Description
Lemon Scones are tender, buttery pastries bursting with fresh citrus flavor. Topped with a simple lemon glaze, these scones are the perfect companion for tea or coffee at breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk (for brushing tops)
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (for glaze)
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.
- Cut in the 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 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, 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 for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
- While the scones cool slightly, whisk together confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice to make the glaze.
- Drizzle the glaze over the slightly cooled scones before serving.
Notes
- Add poppy seeds for a classic lemon poppy seed scone.
- Stir in fresh blueberries for extra fruity flavor.
- Sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking for a sweet crunch.
- Try an orange glaze for a citrus twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (1/8 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg