sure your butter and buttermilk are well-chilled before starting.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough. Gentle folding and patting are all that's needed.
- Don't overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the scones enough space to spread and bake evenly.
Variations:
- Lemon Blueberry Scones: Add the zest of one lemon to the dry ingredients for a burst of citrus flavor.
- Cranberry Scones: Substitute cranberries for blueberries.
- Chocolate Chip Scones: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips along with the blueberries.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
These easy and healthy blueberry scones are a delicious addition to any meal. Enjoy this quick dinner idea, perfect for a satisfying and flavorful homemade treat! They are a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas when you’re short on time but still want something delicious and homemade. Try this best recipe and elevate your baking game today!