Lemon Scones: A Bright and citrusy Breakfast Treat

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy .

Lemon scones are a classic breakfast treat that combines the brightness of lemon zest with the flakiness of a perfectly baked scone. In this recipe, we’ll explore how to make lemon scones from scratch, using a combination of all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and freshly squeezed lemon juice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This lemon scones recipe is perfect for anyone looking to add a bit of citrus flavor to their breakfast routine. The combination of lemon zest and lemon juice creates a beautifully balanced flavor that’s both bright and tangy.

Plus, the scones are incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few simple ingredients and some basic kitchen equipment.

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve the scones on their own, topped with a pat of butter and a sprinkle of sugar, or use them as a base for a variety of sweet and savory toppings.

Try pairing them with a dollop of lemon curd, a sprinkle of powdered sugar, or a slice of fresh fruit for a delicious and satisfying breakfast or brunch treat.

Ingredients

To make these delicious lemon scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour , This provides the structure and texture for the scones, and is essential for creating a light and flaky final product.

1 cup granulated sugar , This adds sweetness and tenderness to the scones, and helps to balance out the brightness of the lemon flavor.

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces , This is used to create a flaky and tender texture in the scones, and is essential for creating a beautiful layered structure.

3/4 cup heavy cream , This adds moisture and richness to the scones, and helps to create a tender and flaky texture.

1 large egg , This helps to bind the ingredients together and adds moisture and richness to the scones.

1 teaspoon grated lemon zest , This adds a bright and citrusy flavor to the scones, and is essential for creating a beautifully balanced flavor profile.

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice , This adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the scones, and helps to balance out the brightness of the lemon zest.

1/2 teaspoon salt , This helps to balance out the sweetness of the sugar and adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile.

1/2 teaspoon baking powder , This helps to leaven the scones and create a light and flaky texture.

Why These Ingredients

All-Purpose Flour

All-purpose flour is a versatile and essential ingredient in many baked goods, including scones. It provides structure and texture, and is a great base for creating a variety of different flavor profiles.

In this recipe, we’re using all-purpose flour to create a light and flaky texture that’s perfect for scones.

When choosing an all-purpose flour, look for a high-quality brand that is fresh and has a good texture. You can also experiment with different types of flour, such as whole wheat or oat flour, to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Granulated Sugar

Granulated sugar is a essential ingredient in many sweet baked goods, including scones. It adds sweetness and tenderness to the final product, and helps to balance out the brightness of the lemon flavor.

In this recipe, we’re using granulated sugar to create a sweet and tangy flavor profile that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

When using granulated sugar, be sure to measure it carefully and adjust the amount to your taste. You can also experiment with different types of sugar, such as brown sugar or honey, to create a unique and delicious flavor profile.

Instructions

To make these delicious lemon scones, follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep , Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and lightly grease it.

This step is important because a cold oven will affect how the scones bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients , In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder until fully combined. Make sure there are no lumps , this ensures even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 3: Add Cold Butter , Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is important because it creates a flaky and tender texture in the scones.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients , In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice until fully combined. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.

Step 5: Knead the Dough , Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together into a cohesive mass. Be careful not to overwork the dough , this can create a tough and dense texture in the scones.

Step 6: Pat the Dough , Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the scones.

You should be able to get about 8-10 scones from the dough.

Step 7: Bake the Scones , Place the scones on the prepared baking tray and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

How To Serve

These delicious lemon scones are perfect for serving at breakfast or brunch. Here are a few ideas for how to serve them:

Try pairing the scones with a dollop of lemon curd and a sprinkle of powdered sugar for a sweet and tangy treat. You could also top them with a slice of fresh fruit, such as strawberries or blueberries, for a delicious and healthy breakfast option.

For a more savory option, try pairing the scones with a slice of cheese or a dollop of cream cheese. You could also use them as a base for a variety of sweet and savory toppings, such as jam, honey, or Nutella.

These scones are also perfect for serving at a brunch or breakfast gathering. Try pairing them with a variety of other breakfast items, such as eggs, bacon, and sausage, for a delicious and satisfying meal.

How To Keep Leftovers

Room Temperature

These scones can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.

When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the scones in half and toast them until they’re lightly browned.

Refrigerator

These scones can also be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Simply place them in an airtight container and keep them away from strong-smelling foods.

When you’re ready to serve, simply slice the scones in half and toast them until they’re lightly browned.

Freezer

These scones can also be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer bag and keep them away from direct sunlight and heat.

When you’re ready to serve, simply thaw the scones overnight in the refrigerator and toast them until they’re lightly browned.

Top Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients

One of the most important things to keep in mind when making these scones is to use fresh ingredients. This includes using fresh lemon zest and juice, as well as high-quality flour and sugar.

Fresh ingredients will help to create a bright and citrusy flavor profile that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch.

Don’t Overwork the Dough

Another important thing to keep in mind is to not overwork the dough. This can create a tough and dense texture in the scones, which can be unpleasant to eat.

Instead, gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together into a cohesive mass, and then pat it into a circle.

Use the Right Baking Temperature

Finally, make sure to use the right baking temperature when making these scones. A temperature that’s too high can cause the scones to burn, while a temperature that’s too low can cause them to be undercooked.

A temperature of 400°F (200°C) is perfect for baking these scones, as it will help to create a golden brown crust and a tender interior.

Final Thoughts

These lemon scones are a delicious and easy-to-make breakfast treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their bright and citrusy flavor profile, they’re sure to be a hit with anyone who tries them.

So why not give them a try today and see what you think?