Lemon Scones

Lemon Scones Recipe - A Classic British Delight

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 15 minutes | Servings: 16-20

Introduction

Lemon scones are a delightful treat that are perfect for breakfast or as a snack with a cup of tea. The combination of tangy lemon flavor and buttery scone texture is sure to please your taste buds.

History

Scones originated in Scotland and are a traditional part of afternoon tea. Lemon scones are a modern twist on the classic scone recipe, adding a refreshing citrus flavor to the mix.

Ingredients

4 cups sifted flour
2 tbsp baking powder
0.25 cup sugar
0.25 tsp salt
3 tbsp grated lemon peel
0.5 cup unsalted butter, cut into 0.5 inch pieces
2 eggs, beaten to blend
0.67 cup milk or buttermilk
whipping cream

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease and flour the baking sheets.
Sift the flour, sugar, and salt into a deep bowl. Stir in the peel.
Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
Blend in the eggs and just enough milk or buttermilk to form a soft but not sticky dough.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Gently roll or pat the dough to about 0.5 inch thickness, lightly flouring as necessary to prevent sticking.
Cut out rounds using a 2-inch floured biscuit cutter.
Set the rounds 0.5 inch apart on the prepared baking sheets. Brush with cream.
Bake until the scones are golden brown, for 12 to 15 minutes.
Serve immediately with sweet butter, jam, or marmalade. Makes 16 to 20.

Variations

Add poppy seeds to the dough for a lemon-poppy seed scone.
Substitute orange or lime zest for the lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use cold butter when making the scone dough to ensure a flaky texture.

- Do not overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones.

- Brushing the scones with cream before baking will give them a golden brown crust.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lemon scones warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of lemon curd for a truly indulgent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to handle the dough gently to ensure tender scones.

- Use a light touch when cutting out the scones to prevent them from becoming tough.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular milk in place of buttermilk in this recipe.

- Margarine can be substituted for butter if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the scone dough ahead of time and freeze it. When ready to bake, simply thaw the dough in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lemon scones on a pretty platter with fresh berries and a sprig of mint for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Lemon scones pair well with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a glass of cold lemonade.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, place scones in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 5-10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lemon scones contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lemon scones contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lemon scones contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of lemon scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Lemon scones are a good source of vitamin C, thanks to the lemon peel in the recipe.

Alergens

Lemon scones contain wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Lemon scones are a delicious treat that provide a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of vitamin C.

Summary

Lemon scones are a delicious and versatile treat that are perfect for any time of day. With their tangy lemon flavor and buttery texture, they are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of discovering this recipe for the first time is a cherished one. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret in her cozy cottage by the sea. Margaret was an excellent cook, and I always looked forward to our time together in the kitchen.

On this particular day, Margaret announced that she was going to make her famous Lemon Scones for afternoon tea. I had never tried Lemon Scones before, and I watched with fascination as she gathered all the ingredients and began to work her magic.

Margaret explained that the recipe for Lemon Scones had been passed down through generations in her family. She had learned it from her grandmother, who had learned it from her mother before her. The secret, she said, was in the perfect balance of lemon zest and sugar, giving the scones a delightful tangy sweetness.

As Margaret mixed the dough and formed the scones, the kitchen filled with the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked treats. I couldn't wait to taste them.

When the scones were ready, Margaret served them warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of homemade lemon curd. The first bite was pure heaven. The scones were light and fluffy, with a burst of citrusy flavor that danced on my taste buds.

I begged Margaret to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed. She handed me a handwritten card with the ingredients and instructions, urging me to make them for my own family and friends.

From that day on, Lemon Scones became a staple in my own kitchen. I made them for special occasions and lazy Sunday mornings alike. Each time I baked a batch, the memories of that summer day with Margaret flooded back, warming my heart and stirring my soul.

Over the years, I have made a few tweaks to the original recipe, adding my own personal touch here and there. I have experimented with different types of flour and varying amounts of lemon zest, always striving to perfect the art of Lemon Scones.

One of my favorite memories involving Lemon Scones is when my granddaughter, Emily, came to visit me for the summer. She had always been curious about my cooking and begged me to teach her how to make the scones.

I was thrilled to pass down the recipe to the next generation. As Emily and I worked side by side in the kitchen, I shared stories of Margaret and the special bond we had over our love of baking.

Together, we mixed the dough and shaped the scones, laughing and chatting as we worked. When the scones emerged from the oven, golden and fragrant, we sat down at the table to enjoy them with a pot of Earl Grey tea.

Emily took her first bite and her eyes lit up with delight. "These are amazing, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "I can't wait to make them for my friends back home."

Watching my granddaughter savoring the scones, I felt a deep sense of pride and satisfaction. Passing down this recipe to Emily was like passing down a piece of myself, a piece of my history and heritage.

To this day, Lemon Scones remain a beloved tradition in our family. Whenever we gather for a special occasion or a simple afternoon tea, the scones are always present, bringing us together in a shared love of good food and cherished memories.

As I sit here reminiscing about the first time I discovered the recipe for Lemon Scones, I am filled with gratitude for the friendships and experiences that have enriched my life. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with others, to create lasting bonds and unforgettable moments.

And so, I continue to bake Lemon Scones with love and joy, knowing that each batch carries with it the legacy of generations past and the promise of generations to come.