Craving that melt-in-your-mouth Starbucks vanilla bean scone but don't want to pay the price? Then you're in the right place! This recipe will guide you through creating these delectable treats from the comfort of your own kitchen. Get ready to enjoy the warm, buttery crumbles and intense vanilla flavor – all without leaving your house. It’s easier than you think to make this delicious and healthy homemade treat! This easy recipe is perfect for a quick breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack.
Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (for extra intense flavor)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
- Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents, resulting in perfectly fluffy scones.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Avoid overmixing at this stage; pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal. Cold butter is key to a flaky scone.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, and vanilla bean paste (if using). If you're aiming for extra rich scones, stir in the heavy cream now.
Step 4: Bring it Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Step 5: Shape and Bake
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges. Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 6: Glaze and Bake
Brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream (optional) and sprinkle with coarse sugar for added sweetness and texture. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Enjoy
Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite beverage.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: This is crucial for achieving a flaky texture.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid overworking the dough.
- Bake at the correct temperature: Baking at too low a temperature will result in dense scones.
Variations:
- Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1/4 cup of poppy seeds to the dry ingredients.
- Cranberry Orange Scones: Incorporate 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of one orange into the dough.
- Chocolate Chip Scones: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
This recipe offers a delicious and healthy alternative to store-bought baked goods. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating these amazing vanilla bean scones from scratch! They're perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Remember to share your baking adventures – tag us in your photos!