Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in these scones?

While heavy cream produces the richest, most tender scones, you can substitute whole milk in a pinch. The scones won't be quite as rich but will still taste delicious. Avoid using lower-fat milk as it doesn't provide enough fat for proper texture.

Why did my scones turn out tough instead of tender?

Tough scones usually result from overworking the dough. Remember to mix just until the ingredients come together and handle the dough gently when shaping. Also, make sure your butter stays cold throughout the process – those cold butter pieces create steam pockets during baking that result in flaky layers.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into scones, and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the shaped unbaked scones for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown tops and a firm touch. If you gently press the top of a scone and it springs back without leaving an indentation, they're done. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet dough.

Lemon Scones Recipe - Emilyscook

Name: Lemon Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold butter; 3/4 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons lemon zest; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon milk (optional); 1 tablespoon lemon juice

These bright, zesty Lemon Scones are simply divine – buttery, tender, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor in every bite. The delicate crumb and tangy glaze make these scones perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Best of all, they’re ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making them an ideal treat even on busy mornings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Quick: From bowl to table in just 30 minutes – perfect for those mornings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The bright lemon zest and juice cut through the richness of the butter and cream, creating a scone that’s neither too sweet nor too tart.
Impressive Results: These scones look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they’re surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
Versatile: Perfect for breakfast with coffee, afternoon tea, or even as a light dessert when you’re craving something sweet but not too heavy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: The foundation of our scones, providing structure while still allowing for a tender crumb. Make sure to measure accurately for best results.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives these scones their lovely rise. Always check that yours is fresh!
Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cold butter: The secret to flaky, tender scones! Keep it cold until the very last minute for the best texture.
Heavy cream: Creates richness and moisture in the scones. The fat content matters here, so don’t substitute with milk.
Lemon juice: Provides that bright, tangy flavor that makes these scones special. Fresh is definitely best!
Lemon zest: Contains the essential oils from the lemon skin, adding intense citrus flavor. Don’t skip this ingredient!
Powdered sugar: The base for our simple glaze, melting into a smooth, sweet topping.
Milk: Used in the glaze for the perfect drizzling consistency. You can adjust the amount to make it thicker or thinner.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your lemon scones? Here are some delicious options:

Berry Lemon Scones: Fold in 1 cup of fresh blueberries or raspberries for a fruity twist.
Lemon Poppyseed Scones: Add 1 tablespoon of poppyseeds to the dough for that classic combination.
White Chocolate Lemon Scones: Stir in ½ cup of white chocolate chips before forming the dough.
Herbal Infusion: Add 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped rosemary or lavender for a sophisticated flavor profile.
Lemon Ginger Scones: Include 2 tablespoons of finely minced crystallized ginger for a warming spice element.

How to Make Lemon Scones

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Gather all ingredients, making sure to keep your butter in the refrigerator until right before you need it. Zest and juice your lemons before starting to mix anything.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents.

Step 3: Incorporate the Butter

Grate the cold butter using a box grater (the large holes) directly into your flour mixture. This is much easier than cutting it in with a pastry cutter and creates perfect little pockets of butter. Quickly toss the butter shreds with the flour mixture until coated.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir gently with a fork or spatula just until the dough comes together. Don’t overmix – you want to see bits of butter still visible in the dough!

Step 5: Shape and Cut

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently form it into a ball. Pat it down into a 2-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like you’re cutting a pizza.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Transfer the wedges to an ungreased baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each scone. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the scones are firm to the touch.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more sugar (to thicken) or more liquid (to thin) as needed.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

When the scones come out of the oven, transfer them to a wire cooling rack. While they’re still warm (but not hot), drizzle the glaze over the tops. Let cool until the glaze sets.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep Everything Cold: For the flakiest scones, use butter straight from the refrigerator and work quickly.
The Grater Trick: Using a cheese grater for the butter creates perfect little pieces that distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Light Touch: Handle the dough as little as possible – overworking it develops gluten, which makes tough scones.
Proper Spacing: Leave space between scones on the baking sheet so they can expand and the edges can crisp up beautifully.
Glaze While Warm: Adding the glaze to slightly warm scones allows it to partially melt into the top, creating a more flavorful crust.
Zest First, Juice Second: Always zest your lemon before juicing it – it’s nearly impossible to zest a squeezed lemon!

How to Serve

These lemon scones are incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options:

Breakfast Pairings:

Serve with a strong cup of coffee, tea, or a frothy cappuccino. Add a side of fresh berries or a dollop of clotted cream for an extra-special morning treat.

Brunch Spread:

Include these scones on a brunch buffet alongside savory options like quiche or frittata. The bright lemon flavor provides a beautiful contrast to richer dishes.

Afternoon Tea:

Present on a tiered stand with finger sandwiches and petit fours for a traditional afternoon tea experience. These scones are sophisticated enough for special occasions but simple enough for everyday enjoyment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store completely cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place in the refrigerator where they’ll keep for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! Freeze unglazed scones on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to 3 months. Glaze after thawing and warming.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or room-temperature scones in a 300°F oven for about 5-7 minutes. For frozen scones, bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.

For the freshest taste, freeze the shaped but unbaked scone dough, then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in these scones?

While heavy cream produces the richest, most tender scones, you can substitute whole milk in a pinch. The scones won’t be quite as rich but will still taste delicious. Avoid using lower-fat milk as it doesn’t provide enough fat for proper texture.
Why did my scones turn out tough instead of tender?

Tough scones usually result from overworking the dough. Remember to mix just until the ingredients come together and handle the dough gently when shaping. Also, make sure your butter stays cold throughout the process – those cold butter pieces create steam pockets during baking that result in flaky layers.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into scones, and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the shaped unbaked scones for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from frozen – just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown tops and a firm touch. If you gently press the top of a scone and it springs back without leaving an indentation, they’re done. You can also insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with a few crumbs, but no wet dough.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Scones are truly a little ray of sunshine on a plate! With their bright flavor, tender crumb, and that sweet-tart glaze, they’re bound to become a regular in your baking rotation. Whether you’re serving them for a special breakfast, casual brunch, or afternoon tea, they strike that perfect balance between impressive and effortless. The best part? You’re just 30 minutes away from enjoying one warm from the oven!