Make soft, tender lemon scones from scratch. This recipe yields moist scones with a bright lemon flavor, topped with a simple, tangy lemon glaze.
Author:Alex Rwanda
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:8 servings
Category:Breakfast
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
For the Glaze: 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be shaggy.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3 or 4 times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges (like a pizza). Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown.
While the scones cool slightly, prepare the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice together until smooth. Add more lemon juice, a drop at a time, until you reach a thick but pourable consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
For the softest scones, ensure your butter is very cold.
If you prefer a stronger lemon flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon extract to the wet ingredients.
You can substitute Meyer lemons for standard lemons for a slightly sweeter, more floral taste.