Craving a sweet treat that bursts with flavor? Look no further than these Lemon Raspberry Scones! They are fresh, bright, and oh-so-delicious. Perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack, this recipe combines tart lemon zest with juicy raspberries for a delightful bite. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into the easy steps to create this tasty delight that’s sure to brighten your day!
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries (or frozen, thawed)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar)
Optional Enhancements
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
To make these lemon raspberry scones, you need fresh ingredients for the best taste. The main ingredients are basic items you may already have in your kitchen. All-purpose flour gives the scones structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise.
Salt enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness. Cold butter is key! It creates a flaky texture. I love using fresh raspberries for juicy bites of fruit. The zest of a lemon adds a bright, fresh flavor. Buttermilk makes the dough tender.
Optional ingredients like an egg and vanilla extract add richness. Fresh lemon juice enhances the lemon flavor. You can mix and match these ingredients based on your taste. Get creative!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step is key for getting a nice rise on your scones. While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.
Incorporating Butter
- Blend cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture
Next, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Add it to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend it in. You want to create coarse crumbs. Make sure some butter pieces are still pea-sized. This adds flakiness to your scones.
Adding Raspberries and Lemon Zest
- Fold in raspberries and lemon zest carefully
Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of fresh raspberries and the zest of 1 lemon. Be careful not to squish the raspberries. This will add bursts of flavor and color to your scones.
Combining Wet Ingredients
- Whisk together buttermilk, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Mix until everything is well combined. This mixture adds moisture to your dough.
Forming and Baking
- Combine wet and dry ingredients gently
- Shape dough and cut into wedges
- Bake until golden brown
Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. It’s okay if the dough is a bit sticky. Transfer it to a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they turn a lovely golden brown. Enjoy the wonderful smell as they bake!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring Perfect Scones
To make your scones soft, avoid overmixing. When you mix too much, the dough gets tough. Instead, mix gently until you see no dry flour. Using cold ingredients is key for great scones. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. Chill your buttermilk too, if you can.
Presentation Tips
To impress, dust your warm scones with powdered sugar. This adds a nice touch. Serve them with clotted cream or lemon curd. Both options enhance the bright lemon and raspberry flavors. Your guests will love this little extra!
Baking Variations
Baking time can change based on your oven type. If your oven runs hot, check the scones a bit early. On the other hand, if it runs cool, you may need to add a few minutes. Keep an eye on the scones. They should be golden brown when done.
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Variations
Flavor Additions
You can change the flavor of your scones easily. Try adding chocolate chips for a sweet twist. Just mix in about 1/2 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips with the raspberries. You can also swap out the raspberries for other berries like blueberries or strawberries. Each choice brings a new taste to your scone. Blueberries add sweetness, while strawberries offer a fresh zing.
Dietary Modifications
If you follow a vegan diet, you can still enjoy these scones. Use plant-based butter and milk. This keeps the texture and flavor while making them vegan. For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. This allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy these tasty treats, too.
Serving Suggestions
Scones are perfect any time of day. Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful snack. They also shine as breakfast or a light dessert. Serve them warm, and for an extra touch, add clotted cream or lemon curd on the side. This adds flavor and makes them even more special!
Storage Info
Cooling and Storing
After baking, let your scones cool completely on a wire rack. This helps keep them fresh. Once cooled, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and tasty for longer.
Freezing Options
You can freeze unbaked scones for future use. After cutting them into wedges, place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 30 minutes, then transfer the scones to a freezer bag. When you want to bake them, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. To reheat baked scones, warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes.
Shelf Life Considerations
Scones can stay at room temperature for about 2 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, they may lose some softness. Enjoy your Lemon Raspberry Scones fresh for the best taste and texture!
FAQs
How do I make scones fluffier?
To make scones fluffier, focus on adding air and moisture. Use cold butter and buttermilk. Cut the butter into the flour until it looks like small crumbs. This helps trap air. Don't overmix the dough; a few lumps are okay. This keeps the scones light and tender.
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Yes, you can use frozen raspberries in your scones. Just make sure to thaw them first. Drain any excess liquid to avoid a soggy dough. Frozen berries may not be as firm as fresh ones. However, they still add great flavor and color to your scones.
What to do if my dough is too sticky?
If your dough is too sticky, add more flour, a little at a time. Dust your work surface and hands with flour while shaping. You can also chill the dough in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This makes it easier to handle without adding too much flour.
How long can I keep leftover scones?
Leftover scones can last up to 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then place them in a bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
You’ve learned the key ingredients and steps for making delicious scones. Remember, the right technique ensures a tender texture, so avoid overmixing. Whether you choose raspberries, chocolate chips, or go vegan, there's a version for everyone. Bake them fresh, or store them properly for later use. Enjoy these treats with tea, coffee, or as a tasty dessert. With a few simple tips, you can impress family and friends with your baking skills. Happy baking!
