If you have a soft spot for breakfast treats that feel both indulgent and refreshing, this Strawberry Scones Recipe is going to become your new best friend. Imagine tender, flaky scones bursting with juicy, fresh strawberries and a hint of lemon zest that brightens every bite. These scones are so easy to whip up, yet they bring that perfect blend of buttery richness and fruity sweetness that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether it’s a cozy morning or a casual afternoon tea, these strawberry scones deliver a delightful experience that will brighten your day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Strawberry Scones Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a critical role, whether it’s lending texture, flavor, or that irresistible golden finish.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that provides structure and a tender crumb to your scones.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tartness of strawberries.
- Baking powder: Helps the scones rise perfectly, making them light and fluffy.
- Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (cold, cubed): Creates those irresistible flaky layers when mixed into the dough cold.
- Fresh strawberries (diced): The star ingredient that infuses juicy bursts of flavor throughout.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough, ensuring a tender bite.
- Large egg: Binds the dough together, contributing to the scone’s soft texture.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances sweetness and adds warm, aromatic notes.
- Lemon zest (optional): Provides a refreshing twist that complements the strawberries beautifully.
- Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Fresh lemon juice or milk: Helps adjust glaze consistency and adds subtle tang or creaminess.
How to Make Strawberry Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. This simple prep step sets you up for success and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This evenly distributes your leavening and seasoning, which helps your scones bake up light and flavorful.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter chunks. These little butter pieces melt during baking to create those signature flaky layers.
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the fresh, diced strawberries into your crumbly mixture. The key here is to distribute them without breaking them up too much, so you get beautiful pockets of juicy fruit in every bite.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
Whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour these wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the scones tough, so a light touch is essential.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently just a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. This thickness ensures the scones bake evenly with that perfect rise and tender center.
Step 7: Cut and Arrange
Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 8 wedges. Transfer these wedges to your lined baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch, allowing for proper oven spring and crisp edges.
Step 8: Brush with Cream and Bake
Lightly brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream to encourage a golden, shimmering crust. Bake your scones for 18 to 22 minutes until the tops turn beautifully golden brown. Then, let them cool slightly on a wire rack, though the temptation to dig in immediately is real!
Step 9: Optional Glaze
For that extra touch of indulgence, whisk powdered sugar with lemon juice (or milk) and vanilla extract into a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled scones for a delicate sweetness and a glossy finish that makes them look as amazing as they taste.
How to Serve Strawberry Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Top these scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh strawberry slices, or a little whipped cream to enhance their fresh, fruity appeal. A sprinkle of finely chopped mint also adds a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
Strawberry scones pair wonderfully with a spread of clotted cream or your favorite jam for extra indulgence. For beverage companions, think hot tea, freshly brewed coffee, or even a glass of cold milk to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your scones in a charming basket lined with a vibrant cloth napkin for a rustic feel, or plate them on a pretty tiered tray for an elegant tea party setting. You can also cut the scones smaller and serve them as dainty bites at brunch gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them moist. If your kitchen is warm or humid, refrigeration is fine but bring them back to room temperature or warm slightly before serving.
Freezing
To keep your scones fresh longer, freeze them in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and lightly reheat to enjoy their fresh-baked taste whenever you want.
Reheating
The best way to reheat strawberry scones is to warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. This refreshes their crisp exterior and fluffy center without drying them out. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make scones chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Scones Recipe?
Fresh strawberries are best to maintain the perfect texture, but if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid soggy dough. Gently fold them in to keep the dough from turning too wet.
How can I make these scones dairy-free?
Swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or a plant-based milk mixed with a bit of melted coconut oil. Use a dairy-free butter substitute to keep the rich, flaky texture.
Why shouldn’t I overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make scones dense and tough rather than light and tender. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients come together for the best crumb.
Is it necessary to brush the scones with cream before baking?
Brushing with cream isn’t mandatory but it gives the tops a lovely golden color and a bit of shine, making your scones look as good as they taste.
Can I add other fruits or flavorings to this Strawberry Scones Recipe?
Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips can be delicious alternatives or additions. Lemon zest is optional but highly recommended to brighten the flavors.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade scones, and this Strawberry Scones Recipe brings together simple ingredients, easy steps, and unbeatable flavor in every bite. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or impressing guests at a brunch, these scones promise to make the moment memorable. So go ahead, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy the sweet, buttery joy of fresh strawberry scones. Your kitchen — and your taste buds — will thank you!
Print
Strawberry Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These delightful Strawberry Scones are fluffy, golden baked treats bursting with fresh diced strawberries and a hint of vanilla and lemon zest. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, they’re finished with a simple sweet glaze that enhances their fruity flavor.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups All-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 tsp Baking powder
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Butter
- 1/2 cup Unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
Fruit
- 1 cup Fresh strawberries (diced)
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 Large egg
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp Lemon zest (optional, for extra flavor)
Glaze (Optional)
- 1/2 cup Powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice or milk
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, ensuring the dry ingredients are evenly combined for uniform texture.
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. This creates a flaky texture in the scones.
- Add the strawberries: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the flour and butter mixture, being careful not to break the fruit apart too much to maintain their bursts of flavor.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times to bring it together, then shape it into a round disk approximately 1 inch thick to ensure even baking.
- Cut the scones: Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart so they cook evenly without sticking.
- Brush with cream: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with some of the heavy cream to promote browning and add a shiny, appealing finish.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown on top. Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly.
- Make the glaze (optional): While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice (or milk), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones to add a sweet finishing touch.
- Serve: Enjoy the scones warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky layers in the scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender.
- Fresh strawberries should be diced and gently folded in to avoid turning the dough pink and watery.
- The lemon zest is optional but adds a bright, fresh flavor that complements the strawberries nicely.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free butter replacement.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
