Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Scones
Highlighted under: Simple Kitchen Wins
I absolutely love starting my day with a warm blueberry lemon breakfast scone. The burst of juicy blueberries combined with the refreshing zest of lemon creates a delightful flavor that energizes my morning. These scones are not only simple to make but also surprisingly quick, which is a huge plus for my busy mornings. Whether enjoyed with butter or drizzled with a sweet glaze, they never fail to impress and are perfect for sharing with family or friends over a leisurely weekend breakfast.
Making blueberry lemon breakfast scones is a cherished tradition in my home, especially during the summer when the berries are in season. The bright flavor of lemon zest brightens up the sweetness of the blueberries, creating a perfect harmony that is simply irresistible. I've found that chilling the dough before baking ensures the scones rise beautifully and maintain a tender crumb.
After experimenting with several recipes, I discovered that the addition of yogurt gives the scones a lovely moist texture without weighing them down. This simple tip has transformed my scones from good to spectacular, making them a breakfast treat that I look forward to all week long!
Why You'll Love These Scones
- Bursting with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon flavor
- Soft and tender texture that pairs perfectly with coffee
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy mornings
Understanding the Ingredients
The star ingredients in these scones are the fresh blueberries and the bright lemon zest. The blueberries not only provide a pop of color but also infuse the scones with natural sweetness and moisture. It's crucial to use fresh blueberries for the best flavor. If you only have frozen ones, ensure you don't thaw them beforehand, or you'll risk a soggy batter. Lemon zest adds a vibrant citrus flavor that brightens up the scones, making them perfect for breakfast.
Another key ingredient is the plain yogurt, which helps keep the scones tender while adding a hint of tanginess. If you're looking for substitutes, feel free to use Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency or sour cream for a richer flavor. Just remember that any substitution may slightly alter the texture, so adjustments in flour might be needed if the mixture feels too wet.
Techniques for Perfect Scones
When mixing the dry ingredients, it's important not to rush this step. Thoroughly combining the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt ensures that your scones rise evenly. Use a whisk to aerate the mixture, which allows the baking powder to react effectively when baking. Additionally, when cutting in the cold butter, aim for a coarse crumb consistency; this contributes to the flaky texture we all love in scones.
Shaping the scones is also a pivotal moment in the process. After kneading the dough, patting it into a circle rather than rolling it out will help maintain the light and fluffy texture. You want to avoid overworking the dough, which can lead to tough scones. The result should be a gently shaped circle, approximately one inch thick, which you can then cut into wedges.
Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Blueberries and Zest
Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest.
Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and egg until smooth.
Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape the Scones
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
Bake
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze
While the scones are baking, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice, if necessary.
Glaze the Scones
Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top before serving.
Pro Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the scone dough.
Storing and Freezing
These blueberry lemon scones are best enjoyed fresh, but if you find yourself with leftovers, storing them properly will keep them tasty for a few days. Place cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their texture. They can be stored this way for up to three days before they begin to dry out.
For longer storage, consider freezing the scones. You can freeze them before baking—just form the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer the wedges to a zip-top bag. When you're ready to bake, there's no need to thaw; simply add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving Suggestions
While these scones are delightful on their own, there are several ways to elevate your breakfast experience. Serve them warm with a pat of butter for a comforting treat. You could also pair them with clotted cream or Greek yogurt for a satisfying breakfast spread. Additionally, fresh fruit or a side of mixed berries complements the scones beautifully, enhancing their fruity notes.
For those who enjoy a sweeter touch, drizzling a bit more glaze over the top after the scones cool can be a delightful addition. You could even experiment with flavor variations by incorporating herbs like thyme or mint into the glaze, giving an herbal twist to the already refreshing scones.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to add them directly from the freezer to avoid turning the dough blue.
→ How do I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
→ Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough ahead, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
→ Can I substitute the yogurt?
Yes, you can use sour cream, buttermilk, or any non-dairy yogurt as a substitute for plain yogurt.
Blueberry Lemon Breakfast Scones
I absolutely love starting my day with a warm blueberry lemon breakfast scone. The burst of juicy blueberries combined with the refreshing zest of lemon creates a delightful flavor that energizes my morning. These scones are not only simple to make but also surprisingly quick, which is a huge plus for my busy mornings. Whether enjoyed with butter or drizzled with a sweet glaze, they never fail to impress and are perfect for sharing with family or friends over a leisurely weekend breakfast.
Created by: Charity Bowen
Recipe Type: Simple Kitchen Wins
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 8 scones
What You'll Need
For the Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/2 cup plain yogurt
- 1 large egg
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons lemon juice
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Gently fold in the blueberries and lemon zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt and egg until smooth.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the scones are baking, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency with more lemon juice, if necessary.
Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top before serving.
Extra Tips
- For an even richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or some chopped herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the scone dough.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 39g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 11g
- Protein: 4g