Berry Lemon Scones

Berry Lemon Scones Recipe - A Delicious British Treat

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 18 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Berry Lemon Scones are a delightful treat that combines the tangy zest of lemon with the sweet burst of blueberries, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky scone. This recipe is perfect for a leisurely breakfast, a brunch gathering, or as a light dessert. The combination of flavors and textures makes these scones a favorite among many. Whether you're a seasoned baker or new to the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward and promises delicious results.

History

The scone, originally from Scotland, has evolved from a simple oatmeal-based bread to the variety of flavors we see today. The addition of fruits, such as blueberries, and citrus zest, like lemon, to scones is a relatively modern adaptation that caters to the contemporary palate. This Berry Lemon Scone recipe is a testament to the versatility of the scone, showcasing how traditional recipes can be adapted to include a wider range of ingredients and flavors.

Ingredients

3.25 cups flour
0.67 cups sugar
1 tsp baking soda
0.75 tsp salt
6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes
1 tbsp lemon juice plus enough milk to make 1 cup
1 cup blueberries
1 tsp grated lemon peel
1 egg, beaten
1 egg white
2 tbsp sugar

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Place a sheet of parchment paper on the countertop.
In a bowl, combine lemon juice and milk.
In another bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add butter to the dry ingredients and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the lemon juice and milk mixture, along with blueberries, lemon peel, and egg until well combined.
Take half of the dough and pat it into a 7-inch circle on one end of the parchment paper. Repeat with the remaining dough, leaving 2 inches of space between each circle.
Brush the dough with egg white and sprinkle with sugar.
Using a knife, make cuts halfway down each circle, creating 6 wedges for each round.
Transfer the parchment paper with the dough onto a baking sheet.
Bake for 18 minutes or until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly. Pull apart at the cut lines.
Serve the scones warm or at room temperature.
This recipe makes 12 scones.

Variations

Consider adding a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for extra sweetness and a punch of lemon flavor. Alternatively, swap blueberries for raspberries or blackberries for a different berry twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To ensure your Berry Lemon Scones turn out perfectly, consider the following tips:

- Keep your butter cold: This helps to create a flaky texture in the scones.

- Do not overmix the dough: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the scones tender.

- Use fresh blueberries for the best flavor and texture.

- Grate the lemon peel finely to distribute the lemon flavor evenly throughout the scones.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Berry Lemon Scones warm or at room temperature with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey for added sweetness. They also pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key technique in this recipe is cutting the cold butter into the dry ingredients, which can be done using a pastry cutter or two knives. This technique is crucial for achieving the desired flaky texture of the scones.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour. Almond milk can replace regular milk for a dairy-free option, and coconut oil can be used in place of butter for a vegan variant.

Make Ahead Tips

Scone dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight, or frozen for up to a month. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator before proceeding with the baking instructions.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the scones on a rustic wooden board for a charming, country-style presentation. Garnish with fresh blueberries and lemon zest to highlight the flavors within.

Pairing Recommendations

Berry Lemon Scones pair wonderfully with a light, fruity tea, such as a raspberry or peach blend. For a more indulgent pairing, choose a sweet dessert wine.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. Reheat in a 300°F (149°C) oven for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A single Berry Lemon Scone contains approximately 280 calories. This makes it a suitable option for a satisfying snack or part of a balanced breakfast.

Carbohydrates

Each Berry Lemon Scone contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates. The carbohydrates come from the flour and sugar, providing energy to start your day.

Fats

These scones contain about 9 grams of fat per serving, primarily from the unsalted butter. This contributes to the scones' moistness and flaky texture.

Proteins

Each scone offers around 5 grams of protein, coming from the flour and eggs. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Berry Lemon Scones are a source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon peel and antioxidants from the blueberries. They also contain calcium and iron, which are crucial for bone health and oxygen transport in the blood, respectively.

Alergens

This recipe contains common allergens such as gluten (from flour), dairy (from butter and milk), and eggs. Those with allergies to these ingredients should avoid this recipe or find suitable substitutions.

Summary

Overall, Berry Lemon Scones offer a balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, along with essential vitamins and minerals. They are a delicious way to enjoy a treat while also receiving nutritional benefits.

Summary

Berry Lemon Scones are a delightful blend of sweet and tangy flavors, perfect for any occasion. This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing for various substitutions and variations. With detailed nutrition information and baking tips, you're equipped to create a batch of these scrumptious scones that will impress anyone who tries them.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is a special one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Margaret at her quaint little cottage by the sea. Margaret was known for her delicious baked goods, and she had promised to teach me how to make her famous Berry Lemon Scones.

As we sat in her cozy kitchen, surrounded by the sweet aroma of freshly baked scones, Margaret began to tell me the story behind the recipe. She explained that she had learned it from her own grandmother, who had passed it down to her many years ago. The secret, she said, was in using the freshest ingredients and a pinch of love.

Margaret showed me how to mix the flour, sugar, and butter together until it resembled coarse crumbs. Then she gently folded in the juicy berries and zesty lemon zest, creating a vibrant burst of flavor in every bite. As we shaped the dough into delicate rounds and placed them on a baking sheet, Margaret shared stories of her childhood spent baking with her grandmother in the same kitchen.

As the scones baked in the oven, filling the air with a tantalizing scent, Margaret poured us each a cup of tea. We sat at her kitchen table, savoring the warm scones with a dollop of creamy clotted cream and a spoonful of homemade berry jam. The combination of tart berries, tangy lemon, and sweet cream was simply divine.

I left Margaret's cottage that day with a full heart and a notebook filled with her cherished recipes. The Berry Lemon Scones had become a beloved favorite in my own kitchen, a reminder of the special bond shared between friends and the joy of baking with love.

Over the years, I have made these scones countless times, each batch as delicious as the last. I have shared the recipe with family and friends, passing on the tradition of baking with care and attention to detail. The memory of that summer day with Margaret will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the magic that can be found in a simple recipe and a warm kitchen.

So the next time you feel like indulging in a sweet treat, why not give these Berry Lemon Scones a try? I promise you won't be disappointed. Just remember to add a pinch of love and a dash of memories, and you'll have a recipe that will warm your heart for years to come.