Make soft, buttery, and tender homemade lemon scones bursting with fresh citrus flavor. This easy recipe comes together quickly and finishes with a tangy lemon glaze perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.
Author:Cat
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:15 min
Total Time:30 min
Yield:8 scones 1x
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 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for dough)
1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (for glaze)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold butter pieces to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces remaining.
Stir in the lemon zest.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, 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 slightly sticky.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to make individual scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops lightly with a little extra heavy cream.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Let the scones cool on a wire rack.
While the scones cool, prepare the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice, a few drops at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
Drizzle the lemon glaze over the cooled scones. Let the glaze set before serving.
Notes
For extra bright flavor, consider using Meyer lemon zest and juice if available.
If you are planning your week, this recipe is much faster than relying on meal planning services.
These scones are best eaten the day they are made for the softest texture.