Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Lemon Scones Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4 from 71 reviews

These Lemon Scones are perfectly tender and flaky with a bright citrus flavor. Made with cold butter grated into the dry ingredients, lemon zest, and fresh lemon juice, they bake up golden and topped with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for a spring brunch or afternoon tea, these scones offer a delightful balance of sweet and tart with a soft crumb and crisp edges.

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones

Ingredients

Dough

  • ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter, cold
  • 2 ½ cups (312.5 g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Topping and Glaze

  • 2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (for brushing)
  • 1 cup (125 g) confectioners’ sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures a non-stick surface and easy cleanup.
  2. Grate and Freeze Butter: Using the fine edge of a grater, grate the cold unsalted butter onto a sheet of parchment paper. Place this in the freezer while you prepare the other ingredients; freezing the butter helps create flaky layers in the scones.
  3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Butter into Dry Ingredients: Remove the grated butter from the freezer and use a fork to quickly work it into the dry ingredients. This helps distribute the butter evenly without melting it, maintaining the dough’s flaky texture.
  5. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy whipping cream, eggs, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until fully combined.
  6. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the dough light and tender.
  7. Form Dough and Shape: Using floured hands to prevent sticking, transfer the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and shape it into a circle about ¾ inch thick.
  8. Cut Dough into Wedges: Using a bench scraper or a large knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Gently separate the scones slightly so there is about a ½-inch space between each for even baking.
  9. Brush with Heavy Cream: Lightly brush the tops and exposed edges of each scone with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream to encourage browning.
  10. Bake Until Golden: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-23 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
  11. Make Lemon Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 2-3 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to reach your desired glaze consistency.
  12. Glaze the Scones: Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the warm scones. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving for best flavor and presentation.

Notes

  • Keep the butter cold and grated for the best flaky texture.
  • Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones.
  • Lemon zest and juice should be fresh for vibrant flavor.
  • The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less lemon juice.
  • Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently before serving if stored.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-scones-recipe/