Indulge in the bright and citrusy flavors of these scrumptious lemon almond scones, crafted with freshly squeezed lemon juice and topped with a zesty lemon glaze that’s perfectly balanced by a sprinkle of toasted almonds. This effortless recipe is ready in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal treat for breakfast or as a delightful accompaniment to your afternoon tea. Whether you’re looking for a quick pick-me-up or a sweet indulgence, these scones are sure to satisfy. So why not start your day off on the right foot with a batch of these tasty treats?
Why I Like Lemon Almond Scones
With minimal ingredients and no need for specialized equipment, making simple scones is an accessible endeavor. Moreover, their versatility lies in the numerous topping and accompaniment options available. Enjoy them on their own or paired with a sweet complement like homemade berry jam or honey – these scones are sure to delight both your loved ones and unexpected guests alike.
How To Make Lemon Almond Scones
To create these effortless scones, even novice bakers can succeed. Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat mat. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and almonds. Quickly incorporate the butter using a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.In a separate container, whisk together the heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture and gently stir until a dough begins to form, being mindful not to overmix.Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead it into a cohesive ball. Shape the dough into a circular shape and divide it into wedges using a sharp knife. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake until they’re golden brown.Once baked, allow the scones to cool completely before drizzling with lemon glaze and sprinkling with slivered almonds.
Tips for Baking Scones
For successful scone recipes, it’s crucial to keep in mind these key tips.
Firstly, ensure your butter is chilled when combining it with flour. This step is essential in achieving a flaky texture. Frozen butter is also an option and can even be grated for added ease. By incorporating cold butter into the mixture, you’ll be rewarded with tender scones that are full of flavor.
Next, exercise caution when mixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough, dense scones that lack the desired lightness. To avoid this, stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a cohesive ball.
If you prefer your scones with a hint of sweetness, feel free to increase the sugar content to 1/3 cup. This is a great way to balance out the flavors and create a delicious treat.
Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment and add your own personal touches. Consider adding dried fruit or chocolate chips to give your lemon almond scones an extra boost of flavor. With these simple tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking scones that are sure to impress.
Scone Recipe Variations
The versatility of the lemon almond scone recipe is one of its greatest charms, offering numerous opportunities for creative experimentation and variation. One approach could be to introduce dried fruits like raisins, cranberries or apricots, which not only add natural sweetness but also a satisfying textural element. Alternatively, you might choose to substitute almonds with other nuts such as chopped walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts, each lending its unique flavor and character to the scones. For a sweet and indulgent twist, consider adding chocolate chips to the mix. If you’re looking for a citrusy variation, you could replace lemon zest with orange zest, resulting in an orange almond scone with a bright and tangy flavor profile. Additionally, making the switch to 1:1 gluten-free flour enables the creation of gluten-free scones that are just as tender and flavorful as their traditional counterparts. When it comes to enhancing the flavors, you have the option of using extracts like almond or lemon instead of vanilla, allowing for a more intense expression of these signature ingredients. To take the recipe in an entirely different direction, omit the sugar and lemon zest and add herbs like chives, rosemary or thyme to create a savory scone variation that’s perfect for snacking or serving alongside soups or salads. Fresh berries such as blueberries or raspberries can also be incorporated into the dough for added flavor and visual appeal. Finally, consider topping your scones with a streusel topping instead of the traditional lemon icing, offering a delightful textural contrast and additional layer of flavor.
Why are They Called Scones?
The Scottish quick bread is steeped in history, with its origins tracing back to the Stone of Destiny, also known as Scone. According to legend, this ancient ritual site was where Scottish kings were once crowned. Interestingly, the original scones were triangular in shape and baked on a griddle. Although modern scones often take the form of triangles, some bakers still prefer a circular shape, paying homage to their traditional roots.
When to Serve Scones
Lemon almond scones are versatile treats that can elevate various gatherings, celebrations, and holidays. They’re an ideal fit for events where guests crave something sweet and satisfying, such as brunch or breakfast gatherings. When paired with coffee or tea, these scones can be enjoyed on their own or topped with a variety of sweet and savory options.These tender treats also make thoughtful gifts or additions to special occasions like Mother’s Day, when a homemade breakfast in bed or brunch is sure to impress. For baby showers, lemon almond scones bring a refreshing twist to the traditional sweet offerings, making them a great choice for refreshment tables.The bright and citrusy flavor of these scones also makes them a natural fit for Easter celebrations, where they can add a nice change of pace from traditional sweet breakfast treats. As spring awakens, lemon almond scones become even more appealing, with their refreshing lemon zest and nutty undertones perfectly capturing the season’s essence.Finally, these scones are also well-suited for tea parties or afternoon tea, where they can complement a variety of teas and offer a delightful change from traditional finger sandwiches.
Lemon Scone FAQs
In this recipe, you may wonder about substituting heavy cream with another ingredient. One viable option is buttermilk, which can be used as a direct replacement. If you’re looking to swap out the all-purpose flour for something else, gluten-free flour and whole wheat flour are both acceptable alternatives. However, keep in mind that using these alternative flours may impact the texture of the scones.When it comes to butter, its importance lies in creating the desired flaky texture. Cold butter is crucial, as it melts during baking, producing steam pockets and layers that contribute to the scones’ lightness. To achieve this, make sure your butter remains solid before incorporating it into the dough, so it maintains its integrity and doesn’t seep into the mixture, resulting in a denser final product.If you’re planning ahead, you can prepare these scones up to two days in advance by storing them in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator. Simply reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving. Alternatively, you can freeze the scones for up to three months. Ensure they are completely cooled beforehand and store them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Lemon Almond Scone with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Lemon Almond Scones
Indulge in the sweet and tangy delight of Bella’s lemon almond scones, smothered in a layer of crunchy almonds and topped with a zesty lemon glaze. A must-try treat that’s sure to satisfy your cravings! With only 15 minutes of prep time, 15 minutes of cooking time, and a total of 30 minutes from start to finish, these scones are the perfect indulgence for any occasion. And at a yield of 10 servings, you can share the love with friends and family or enjoy them all to yourself – we won’t judge!
Instructions
To begin, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a large baking sheet with Silpat mat for easy removal of the finished scones. Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, lemon zest, salt, and almonds until well combined. Quickly cut in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse meal with visible butter lumps remaining. In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of heavy cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet ingredient mixture over the dry ingredients and gently stir with a spatula until the dough starts to form. Be cautious not to overmix. Once the dough comes together, transfer it to a lightly floured countertop and knead by hand just until it forms a cohesive ball. Then, shape the dough into 8 equal-sized circles, each about 3/4 inch thick. Cut each circle into triangular shapes. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each triangle for even cooking. Brush the tops of the scones lightly with additional heavy cream using a pastry brush. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes or until they’re lightly golden brown. Allow them to cool completely before proceeding. While the scones are cooling, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Once the scones have cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over them and top with toasted almonds for added crunch and flavor.