I have always loved starting my mornings with the aroma of freshly baked scones filling my kitchen, and my lemon scones are one of my favorite treats to prepare. The first time I made them, the tangy zest of lemon combined with the buttery texture made me realize how simple ingredients could create something so delightfully comforting. Baking these scones has become a little ritual for me, one that brings a sense of calm and accomplishment before the day begins. Whether I enjoy them with a cup of tea or share them with friends over brunch, lemon scones never fail to brighten the table.
You will love this recipe because it is perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy, offering a light, tender crumb that melts in your mouth. They are wonderfully soft on the inside yet slightly crisp on the outside, giving each bite a delightful texture. These scones are versatile enough to enjoy for breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon snack, and they pair beautifully with spreads like clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam.
Another reason to love this recipe is how affordable it is. You don’t need any fancy or expensive ingredients—just basics from your pantry combined with fresh lemons to elevate the flavor. Despite their simple nature, these scones feel luxurious and are sure to impress anyone who tries them.
The ingredients for this recipe are simple and easy to source:
-
2 cups all-purpose flour
-
1/4 cup granulated sugar
-
1 tablespoon baking powder
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
-
Zest of 1 large lemon
-
2/3 cup milk
-
1 large egg
-
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Optional: a light glaze made with powdered sugar and lemon juice
By using these basic ingredients, you can create scones that are light, flavorful, and fragrant with fresh lemon zest. The combination of a tender interior with a slightly golden crust makes them a delight to bake and even more enjoyable to eat. These lemon scones are a simple yet impressive treat that will quickly become a favorite in your home.
How to Prepare Lemon Scones
Preparing these lemon scones is simple, quick, and rewarding. The key is to handle the dough gently to keep the scones light and tender while infusing them with bright lemon flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
-
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
-
Combine dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Adding these ingredients first ensures that the leavening is evenly distributed throughout the dough.
-
Incorporate butter: Cut 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, blend the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure some small pea-sized pieces of butter remain; this will create the flaky texture in the scones.
-
Add lemon zest: Stir in the zest of one large lemon. The zest will provide a fresh, aromatic flavor that complements the sweetness of the scones.
-
Mix wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Combine these ingredients until smooth.
-
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually pour the wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix; overworking the dough can make the scones tough.
-
Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it 2–3 times to bring it together, then pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a knife or a round cutter to cut the dough into triangles or circles, depending on your preference.
-
Bake the scones: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden. The scones should feel firm but still tender when pressed lightly.
-
Prepare optional glaze: While the scones are baking, mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice to create a simple glaze. Adjust the consistency to your liking; it should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
-
Glaze the scones: Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. This adds a sweet, tangy finish and enhances the lemon flavor.
Quick and Easy Tips
These scones are quick to prepare because the dough comes together in minutes. You can also customize them by adding a handful of fresh blueberries, dried cranberries, or a sprinkling of poppy seeds for added flavor. Lemon scones are popular with many people because they are light, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
Print
Zesty Lemon Scones Ready in 30 Minutes
These lemon scones are light, tender, and bursting with fresh lemon flavor. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, they pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or your favorite spread. This recipe is simple, affordable, and versatile, allowing you to customize with additions like berries or nuts.
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 10 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 2/3 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the chilled butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Leave small pea-sized pieces for flakiness.
- Stir in the lemon zest until evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 2–3 times. Pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Cut the dough into triangles or circles and place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing slightly apart.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Optional: While baking, mix powdered sugar with lemon juice to make a glaze. Adjust consistency as needed.
- Drizzle the glaze over slightly cooled scones before serving.
Notes
Handle the dough gently for tender scones.
Customize with berries, nuts, or poppy seeds if desired.
Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 1–2 days in an airtight container or frozen for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 18
FAQs
1. Can I make the scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, let the dough sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cutting and baking.
2. Can I freeze the scones?
Absolutely. Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
3. What can I use instead of milk?
You can substitute any plant-based milk, such as almond, oat, or soy milk, to make the recipe dairy-free. The scones will still be tender and flavorful.
4. How do I get scones to rise properly?
Make sure your baking powder is fresh and that you handle the dough gently without overmixing. Overworking the dough can result in dense scones instead of light and fluffy ones.
5. Can I make them sweeter or more tangy?
Yes, adjust the sugar in the dough or the amount of lemon zest. You can also add a bit more glaze for extra sweetness or a few drops of lemon juice to intensify the tanginess.
6. Can I add other flavors?
Definitely. Try adding berries, chopped nuts, or a sprinkle of poppy seeds. Lemon pairs well with many flavors, and these additions make the scones even more versatile.
7. How long do scones stay fresh?
Scones are best eaten the same day they are baked. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.