Why did my scones turn out flat instead of rising properly?

Flat scones usually indicate that your butter wasn't cold enough or the dough was overworked. The cold butter creates steam pockets while baking, which helps the scones rise. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

While heavy cream produces the richest, most tender scones, you can substitute whole milk in a pinch. The texture will be slightly less luxurious, but they'll still be delicious. Avoid low-fat milk as it won't provide enough fat for proper texture.

How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Perfectly baked scones should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean. Underbaked scones will feel doughy in the middle, while overbaked ones will be dry and darker brown.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the cut dough as mentioned in the storage section. This makes fresh-baked scones possible even on busy mornings.

Lemon Scones Recipe - Evelynseats

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 the perfect balance of tangy and sweet with their delicate, buttery crumb and tantalizing lemon glaze. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them ideal for weekend brunches or a special weekday breakfast treat. The fresh lemon flavor shines through in every bite, creating a deliciously refreshing pastry that pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: These scones go from mixing bowl to table in just 30 minutes – perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The bright lemon flavor is present without being overwhelming, creating a refreshing treat that’s not too sweet or too tart.
Impressive Results: Despite being easy to make, these scones look and taste like they came from a professional bakery. Your family and friends will be impressed!
Versatile: These scones work beautifully for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or even dessert – they’re appropriate for almost any occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All-purpose flour: Forms the base of our scones, giving them structure and that classic scone texture.
Granulated sugar: Provides just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tangy lemon.
Baking powder: The leavening agent that helps our scones rise and become light and fluffy.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
Cold butter: The secret to flaky, tender scones! Keeping it cold creates those lovely layers.
Heavy cream: Adds richness and helps create that tender, moist interior.
Lemon juice: Brings that bright, tangy flavor that makes these scones special. Use fresh for the best flavor.
Lemon zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor with those aromatic oils from the peel.
Powdered sugar: Creates a smooth, sweet glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch.
Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.

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 fruit-filled twist.
Lemon Poppy Seed Scones: Add 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds to the dough for that classic flavor combination.
White Chocolate Lemon Scones: Stir in 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips for added sweetness.
Lemon Lavender Scones: Add 1-2 teaspoons of culinary lavender to the dough for a floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
Lemon Thyme Scones: For a savory-sweet variation, add 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme leaves to the dough.

How to Make Lemon Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Preheat your oven to 425°F. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grate the cold butter using a cheese grater (or cut it into small pieces and use a pastry cutter) and mix it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse sand.

Step 2: Add Wet Ingredients

Pour in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir just until the dough comes together – don’t overmix or your scones will be tough.

Step 3: Shape and Cut

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

Step 4: Bake

Place the wedges on an ungreased baking sheet, giving them a little space to expand. Bake for 12-15 minutes until they’re nicely browned on top. They should look golden and feel firm to the touch.

Step 5: Glaze

While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and lemon juice to make a smooth glaze. After removing the scones from the oven, transfer them to a cooling rack and drizzle the glaze over the warm tops.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Keep Everything Cold: For the flakiest scones, make sure your butter and cream are cold. You can even chill your mixing bowl beforehand.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep those layers intact and ensure tender scones.
Grating the Butter: Using a cheese grater for your butter creates perfect little pieces that distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Parchment Paper: For easy cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper.
Adjust the Glaze: If your glaze is too thick, add a few drops of lemon juice or milk. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
Fresh Lemons: Always use fresh lemons for zesting – pre-packaged juice won’t have the same bright flavor.

How to Serve

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

Perfect Pairings:

Serve with a dollop of clotted cream and lemon curd for a traditional tea experience
Pair with fresh berries for a light breakfast
Enjoy with a cup of Earl Grey tea or coffee for an afternoon treat

Meal Ideas:

Include in a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit
Serve as a light dessert after a heavy meal
Bring to a potluck or morning meeting for a crowd-pleasing treat

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

These scones freeze beautifully! Freeze unbaked scone wedges on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag once solid. Bake them straight from frozen, adding 3-4 minutes to the baking time. Alternatively, freeze baked, unglazed scones and add the glaze after thawing and warming.

Reheating

To refresh day-old scones, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Microwaving for 10-15 seconds works in a pinch, but the oven method maintains that lovely texture better.

FAQs

Why did my scones turn out flat instead of rising properly?

Flat scones usually indicate that your butter wasn’t cold enough or the dough was overworked. The cold butter creates steam pockets while baking, which helps the scones rise. Also, make sure your baking powder is fresh and active.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream in this recipe?

While heavy cream produces the richest, most tender scones, you can substitute whole milk in a pinch. The texture will be slightly less luxurious, but they’ll still be delicious. Avoid low-fat milk as it won’t provide enough fat for proper texture.
How do I know when my scones are perfectly baked?

Perfectly baked scones should be golden brown on top and feel firm to the touch. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out clean. Underbaked scones will feel doughy in the middle, while overbaked ones will be dry and darker brown.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze the cut dough as mentioned in the storage section. This makes fresh-baked scones possible even on busy mornings.

Final Thoughts

These Lemon Scones are truly a game-changer for your breakfast or brunch routine. They strike that perfect balance between impressive and accessible – you’ll feel like a pastry chef without spending hours in the kitchen. The bright lemon flavor, tender crumb, and sweet glaze create a treat that’s bound to become a regular request in your household. Whether you’re hosting friends for coffee or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, these scones deliver sunshine on a plate!