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Soft & Fluffy Lemon Scones with Tangy Glaze

Close-up of two fluffy lemon scones stacked, drizzled generously with white lemon glaze.
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Make soft, buttery lemon scones from scratch. This recipe uses cream for a tender texture and finishes with a bright lemon glaze, perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 2 lemons)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • For the Glaze: 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  4. Stir in the lemon zest.
  5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  6. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be shaggy.
  7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3 or 4 times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
  8. Cut the circle into 8 wedges (like a pizza). Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them.
  9. Brush the tops lightly with a little extra heavy cream.
  10. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops are lightly golden brown. Let the scones cool on a wire rack.
  11. While the scones cool, make the glaze: Whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
  12. Drizzle the tangy lemon glaze over the cooled scones. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the softest scones ever, make sure your butter is very cold.
  • If you want a stronger citrus flavor, use Meyer lemons for the zest and juice.
  • If you are making these for brunch, prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it for up to 24 hours before baking.
  • This recipe makes bakery style scones at home; avoid overworking the dough to keep them tender.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/lemon-scones-ultimate-soft-fluffy-recipe/