Tangy Sunshine: The Cheerful Lemon Cream Scones Recipe

Crafting a delightful lemon cream scones recipe can transport you to a cozy British afternoon tea moment.

Sweet citrus notes dance through buttery, tender pastry that melts in your mouth.

Scones represent more than just a simple breakfast treat – they’re a culinary experience steeped in tradition.

Fragrant lemon zest provides a bright, unexpected twist to the classic recipe.

Soft and crumbly textures combine with a subtle tangy flavor that feels both comforting and exciting.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward yet elegant pastry.

Jump right in and let these scones become your new weekend breakfast favorite.

Why Lemon Cream Scones Are the Ultimate Comfort Bake

• Craft Quickly: Minimal ingredients and simple steps make these lemon cream scones a breeze to prepare for bakers of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or casual gatherings with friends and family, these scones offer versatile enjoyment.
• Zesty Flavor Burst: Bright lemon zest and tangy glaze provide a refreshing twist that elevates the traditional scone recipe with vibrant, citrusy notes.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like adding dried fruits, nuts, or experimenting with different glazes to suit individual preferences.

Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Cream Scones

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure and texture to the scones.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning during baking.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.

• Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness to the scones.
• Lemon Zest: Provides a bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic essence.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and warmth to the scone's flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich, tender texture in the scones.

• Butter, Chilled: Creates flaky layers and adds richness to the scone's texture.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Combine to create a smooth, tangy glaze that complements the scones.

How to Bake Soft and Zesty Lemon Cream Scones

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Salt

The sifting helps eliminate any lumps and creates a smoother texture for your scones.

Step 2: Blend Wet Components

• Egg
• Fresh lemon zest
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Let this mixture sit for a few moments to allow the flavors to mingle and develop.

Step 3: Create Crumbly Texture

Use a pastry cutter or cold fingers to incorporate chilled butter into the dry ingredient mixture. Work quickly until the mixture looks like coarse breadcrumbs.

This technique ensures flaky, tender scones.

Step 4: Form Scone Dough

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the flour mixture.

Stir just until everything combines – overmixing can make scones tough. The dough should look slightly shaggy and not completely smooth.

Step 5: Shape and Prepare

Dust your work surface with flour. Gently press the dough into a rectangle about 3/4 inch thick.

Cut into triangles or squares using a sharp knife.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until edges turn light golden brown. The scones should look slightly crisp on the outside but remain tender inside.

Step 7: Create Tangy Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Milk

Stir until the glaze reaches a smooth, drizzling consistency.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once scones have cooled completely, generously drizzle or dip them in the zesty lemon glaze.

Allow the glaze to set for about an hour before serving. Enjoy with your favorite tea or coffee!

Tips for Lemon Cream Scones That Impress

• Chill butter thoroughly to achieve the perfect flaky texture in your scones, ensuring maximum tenderness.
• Use fresh lemon zest for a vibrant, bright flavor that elevates the entire recipe with minimal effort.
• Handle the dough gently and minimally to prevent tough scones; overmixing can lead to dense, chewy results.
• Experiment with alternative milk options like almond or oat milk for dairy-free variations without compromising taste.
• Allow the glaze to set completely for a professional-looking finish that adds an extra layer of sweet-tangy goodness.

Variations to Try with Lemon Cream Scones

• Gluten-Free Citrus Scones: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a low-carb, gluten-free version. Use dairy-free milk and adjust liquid ratios to maintain proper dough consistency.
• Vegan Lemon Cream Variation: Substitute butter with coconut oil, heavy cream with almond milk, and egg with flax egg. Use maple syrup instead of sugar for natural sweetening.
• Lavender Lemon Scone Remix: Add dried lavender buds to the dry ingredients for a floral undertone. Replace lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus profile.
• Savory Herb Scone Option: Remove sugar, add grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Use olive oil instead of butter for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

What Goes Best with Lemon Cream Scones

• Brew Refreshing Tea Match: Select Earl Grey or chamomile tea to balance the scones' bright lemon notes and enhance their delicate sweetness.
• Create Creamy Accompaniment: Serve alongside clotted cream or mascarpone spread, which provides a rich, smooth contrast to the scones' crisp texture.
• Select Elegant Wine Companion: Choose a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Sauvignon Blanc that mirrors the scones' citrusy profile and cleanses the palate.
• Design Perfect Fruit Plate: Add fresh berries like raspberries or blueberries, which complement the lemon's tartness and add vibrant color to the presentation.

How to Store Lemon Cream Scones for Freshness

Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Keep them refrigerated for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent moisture buildup.

Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for best texture.

Warm briefly in microwave for 10-15 seconds or toast in preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.

If reheating glazed scones, gently warm to prevent glaze from melting completely. Add fresh glaze after reheating if desired for renewed flavor and appearance.

FAQs

• Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it overnight. When ready to bake, simply shape and bake directly from the refrigerator, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

• Do I need any special equipment to make these scones?

No, you just need basic baking tools like a mixing bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, and a whisk. A pastry cutter helps with butter incorporation, but a fork works fine too.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for a light golden brown color around the edges and a firm texture. When touched gently, they should spring back slightly and not feel wet or doughy in the center.

Perfect Lemon Cream Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 43 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful Perfect Lemon Cream Scones bring zesty brightness to classic British pastry with silky texture and refreshing citrus notes. Elegant breakfast companions promise pure morning pleasure for those craving sophisticated homemade treats you’ll savor with every delicate, buttery bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 5 teaspoons baking powder

Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Glaze Ingredients:

• 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• Zest and juice from 1 lemon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

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Instructions

1. Craft the foundational mixture by sifting dry ingredients together in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring a uniform texture.
2. Whisk cream, egg, lemon zest, and vanilla extract in a separate container, allowing flavors to meld for 10 minutes.
3. Incorporate chilled butter into the flour blend using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse, uneven crumbs.
4. Gently fold the cream mixture into the flour blend, stirring minimally to maintain a tender scone texture.
5. Transfer the delicate dough onto a lightly floured surface, pressing and rolling into a rectangular shape approximately 3/4-inch thick.
6. Slice the dough into 12 triangular or square portions using a sharp knife, ensuring clean, precise cuts.
7. Arrange scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly for uniform baking.
8. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18 minutes, watching for a delicate golden-brown hue across the surface.
9. Remove from oven and allow scones to rest for 15 minutes, enabling them to set and cool slightly.
10. Prepare the glaze by combining lemon zest, juice, salt, and milk, then gradually whisking in powdered sugar until achieving a smooth, glossy consistency.
11. Once scones have completely cooled, dip each piece into the lemon glaze, ensuring an even, elegant coating.
12. Let the glaze set for approximately one hour before serving, allowing it to crystallize and create a delightful finish.

Notes

• Chill your butter thoroughly to create flakier, more tender scones with better texture and rise.
• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or buttermilk for a lighter, tangier version that maintains moisture.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure even mixing and consistent dough texture without overworking.
• Minimize handling of the dough to prevent tough scones; mix just until ingredients are combined for maximum tenderness.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 334
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 196 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 0.8 g
• Protein: 3.6 g
• Cholesterol: 53 mg