These Strawberry Lemon Scones are a wonderful treat for breakfast or brunch. They're tender and slightly crumbly, just how a good scone should be.
Scones are something I could eat every morning for the rest of my life BUT only when they're tender and soft. Far too many are dry and flavorless making them something I'd rather use as a door stop. But this strawberry lemon scone recipe? These turn out just the way I love them every time.
They're soft with a tender crumb, not too sweet, with a wonderful strawberry and lemon flavor. The glaze adds sweetness and the lemon flavor, too, so don't skip it as they won't be sweet enough without it (although a little jam and maybe some clotted cream on the top would fix that).
These scones would be perfect for Easter or a Mother's Day brunch. They'd be delicious with a healthy cottage cheese egg bake or an overnight french toast. Just add some fresh fruit and a pitcher of mimosas and you'll have a fantastic brunch!
Ingredients
Less than 10 ingredients is all you need to make these fresh strawberry lemon scones. The best part is they're likely already ingredients you have on hand!
- all-purpose flour
- baking powder
- salt
- granulated sugar
- cold, unsalted butter
- fresh strawberries
- heavy cream
- freshly squeezed lemon juice + lemon zest
- powdered sugar
Instructions
- One of the most important steps when making these strawberry lemon scones is to sift the dry ingredients. Then you just cut in the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs, then you fold in the fresh strawberries.
- Next you'll make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Then fold everything together just to incorporate the ingredients. It's very important not to overwork the dough or your scones will be too dry and crumbly.
- There's no kneading necessary. All you need to do is press the dough out on a lightly floured surface, cut it into squares, then cut each square into two triangles.
- Now you pop them onto an ungreased sheet pan and bake them until they're lightly golden brown!
- Let the scones cool while you make the easy lemon glaze. Just whisk the powdered sugar and lemon juice until it's smooth, then add the butter and lemon zest. Microwave for 30 seconds, whisk again until it's nice and smooth, then drizzle it over your scones.
Tips
- This is important so we'll say it again: don't overwork the dough! The moment the ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing.
- Make sure your butter is cold so the dough is crumbly before pressing it out.
- Fresh blueberries make a great substitute for strawberries!
- Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. I really can't stress this enough. You need fresh lemon zest anyway, so be sure to use the real thing.
- Don't over-bake the scones. As soon as they're lightly golden brown, pull them from the oven and let them cool.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Storing: Once the scones have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They'll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you've already glazed them, layer parchment or wax paper between them to prevent them from sticking.
- Reheating: Warm the scones in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes or. You can also microwave them for 10-15 seconds.
- Freezing: You can freeze scones baked or unbaked:
- Baked: Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw them at room temperature or reheat them directly from frozen.
- Unbaked: Arrange the shaped dough on a baking sheet, freeze them until they're solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, but add a few minutes to the baking time.
- Make-Ahead: If you want fresh strawberry lemon scones in the morning, prepare and cut the dough the night before, then cover and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, brush with the cream and bake them as directed in the recipe.
Strawberry Lemon Scones
Tender and slightly crumbly, these strawberry lemon scones are sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Dough
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold, cut in chunks
- 1 ½ cups chopped, fresh strawberries
- 1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing the scones
Lemon Glaze
- ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1 lemon, zest finely grated
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Sift together the the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Using 2 forks or a pastry blender, cut in the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs, then fold in the strawberries.
- Make a well in the center and pour in the heavy cream. Fold everything together just to incorporate; do not overwork the dough.
- Press the dough out on a lightly floured surface into a rectangle about 12 by 3 by 1 ¼ inches. Cut the rectangle in ½ then cut the pieces in ½ again, giving you 4 (3-inch) squares. Cut the squares in ½ on a diagonal to give you the classic triangle shape.
- Place the scones on an ungreased cookie sheet and brush the tops with a little heavy cream. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until they're golden brown. Let the scones cool a bit before you apply the glaze.
- Mix the lemon juice with the powdered sugar until the sugar has dissolved. Add the butter and lemon zest. Microwave for 30 seconds, then whisk the glaze to smooth out any lumps. Drizzle it over the top of the scones. Let it set a minute before serving.
Notes
This recipe was adapted from Tyler Florence.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 427Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 59mgSodium: 445mgCarbohydrates: 52gFiber: 2gSugar: 19gProtein: 6g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix.
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Tara says
I hope the boy made a full recovery.
These scones turned out wonderfully. I love the combination of strawberry and lemon.
the wicked noodle says
He did! I followed up some time later and reports were that he is just fine now.
So glad you enjoyed the scones! They're one of my favorites.
Tamar says
That is so scary. I hope that he is well now 🙁 ION, the scones and the lemon lemon glaze look incredible.
Heidi says
It is really sad that a boy of that age to go through all that. I am so glad to hear that he survived. Otherwise the foods are awesome, they look yummy. Though fathers day is over I will still try and make them.
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen says
That's a frightening reminder of how quickly accidents happen, I hope he's not suffered any long term effects from it.
lisa says
i have got to try that recipe
vianney says
OH what a scary moment, sending him well wishes and prayers. Busy pools always make me super nervous in the summertime. I love tyler's scone recipe, I make them with blueberries, but they look so pretty with strawberries. Great pics, bright and cherry. Have a wonderful weekend and father's day!
the wicked noodle says
Same to you, vianney!! xoxo
Baker Street says
Oh Kristy! That gotta be rough! Really hope he makes a full recovery!
The lemon glaze just takes these delicious scones to another level.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Baker!
CJ at Food Stories says
I know it was a sad story but I see this type of stuff all the time (I work in healthcare). Things can turn on a dime so great reminder for everyone.
the wicked noodle says
Yep, I hear about these stories all the time. But, for me (especially since I don't work in healthcare), it was extremely upsetting to see something like this happen before my eyes. I hope I never see anything like it again.
wok with ray says
It is really sad to hear news like that but sometimes that serve as a hard smack on the back of our head as parents to be more protective of our children and be mindful of their safety. I hope and pray for that child's recovery. These scones look lovely-delicious, Kristy. What a beautiful plate of goodies you got there. Enjoy the rest of the week, Kristy and be safe.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks, Ray. It's always a bit brighter around here when you stop by! 🙂
Jenna says
Oh man--that's rought!! I'm praying the little boy is ok and fully recovered with no long term effects. What a nightmare.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Jenna 🙂
Beth says
That must have been a terrible thing to witness. I was absolutely paranoid about swimming pools until my girls were both strong swimmers - and I still am in a way. You just can't drop your attention for a second.
These scones do look like a wonderful way to celebrate a great Dad.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Beth!
Jenny @ BAKE says
That's horrifying! I really hope the little boys ok. I love the red background to your photos, it really highlights your subject!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Jenny!
Valerie says
I don't have kids, but that would be a traumatizing experience for anyone to witness. Hopefully the little boy is okay.
Your scones look perfect! (Sometimes they can be a tad dry.) Lemon glaze...genius. Also, I'm stealing the word "foofy."
the wicked noodle says
Yeah...it's all that heavy cream 😉 So they're not low-cal, but they're not dry either!
Amy says
I have bad dreams all the time about one of my kids drowning, being hit by a car, falling off a ledge. Is it any wonder I'm a nervous wreck? Horrific. I hope that little boy is okay. And the scones...didn't I just write to you about scones? I know I did! I bet these are as good as my sister's. Will need to make them. *shuffles off to give kids big hugs*
the wicked noodle says
Amy, I do the same thing. It's gotten better but it's always something that fills me with anxiety (and not in the normal, mothering kind of way; it's over the top...ugh). You DID just write to me about scones! I commented back that I actually HAD SCONES IN THE OVEN when you wrote that! Isn't that crazy? Great minds, my friend!
Stephanie says
Wow, what a terrifying moment to witness. I hope the rumors are true and that he recovered fully. I witnessed a man have a seizure at an outdoor market last year (it was so long his lips turned blue) and thought of him daily for a long time. I stayed until the paramedics arrived but I'm not sure what ended up happening to him. I hope he is ok too. Awful moments, but they do serve as good reminders that life is short and unpredictable and we should seize every moment...
On a brighter note, your scones sound delicious 🙂
the wicked noodle says
Wow, Steph, that sounds scary, too. Miss you!
Mindy says
These look fabulous...I'm just sorry that Kentucky's strawberry season ended so early this year. And thanks for the reminder about pools...as my kids become better swimmers, I tend to get lazy. We need to make sure to keep an eye on them at all times!
the wicked noodle says
You're so welcome, Mindy. Wish the reminder didn't have to come from such a terrible experience, but it's always a good thing for us to remember.
kitchenriffs says
Really sobering intro. Good reminder for all of us to be watchful and careful. Things can happen so quickly, so it's important to stay alert. Moving on, nice scones. Great way to use all of the strawberries that are so abundant right now. I'll take mine with clotted cream, please. 😉 Thanks for this.
the wicked noodle says
mmmmm...clotted cream...
michelle @ The Village Cook says
I can imagine what a haunting experience that must have been & still is. Hopefully you will hear news that he is fine & you may finally be at peace with the memory. ~hugs!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Michelle!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
That's so scary. I really hope he's ok 🙁
On a brighter note, your scones sound (and look) so fantastic. I just want strawberry everything right now.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Jen 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What a sad story, hoping he makes a full recovery.
As for the scones, they look incredible and I love the lemon glaze!
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Laura!
Carrie | acookgrowsinbrooklyn says
Wow, such a scary moment - a reminder that things can change so quickly. Even though we blog and read blogs for entertainment and fun, it's important that we remain firmly grounded in the realities of life too, and your story is definitely a reality check. Thanks for the uplifting ending - the scones look beautiful.
the wicked noodle says
Thanks Carrie. Definitely sad, but I agree that it's important to be reminded that bad things can happen so that we can be more diligent in protecting our precious kids. Thanks for swinging by!