Blueberry Scone Recipe: Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked blueberry scones. These golden, buttery treats are a perfect balance of tender dough and juicy blueberries.
Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a mid-afternoon snack, blueberry scones hit the spot every time.
Let’s dive into this foolproof, step-by-step guide to making your own batch!
Ingredients Required
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the perfect blueberry scones.
Main Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries
Optional Add-ins:
- Zest of 1 lemon (for a tangy twist)
- ½ cup white chocolate chips or chopped nuts
Having everything measured and ready before starting will save you time and ensure a smooth baking experience.
Essential Baking Tools
To make your blueberry scones without any hiccups, gather these tools:
- Large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter (or forks) to incorporate butter
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
- A rolling pin (optional)
- A sharp knife or dough cutter
These tools will make the process easier and help you achieve the perfect texture and shape.
How to Blueberry Scone Recipe – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Preparing Your Ingredients
Before you start, ensure all your ingredients are measured accurately. Use a kitchen scale if you want precise results.
Tips:
- If you’re using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them. Keep them frozen to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- Chill your butter beforehand, as cold butter is crucial for flaky scones.
Prepping everything ahead of time sets you up for success!
Step 2: Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Whisk these together until they are evenly blended. Properly mixing the dry ingredients ensures an even distribution of leavening agents and sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporating Butter into the Mixture
Cold butter is the secret to a scone’s signature flakiness. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to break the butter into pea-sized pieces.
The goal is to have small chunks of butter throughout the dough, which will melt during baking and create flaky layers. Avoid overmixing; the mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.
Step 4: Preparing the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients:
- ¾ cup heavy cream (or whole milk)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth. These wet ingredients bind the dough together and add richness to the flavor. Adding vanilla enhances the scones’ aroma.
Step 5: Mixing Dry and Wet Ingredients
Now it’s time to combine the dry and wet components. Slowly pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients.
Tips:
- Use a spatula to gently mix the dough until it just comes together.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
The dough will look slightly sticky but should hold its shape when pressed together.
Step 6: Gently Adding the Blueberries
This step is crucial to ensure your blueberries stay intact without crushing. Here’s how to do it:
- Carefully fold the blueberries into the dough using a spatula or your hands.
- If using fresh blueberries, be gentle to prevent them from bursting and releasing excess juice.
- If you’re using frozen blueberries, keep them frozen until they’re added to the dough to minimize bleeding.
Even distribution of blueberries guarantees each bite is bursting with flavor!
Step 7: Shaping the Scone Dough
Once your blueberries are mixed in, it’s time to shape the dough.
- Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it.
- Gently pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Be careful not to overwork the dough—this can lead to dense scones.
You can choose different shapes for your scones. Traditional scones are often round or wedge-shaped.
Step 8: Cutting and Placing Scones on a Baking Sheet
After shaping the dough, it’s time to cut it into individual scones.
Techniques:
- For wedge-shaped scones, cut the dough circle into 8 equal triangles, like slicing a pizza.
- For round scones, use a biscuit cutter or glass to cut circles.
Place each scone on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between them. This spacing prevents the scones from touching as they expand while baking.
Step 9: Applying the Egg Wash or Sugar Topping
To achieve that irresistible golden-brown crust, you’ll need a finishing touch:
- Brush the top of each scone with an egg wash (1 beaten egg mixed with a tablespoon of water or milk).
- Alternatively, you can sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and crunch.
This step enhances the appearance and texture of your scones, making them look bakery-worthy!
Step 10: Baking the Scones
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the scones for about 18-22 minutes.
Tips:
- Rotate the baking sheet halfway through to ensure even baking.
- The scones are ready when the tops are golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your scones. They should be firm on the outside but soft and tender inside.
Step 11: Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Let the scones cool for about 5-10 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
- Pair with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or your favorite beverage for a cozy experience.
Freshly baked scones are best enjoyed on the same day, but don’t worry—I’ll cover storage tips next!
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftover scones, follow these tips to keep them fresh:
- Storage: Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
- Refrigeration: You can refrigerate them for up to 5 days, but bring them to room temperature before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap scones individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Warm scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore their softness.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Try these fun variations to customize your scones:
- Lemon Blueberry Scones: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Blueberry Almond Scones: Fold in ¼ cup of sliced almonds along with the blueberries.
- White Chocolate Blueberry Scones: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for extra sweetness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
These tweaks allow you to create unique flavor combinations that suit your taste!
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Scones
To consistently bake perfect scones, keep these expert tips in mind:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and cream help create flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing can result in tough, dense scones.
- Use Fresh Baking Powder: Check that your baking powder isn’t expired for proper rise and fluffiness.
- Flour Your Knife or Cutter: This prevents sticking and ensures clean cuts.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to bake scones that are light, tender, and loaded with blueberry goodness!
Nutritional Information (Optional)
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per scone (based on 8 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Total Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Sugar | 15g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Keep in mind that the values may vary depending on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQs about Blueberry Scone Recipe
1. What ingredients do I need for blueberry scones?
To make blueberry scones, you will need all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, fresh blueberries, heavy cream, and an egg. Some recipes might also call for vanilla extract or lemon zest for additional flavor.
2. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Do not thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent them from bleeding into the batter and making it soggy.
3. How do I make my scones fluffy and not dense?
To achieve fluffy scones, make sure your butter is cold and handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking the dough activates the gluten, which can make the scones dense.
4. How long do I bake blueberry scones?
Typically, blueberry scones bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
5. Can I make blueberry scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the scone dough ahead of time and either refrigerate it overnight or freeze it for longer storage. Bake directly from the fridge or freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
6. Are blueberry scones gluten-free?
Traditional scone recipes are not gluten-free, but you can make them gluten-free by using a suitable gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
7. How do I store leftover blueberry scones?
Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerated for up to a week. They can also be frozen for up to three months.
8. Can I add other ingredients to my blueberry scone recipe?
Absolutely! You can customize your scones by adding nuts, other fruits like raspberries or blackberries, or spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough.
Conclusion
Making blueberry scones at home is easier than you think! With a few simple ingredients and the right techniques, you can enjoy these bakery-style treats anytime. Follow this guide, experiment with flavors, and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Ready to give it a try? You won’t regret it!
