Lemon Blueberry Scones with Lemon Icing Recipe
These Lemon Blueberry Scones are a delightful breakfast or snack treat combining zesty lemon with juicy fresh blueberries. Light, flaky, and tender, these scones are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection. Topped with a tangy lemon glaze, they offer the perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors, ideal for any occasion.
- Author: Ava
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Scone Dough
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled), plus more for hands and work surface
- 6 Tablespoons (75g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon zest
- 2 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (8 Tbsp; 113g) unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/2 cup + 1 Tablespoon (135g/ml) heavy cream, cold and divided
- 1 large egg, cold
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 heaping cup (140g) fresh blueberries
For Brushing
- 1 Tablespoon (15g/ml) water
- optional for topping: coarse sugar
Lemon Icing
- 1 cup (120g) confectioners’ sugar
- 3 Tablespoons (45g/ml) fresh lemon juice
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, fresh lemon zest, baking powder, and salt until evenly combined.
- Add Butter: Using the large holes of a box grater, shred the frozen unsalted butter directly into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingers to blend the ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse pea-sized crumbs. Place the bowl in the freezer to chill while you prepare the wet ingredients.
- Prepare Wet Mixture: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together 1/2 cup of the cold heavy cream, the large cold egg, and pure vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the flour mixture from the freezer and drizzle the wet cream mixture over it. Gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula or wooden spoon, mixing just until everything is moistened and combined; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Form Dough: Lightly flour a clean work surface and pour the crumbly mixture onto it. With floured hands, gently bring the dough together into a rough ball; it will be sticky and shaggy. If too sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour on top. Press the dough into an 8-inch diameter disc about 1 inch thick.
- Cut Scones: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal wedges, similar to slicing a pie.
- Brush and Chill: In a small bowl, mix the remaining 1 tablespoon of heavy cream with water. Brush this mixture over the scones. For extra sweetness and crunch, optionally sprinkle coarse sugar on top. Place the scones on a plate or parchment-lined baking sheet and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours. If refrigerating longer than an hour, lightly cover them.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Bake: Arrange the chilled scones 2 to 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes or until the tops are lightly browned and the edges golden.
- Cool: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before icing.
- Make Lemon Icing: In a small bowl or liquid measuring cup, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.
- Glaze Scones: Drizzle the lemon icing over the warm scones for a tangy, sweet finish.
- Store: Store leftover scones covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain freshness.
Notes
- If the dough feels too sticky to handle, dust your hands and the work surface with a little extra flour to make shaping easier.
- Freezing the butter and chilling the dough before baking helps create tender, flaky scones with a great texture.
- Use fresh blueberries for best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries may bleed and alter the dough consistency.
- The lemon zest and juice provide a bright citrus flavor; adjust quantity to taste if desired.
- Coarse sugar on top adds a pleasant crunch, but it is optional if you prefer a softer crust.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be warmed slightly in the oven or microwave before serving.
- You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and bake fresh when ready.
Keywords: lemon blueberry scones, scones recipe, breakfast scones, lemon scones, blueberry pastries, baked scones