There’s something undeniably comforting about scones, especially when they combine the tangy freshness of lemon with the burst of juicy blueberries. Lemon blueberry scones are a versatile delight, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether you’re serving them warm with tea or coffee, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore how to create the perfect batch of lemon blueberry scones, complete with expert tips and delicious variations. Plus, we’ll integrate links to other related recipes that you might enjoy, making this your go-to guide for your next baking adventure.
What Are Lemon Blueberry Scones?
Scones are a type of baked good, often served in triangular shapes, known for their crumbly texture. However, these lemon blueberry scones offer more than just a classic crumb. They balance the tartness of lemon zest with the sweetness of blueberries, providing a burst of flavor with each bite. The added bonus? A sweet and tangy lemon glaze that makes these scones truly irresistible.
Key Characteristics
- Crisp and crumbly edges with a soft, moist center
- Bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor
- Sweetened with a homemade lemon glaze
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or a snack
If you’re a fan of fruity desserts, you might also love other citrus-based treats, such as raspberry lemonade. The combination of berry and citrus in both recipes makes them a refreshing addition to any gathering.
Ingredients for Lemon Blueberry Scones
Creating the perfect batch of lemon blueberry scones requires a handful of simple ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Flour: 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- Sugar: 6 tablespoons of granulated sugar
- Lemon zest: 1 tablespoon, freshly grated
- Baking powder: 2 ½ teaspoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Butter: ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, frozen
- Cream: ½ cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- Egg: 1 large egg
- Vanilla extract: 1 ½ teaspoons
- Blueberries: 1 heaping cup of fresh or frozen blueberries
- Coarse sugar: Optional, for sprinkling before baking
Pro Tip: Using frozen butter ensures a flaky texture. Grate it directly into the flour mixture for the best results.
How to Make Lemon Blueberry Scones
Making these scones is simpler than you might think! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the Butter: Grate the frozen butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the dough.
- Shape the Dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface, pat it into an 8-inch disc, and cut it into 8 wedges.
- Chill and Bake: Chill the wedges for 15 minutes before baking to prevent spreading. Then, bake at 400°F for 22-25 minutes until golden brown.
Want to explore other scone recipes? Check out how to tell when pumpkin cookies are done for tips that can also be applied to other baked treats.
Tips for Perfect Lemon Blueberry Scones
Making the perfect scone requires a few key techniques. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out beautifully:
- Use cold ingredients: Keep the butter, egg, and cream as cold as possible to achieve a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to dense, tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
- Chill the dough: Chilling the dough before baking helps keep the butter cold and prevents the scones from spreading too much.
For another variation on these flavors, try adding a touch of cinnamon or a streusel topping, as found in our pumpkin chocolate chip cookies recipe.
Lemon Icing and Glaze Options
One of the best parts of lemon blueberry scones is the tangy lemon glaze that drips over the top. To make the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Whisk together these ingredients, then drizzle over the scones once they’ve cooled slightly. If you prefer, you can substitute vanilla icing or even lemon curd for a richer topping.
Looking for other ways to incorporate lemon in your baking? You might also like our pineapple carrot quick bread for a tropical twist on fruity baked goods.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Lemon blueberry scones are delicious on their own, but there are plenty of ways to enjoy them even more:
- Serve them warm: These scones taste best when they’re slightly warm from the oven, served with a cup of tea or coffee. To complement the scones, here’s a guide on how to make perfect tea for the ultimate pairing experience.
- Pair with clotted cream: For a traditional British touch, try spreading clotted cream on the scones.
- Add a streusel topping: Before baking, sprinkle a cinnamon-sugar streusel over the top for added texture and sweetness.
If you’re interested in experimenting with more flavors, you might enjoy strawberry shortcake ice cream as a fun, fruity alternative to classic scones.
Nutritional Information of Lemon Blueberry Scones
While these scones are indulgent, you can enjoy them as part of a balanced diet. Here’s a general breakdown of their nutritional content:
- Calories: 350-400 per scone
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 20g
For a healthier twist, consider reducing the sugar or using whole wheat flour. You can also experiment with lower-fat substitutions for the cream and butter.
FAQs About Lemon Blueberry Scones
How do I prevent my scones from being dry?
To avoid dry scones, make sure you don’t overwork the dough. Keeping the ingredients cold and ensuring proper baking time are also crucial.
Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes! Frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to add them straight from the freezer to prevent the dough from becoming too wet.
What’s the best way to store scones?
Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Can I freeze the dough?
Absolutely. Freeze the dough wedges on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. You can bake them directly from frozen—just add a few minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute another fruit?
While blueberries are a classic choice, raspberries, blackberries, or even diced peaches can work well in this recipe. Feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you run into problems while baking, here are a few common solutions:
- Scones spreading too much: Make sure the dough is cold before baking. If they spread too much, you can reshape them slightly with a spatula midway through baking.
- Dense texture: This often results from overmixing the dough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined, and use cold butter to ensure a flaky texture.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about the combination of lemon and blueberries in these scones. They’re flavorful, refreshing, and the perfect treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven or saving them for later, these scones are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
If you’re interested in exploring more recipes like these, be sure to check out our butternut squash risotto for a savory dish to complement your sweet scones.
So go ahead, whip up a batch of lemon blueberry scones, and enjoy the irresistible combination of zesty lemon and sweet, juicy blueberries!