Blueberry Scones Recipe: Blueberry scones are a delightful treat that pairs perfectly with coffee or tea. These buttery, flaky pastries are filled with juicy blueberries and have a slightly crisp outer layer with a tender crumb inside. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, brunch, or a special occasion, this step-by-step guide will help you create the most delicious blueberry scones.
Not only are these scones easy to make, but they also require simple pantry ingredients. Plus, you can customize them to suit your taste by adding lemon zest, a sweet glaze, or even a touch of cinnamon. Let’s get started!
Ingredients for Blueberry Scones
To make the perfect blueberry scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (cold and cut into cubes)
- ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional)
Each ingredient plays a crucial role. The flour provides structure, baking powder helps with rising, and butter ensures flakiness. Heavy cream and eggs create a rich, tender texture, while blueberries add bursts of juicy flavor.
Tools and Equipment Needed
Before you begin, gather these essential baking tools:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk and pastry cutter (or two forks)
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Bench scraper or sharp knife
Optional tools like a food processor can help blend the butter into the flour more efficiently.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Blueberry Scones
Step 1 – Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. If using lemon zest, add it to the dry ingredients for a subtle citrusy aroma.
Cut the cold butter into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small butter pieces help create a flaky texture in the baked scones.
If using fresh blueberries, rinse and pat them dry. If using frozen blueberries, keep them frozen until you’re ready to fold them in.
Step 2 – Making the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Slowly pour this mixture into the dry ingredients while gently mixing with a spatula or fork.
Mix just until the dough starts coming together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones dense instead of light and flaky.
Step 3 – Folding in the Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the dough using a spatula or your hands. Try not to crush them, as this can turn the dough purple and overly moist.
If the dough feels too sticky, lightly flour your hands and work surface before handling it.
Step 4 – Shaping the Scones
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round disc about 1 inch thick.
Use a bench scraper or a sharp knife to cut the disc into 8 equal wedges. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone for spreading.
Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden brown finish.
Step 5 – Baking the Scones
Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown.
Once baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
At this point, you can enjoy them as they are or add a simple glaze for extra sweetness.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Scones
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and cream ensure flakiness.
- Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can make the scones tough.
- Freeze before baking: If your kitchen is warm, chill the shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking to keep them from spreading.
Variations of Blueberry Scones
Classic Blueberry Scones
Stick to the original recipe for a simple, timeless treat.
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to the dough for a citrusy kick.
Glazed Blueberry Scones
Whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons milk or lemon juice to drizzle over the baked scones.
How to Store and Reheat Scones
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
To reheat, warm them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes or microwave for 20 seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy blueberry scones with butter, jam, or clotted cream. Pair them with tea or coffee for a delightful treat.
FAQs about Blueberry Scones Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need for blueberry scones?
For blueberry scones, you will need all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, fresh blueberries, heavy cream, and an egg. Some recipes may also call for lemon zest or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
2. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries instead of fresh ones. Make sure not to thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent discoloration and excess moisture.
3. How do I make my scones fluffier?
To make your scones fluffier, ensure that your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough can lead to dense scones.
4. Can I make blueberry scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Alternatively, you can bake the scones and freeze them for later use. Just reheat in the oven before serving.
5. What is the best way to store leftover scones?
Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days or refrigerated for up to a week. They can also be frozen for longer storage.
6. Are there any variations to the basic blueberry scone recipe?
Yes, you can add nuts, different fruits, spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even swap the blueberries for other berries for variation. Incorporating a glaze or a streusel topping can also add a delightful texture and flavor.
Conclusion
Making homemade blueberry scones is easier than you think! With this step-by-step guide, you can bake tender, flaky scones bursting with juicy blueberries. Try different variations, experiment with flavors, and enjoy your homemade bakery-style treat.
