Lemon Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Scones are tender, buttery pastries with a bright citrus flavor that makes them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Lightly sweet and topped with a simple lemon glaze, these scones pair beautifully with tea or coffee and add a refreshing twist to your baking rotation.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

all-purpose flourgranulated sugarsalted buttermilkcold unsalted butterfresh lemons (zest and juice)baking powderbaking sodasaltheavy cream or milkvanilla extractconfectioners’ sugar (for glaze)

directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, vanilla extract, and a bit of fresh lemon juice.

Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry, mixing gently until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat into a circle about 1 inch thick.

Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops with heavy cream or milk.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.

Whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to make a simple glaze.

Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled scones.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 8 scones.Preparation time: 15 minutesBaking time: 15-18 minutesCooling and glazing time: 10 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add poppy seeds for a classic lemon poppy seed twist.

Stir in fresh blueberries for extra flavor.

Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for crunch.

Use an orange glaze instead for a citrus variation.

storage/reheating

Store Lemon Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes to refresh.Freeze unglazed scones for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, buttermilk adds tenderness and tang.

Why is my dough sticky?

Add a little extra flour if needed, but don’t overwork it.

Can I make mini scones?

Yes, cut smaller wedges and adjust baking time.

Do I have to glaze them?

No, they’re delicious plain too.

Can I make them ahead?

Yes, bake and freeze, then reheat and glaze before serving.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice and zest give the best flavor.

How do I get tender scones?

Use cold butter and handle the dough gently.

Can kids help make these?

Yes! They can zest lemons and help cut the scones.

What’s the best way to serve them?

Warm, with tea or coffee.

Can I add nuts?

Yes, chopped almonds or pistachios pair well.

Conclusion

Lemon Scones are a bright, buttery treat that bring a burst of sunshine to your table. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-try for citrus lovers and a delightful addition to any breakfast or brunch spread. Bake a batch and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavor in every bite!

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