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Soft & Fluffy Lemon Scones with Bright Lemon Glaze

Three freshly baked lemon scones stacked on a white plate, drizzled with white glaze and topped with lemon zest.

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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.

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

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. 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.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
  6. 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.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle or rectangle.
  8. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to make individual scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush the tops lightly with a little extra heavy cream.
  10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Let the scones cool on a wire rack.
  11. 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.
  12. 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.

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