Are you craving a treat that's both comforting and vibrant? Look no further than these delightful lemon scones! This easy recipe delivers a tender, crumbly texture bursting with the bright, zesty flavor of fresh lemons. Perfect for a weekend brunch, an afternoon tea, or a simple yet impressive dessert, these homemade scones are guaranteed to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Forget those dry, disappointing store-bought versions; this recipe guides you to the ultimate lemon scone experience. It’s a perfect example of how delicious and easy healthy meals can be.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- Zest of 2 lemons
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions:
Get Started:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
Make the Dough:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents for a perfectly risen scone.
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Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Working quickly with cold ingredients helps create a flaky texture.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
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Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten and results in tough scones.
Shape and Bake:
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Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
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Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
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Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
Finish and Serve:
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Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
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Serve warm with clotted cream, jam, or a simple dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Scones:
- Cold is Key: Use very cold butter and handle the dough gently to prevent the butter from melting. This is crucial for a tender crumb.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Quick Baking: Scones bake quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
Variations:
- Blueberry Lemon Scones: Fold in 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries before shaping the scones.
- Glazed Lemon Scones: Make a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little lemon juice and drizzle it over the cooled scones.
- Cranberry Lemon Scones: Add dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250
- Fat: Around 12g
- Carbohydrates: Around 30g
- Protein: Around 4g
These lemon scones are the perfect addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas. They're a delicious and relatively healthy treat that showcases the simple joy of homemade cooking. Enjoy!