Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe

Welcome to a sunny delight at your breakfast table – Fresh Lemon Scones! These delightful treats are a burst of citrus flavor, bringing a ray of sunshine to your mornings. Balancing cold ingredients, proper handling, and perfect timing are key to achieving the soft, flaky goodness that defines these scones. As an SEO expert and food blogger, I’ve spent years perfecting this recipe to ensure each bite is a zesty delight.

Picture this – a family get-together where smiles light up the room after the first taste of these Fresh Lemon Scones. The secret lies in the harmonious blend of chilled butter chunks and fresh lemon juice, creating a texture and taste that truly shine. Remember, a quick pop in the freezer and a brush of cream before baking at the perfect temperature are the finishing touches that make these scones truly exceptional.

As you embark on your scone-making journey, embrace the process of experimentation and discovery. These lemony scones honor the traditional Scottish roots while inviting you to infuse your own creative twists. Whether you add extra lemon zest, play with glaze thickness, or shape them uniquely, each batch is a chance to craft a personal touch. So, take a moment to savor the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary, and share the love with those dear to you. Join me in creating a new chapter in the timeless saga of scones with these Fresh Lemon Scones!

Quick Benefits

Sunshine on a Plate: Fresh lemon scones bring a burst of citrus flavor that brightens up any breakfast or brunch.
Buttery Flakiness: Achieve a soft, flaky texture by mastering the balance of cold, cubed butter and chilled ingredients.
Zesty Delight: The combination of fresh lemon zest and juice adds a vibrant, tangy twist to classic scones.
Therapeutic Baking: Making these scones becomes a relaxing process, allowing you to connect with the ingredients and enjoy the transformation from simple components to delicious treats.

Why You’ll Love This Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe Recipe

Bright Citrus Flavor: The fresh lemon zest and juice add a vibrant and refreshing taste to the scones, perfect for a sunny breakfast treat.
Soft and Flaky Texture: The balance of cold butter and proper handling techniques result in scones that are soft, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Zesty Drizzle: The lemon glaze on top of the scones adds a tangy and sweet finish, elevating the overall flavor profile.
Family Favorite: These scones are a hit at family gatherings, guaranteed to bring smiles to everyone who tries them.
Versatile Recipe: You can customize these scones by adding more lemon zest for extra citrusy kick or adjusting the glaze thickness to suit your taste preferences.
Relaxing Baking Experience: Making these scones can be a therapeutic and enjoyable process, allowing you to savor each step and appreciate the transformation of simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Heritage with a Modern Twist: While scones have Scottish roots, these lemon scones bring a fresh and modern twist to the traditional recipe, making them a delightful addition to any kitchen worldwide.
Perfect for Sharing: Baking these scones is not just about the end result but also about the journey and the joy of sharing your creations with loved ones.

Ingredients for Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe

Scones

One cold, large egg
A tablespoon of baking powder
A cup (227g) of cold, cubed, unsalted butter
Three lemons, zest grated finely
360g (roughly 3 cups) plain flour
2/3 cup (about 120ml) buttermilk, extra for brushing
Half a teaspoon of salt (kosher preferred)
A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda
100g (about 1/2 cup) granulated sugar

Lemon Glaze

Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
57g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar

Pro Tips for Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe

To achieve the perfect texture and taste for your lemon scones, ensure your butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the dry ingredients. The cold butter creates a flaky texture as it melts during baking. Pop the shaped scones in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape and rise beautifully in the oven.

When making the zesty drizzle for your lemon scones, adjust the powdered sugar and lemon juice to achieve your desired consistency. Some may prefer a thicker glaze, while others might enjoy a more runny one. Experiment with the ratio of sugar to lemon juice until you find the perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess that suits your taste buds.

How to Make Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Rub together sugar and lemon zest, then mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Incorporate the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized pieces using your hands or a pastry cutter.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Combine the beaten egg with the buttermilk, then gently fold into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Step 5: Shape and Chill

Shape the dough into an 8-inch circle and cut it into eight wedges. Brush with buttermilk and freeze for 15 minutes.

Step 6: Bake and Glaze

Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely, then drizzle with lemon glaze.

Storage Tips

Once you have baked the fresh lemon scones to golden perfection and drizzled them with the zesty lemon glaze, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their freshness. Allow the scones to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. To keep them at their best, place the scones in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. For added freshness, you can also line the container with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture that may develop.

When storing the scones, keep them at room temperature for up to 2 days for optimal freshness. If you plan to enjoy them beyond that timeframe, you can store them in the refrigerator for up to one week. To reheat the scones, you can warm them in the oven at a low temperature or microwave them briefly to restore their soft, flaky texture. Remember, fresh is always best when it comes to scones, so enjoy them at their prime for the most delightful taste experience.

Ingredient Substitutions

For the Fresh Lemon Scones recipe, there are a few ingredient substitutions you can consider based on personal preferences or dietary restrictions. If you prefer a different type of sweetener, you can swap the granulated sugar with an equal amount of honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute like stevia. This change may slightly alter the texture and sweetness of the scones, so adjust accordingly.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a buttermilk substitute by combining 2/3 cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly. This homemade buttermilk alternative will work well in the recipe and provide a similar tangy flavor to the scones.

Additionally, you can customize the glaze for the scones by experimenting with different citrus flavors. Instead of using fresh lemon juice for the glaze, you could try orange juice, lime juice, or even grapefruit juice for a unique twist on the recipe. Adjust the amount of juice and powdered sugar to achieve your desired consistency and flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion with these Fresh Lemon Scones, consider arranging them on a beautiful platter with fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries. The burst of fruity flavors from the berries will complement the zesty lemon scones perfectly, creating a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes. Additionally, you can serve these scones alongside a dollop of clotted cream or whipped mascarpone for a touch of richness that elevates the overall taste experience.

To add a fun twist to the presentation, you could also dust the scones with a sprinkle of edible flowers like lavender or chamomile. This not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a subtle floral aroma that pairs harmoniously with the citrusy essence of the scones. The combination of flavors and textures will make this breakfast treat a visually stunning and palate-pleasing delight for any gathering or special occasion.

FAQs for Zesty Lemon Scones Recipe

Question?

What is the purpose of freezing the shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking?

Question?

Can I make the lemon scone dough ahead of time and bake it later?

Question?

How can I adjust the recipe to make the scones more lemony?

Question?

What is the best way to store leftover lemon scones?

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fresh Lemon Scones are more than just a breakfast treat – they’re a delightful journey of discovery and connection with your baking skills. Remember, each time you make these scones, you’re crafting a unique chapter in the timeless story of this beloved pastry. So, keep experimenting, keep learning, and most importantly, keep sharing your delicious creations with those around you.

The next time you embark on a baking adventure with Fresh Lemon Scones, embrace the process with joy and enthusiasm. Let the aroma of citrusy zest fill your kitchen and the warmth of freshly baked scones bring smiles to your loved ones. Your scones will not only be a culinary delight but a reflection of your passion and creativity. So, have fun, savor every bite, and continue to perfect your own special version of Fresh Lemon Scones – a true testament to your love for baking.

Brighten your mornings with these soft and flaky Fresh Lemon Scones, bursting with zesty citrus flavor and topped with a delightful lemony drizzle.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time30 Minutes

Cook Time20 Minutes

Total Time50 Minutes

CuisineBritish

Skill LevelEasy

Servings8 Servings (8 wedges)

Ingredients

Scones

One cold, large egg
A tablespoon of baking powder
A cup (227g) of cold, cubed, unsalted butter
Three lemons, zest grated finely
360g (roughly 3 cups) plain flour
2/3 cup (about 120ml) buttermilk, extra for brushing
Half a teaspoon of salt (kosher preferred)
A pinch (1/4 teaspoon) of baking soda
100g (about 1/2 cup) granulated sugar

Lemon Glaze

Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
57g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar

Instructions

Prepare: Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: Rub together sugar and lemon zest, then mix in flour, baking powder, salt, and baking soda.
Cut in Butter: Incorporate the cold butter cubes into the flour mixture until it forms pea-sized pieces using your hands or a pastry cutter.
Add Wet Ingredients: Combine the beaten egg with the buttermilk, then gently fold into the dry ingredients until just combined.
Shape and Chill: Shape the dough into an 8-inch circle and cut it into eight wedges. Brush with buttermilk and freeze for 15 minutes.
Bake and Glaze: Bake for 20 minutes until golden. Allow to cool completely, then drizzle with lemon glaze.