Strawberry Scones: The Ultimate Guide to Baking Perfect Scones

Strawberry Scones, bursting with fresh, juicy strawberries and a hint of sweetness, are the perfect treat to brighten any morning or afternoon tea. Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, crumbly scone, the delicate flavor of butter mingling with the vibrant taste of ripe strawberries – pure bliss, right?

Scones, with their humble beginnings in Scotland, have evolved from simple oatcakes baked on a griddle to the delightful baked goods we know and love today. While the original scones were savory, the addition of fruits like strawberries transformed them into a delectable sweet treat enjoyed worldwide. They’ve become a staple in tea rooms and bakeries, and for good reason!

What makes these Strawberry Scones so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures – a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, tender interior. The sweetness of the strawberries balances beautifully with the buttery richness of the scone, creating a flavor explosion in every bite. Plus, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home, requiring minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you can whip up a batch of these delightful scones in no time. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s embark on a delicious baking adventure!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup heavy cream, plus 2 tablespoons for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Preparing the Dough:

1. First, let’s get our dry ingredients ready. In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined – this helps ensure even rising and a consistent flavor throughout the scones.
2. Now comes the crucial part: incorporating the butter. Add the 1/2 cup (1 stick) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or your fingertips (working quickly!), cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold; this creates pockets of fat that will melt during baking, resulting in flaky scones. If you’re using your fingertips, try to avoid overworking the dough, as this can warm the butter and make the scones tough. I like to pulse it in a food processor for a few seconds at a time until it reaches the right consistency.
3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This wet mixture will bind the dry ingredients together. Make sure the egg is well incorporated into the cream and vanilla.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the flour and butter mixture. Using a fork or spatula, gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough scones. The dough should be shaggy and slightly sticky.
5. Gently fold in the 1 cup of chopped fresh strawberries. Distribute them evenly throughout the dough, being careful not to crush them too much. We want those beautiful strawberry pieces to remain intact for a burst of flavor in every bite.
6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Again, avoid overworking the dough.

Cutting and Shaping the Scones:

1. Using a 2-3 inch round cutter (or a sharp knife if you don’t have a cutter), cut out the scones. If using a cutter, press straight down and avoid twisting, as this can seal the edges and prevent them from rising properly.
2. Place the scones onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking and makes for easy cleanup. Make sure to leave a little space between each scone to allow for even baking.
3. Gather the scraps of dough, gently pat them back together, and cut out more scones. You may need to repeat this process a few times to use up all the dough. Keep in mind that the scones made from the scraps may not be as tender as the first ones, as the dough has been worked more.
4. Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color and a slightly crisp crust.
5. Sprinkle the tops of the scones with 2 tablespoons of turbinado sugar (if using). This adds a touch of sweetness and a lovely sparkle. If you don’t have turbinado sugar, you can use granulated sugar or leave them plain.

Baking the Scones:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before placing the scones inside, as this is essential for proper rising and baking.
2. Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep a close eye on them.
3. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents them from becoming soggy on the bottom.

Serving and Storing:

1. Serve the strawberry scones warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own, but even better with a dollop of clotted cream, whipped cream, or a spoonful of strawberry jam.
2. These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To reheat, wrap them in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for a few minutes.
3. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked scones. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. To thaw, simply let them sit at room temperature for a few hours or warm them in the oven.

Tips and Variations:

• Use cold ingredients: This is crucial for creating flaky scones. Make sure your butter and heavy cream are very cold before you start. You can even chill the flour and mixing bowl for 15-20 minutes before using them.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can lead to tough scones. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined.
• Handle the dough gently: Avoid overworking the dough when patting it out and cutting out the scones. The less you handle the dough, the more tender the scones will be.
• Add lemon zest: For a brighter flavor, add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dry ingredients. The lemon zest complements the strawberries beautifully.
• Use different berries: You can substitute other berries for the strawberries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly, as some berries are sweeter than others.
• Add a glaze: For a sweeter treat, drizzle the cooled scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.
• Make mini scones: Use a smaller cutter to make mini scones, which are perfect for parties or afternoon tea. Reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
• Freeze unbaked scones: You can also freeze the unbaked scones. Cut them out and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them for about an hour, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer bag and store them for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.

Troubleshooting:

• Scones are too dry: This could be due to overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure the flour accurately and avoid overbaking the scones. You can also add a tablespoon or two of extra heavy cream to the dough.
• Scones are too tough: This is usually caused by overmixing the dough. Be careful not to overmix the dough, and handle it gently.
• Scones didn’t rise: This could be due to using old baking powder or baking soda. Make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh. You can also try adding a teaspoon of lemon juice to the dough, as the acid helps activate the baking powder.
• Scones are too flat: This could be due to using warm butter or overworking the dough. Make sure your butter is very cold, and handle the dough gently.

Enjoy your homemade strawberry scones!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Strawberry Scones are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience. From the delightful aroma that fills your kitchen as they bake to the burst of fresh strawberry flavor in every bite, these scones are guaranteed to brighten your day. I truly believe this is a must-try recipe for anyone who loves a little bit of homemade goodness. What makes these scones so special? It’s the perfect balance of textures – a slightly crisp exterior giving way to a soft, tender crumb inside. The sweetness of the strawberries is perfectly complemented by the buttery richness of the scone, creating a symphony of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make! You don’t need to be a seasoned baker to achieve scone perfection with this recipe. But don’t just take my word for it! I highly encourage you to give these Strawberry Scones a try. I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love the results.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

These scones are absolutely divine served warm, straight from the oven. A dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream is the perfect accompaniment, adding an extra layer of indulgence. You could also try serving them with a spoonful of your favorite strawberry jam or a drizzle of honey. For a truly decadent treat, consider making a simple glaze by whisking together powdered sugar with a little bit of milk or lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for a touch of sweetness and visual appeal. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of variations you can try. Substitute other berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries, for the strawberries. You could also add a handful of chopped nuts, like almonds or pecans, to the dough for extra crunch and flavor. A sprinkle of lemon zest or orange zest would also add a bright, citrusy note. For a savory twist, try adding some chopped fresh herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, to the dough. Omit the sugar and add a pinch of salt for a delicious savory scone that pairs perfectly with soup or salad. Another variation I love is adding white chocolate chips to the dough. The creamy sweetness of the white chocolate complements the tartness of the strawberries beautifully. Don’t be afraid to experiment and get creative! The possibilities are endless.

Share Your Scone Success!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the joy of baking your own Strawberry Scones. Once you’ve made them, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve them with? What did your family and friends think? Please feel free to share your photos and comments on my social media pages. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback. Your experiences help me to improve my recipes and inspire other bakers. So, go ahead and gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake some delicious Strawberry Scones. I promise you won’t be disappointed! Happy baking! I can’t wait to hear all about your scone-baking adventures. Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to help. Enjoy!

Print