Introduction
Scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Their fluffy texture combined with the sweetness of peaches and a drizzle of icing makes them irresistible. This recipe is straightforward and accessible, allowing even novice bakers to create delicious homemade scones.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Scones:
– 1½ cups all-purpose flour
– ½ teaspoon baking powder
– ¼ teaspoon salt
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 4 tablespoons cold butter
– 1 large egg, beaten
– ⅓ cup milk
– ¾ cup chopped peaches (fresh or frozen)
Icing:
– 2 cups powdered sugar
– 2 tablespoons melted butter
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 40 minutes
Yield: 8 scones
The combination of fresh peaches and fluffy scones, topped with a zesty icing, makes this recipe a must-try. Enjoy these delightful treats with a cup of tea or coffee, or share them with friends and family for a perfect gathering!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl or a food processor, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the dry ingredients.
Incorporate Butter
Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture. You can do this using a pastry blender or by pulsing in a food processor until the mixture takes on the consistency of coarse crumbs.
Add Wet Ingredients
Stir in the beaten egg and the milk. Mix until just combined and avoid over-mixing to ensure the scones remain tender.
Fold in Peaches
Gently fold the chopped peaches into the dough, ensuring that they are evenly distributed without breaking them up too much, forming a cohesive dough ball.
Shape and Cut Dough
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into an 8-10 inch circle, and then use a sharp knife to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
Arrange on Baking Sheet
Move the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for spreading during baking.
Bake
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, and look for lightly browned edges and a firm texture.
Cool
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet.
Prepare Icing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Drizzle Icing
Once the scones have cooled completely, drizzle the prepared icing over the tops of the scones for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
For a different flavor, consider substituting other fruits such as blueberries or raspberries for the peaches.
Storage
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw as needed.
Baking Time
Keep an eye on the scones while baking, as oven temperatures may vary; adjust baking time accordingly.
Serving Suggestions
These scones pair well with tea or coffee and can be served with clotted cream or butter for added richness.
Cook techniques
Preheating the Oven
Ensure your oven is preheated to the right temperature (350°F or 175°C) for even baking. This step is essential for achieving the desired texture and color of the scones.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
Thoroughly combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl or food processor. This ensures that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Incorporating Cold Butter
Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or food processor. The goal is to achieve a coarse crumb texture, which helps create flaky scones.
Combining Wet Ingredients
Gently stir in the beaten egg and milk until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as it can lead to dense scones.
Folding in Peaches
Carefully mix in the chopped peaches to distribute evenly throughout the dough. This adds moisture and fruity flavor to the scones.
Shaping the Dough
Transfer the dough to lightly floured parchment and press it into a circle. Cut into wedges for uniform baking; this method also creates a traditional scone shape.
Baking the Scones
Place the scone wedges on a lined baking sheet, leaving space for them to spread. Bake until the bottoms and edges are golden brown, indicating that they are fully cooked.
Cooling
Let the scones cool after baking. This helps to firm them up for easier icing.
Preparing the Icing
Whisk together powdered sugar, melted butter, and lemon juice until smooth. This creates a simple yet flavorful drizzle for the scones.
Drizzling Icing
Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the prepared icing over the top for added sweetness and a decorative finish.
FAQ
Can I use frozen peaches for the scones?
Yes, frozen peaches can be used. Just make sure to thaw and chop them before adding to the dough.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones should be lightly browned on the edges and bottoms, and a toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I skip the icing?
Certainly! The scones are delicious on their own without icing, or you could serve them with clotted cream or jam instead.
What can I substitute for all-purpose flour?
You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free alternative, although the texture may vary.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate or freeze them.
Conclusion
The scones, enriched with the sweetness of peaches and topped with a zesty lemon icing, offer a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they are sure to impress anyone who tries them. Enjoy the simple pleasure of homemade scones with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Lemon Scones
Substitute peaches with fresh or frozen blueberries and add lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
Chocolate Chip Hazelnut Scones
Mix in chocolate chips and chopped hazelnuts instead of peaches for a rich and nutty flavor.
Herbed Cheese Scones
Incorporate shredded cheese and fresh herbs like rosemary or chives into the dough for a savory alternative.
Cranberry Almond Scones
Add dried cranberries and sliced almonds to the scone mixture for a delightful combination of tart and nutty flavors.
Matcha Green Tea Scones
Introduce matcha green tea powder into the dry ingredients for a unique, earthy flavor and a vibrant green color.
Apple Cinnamon Scones
Substitute peaches with finely chopped apples and add cinnamon for a classic fall-inspired treat.
Raspberry Coconut Scones
Add fresh raspberries and shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical, fruity experience.
