Introduction
Scones are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day, whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. This particular recipe combines the classic texture of scones with the fragrant flavor of blueberries and lavender, creating a unique, delicious experience. Topped with a sweet lavender glaze, these scones are not only a feast for the palate but also for the eyes.
Ingredients
For the scones:
– 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 3/4 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
– 1 cup buttermilk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon lavender extract (optional)
– 1 1/2 cups blueberries
– Melted butter, for brushing
For the lavender glaze:
– 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon lavender extract
– 2 tablespoons heavy cream
– 2 1/2 tablespoons milk
– A drop of light pink or purple food coloring (optional)
– Optional: culinary lavender flowers for garnish
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
12 to 15 minutes
Total Time
35 minutes
Yield
12 scones
Enjoy your lavender blueberry scones, perfect for sharing with friends or for a moment of personal indulgence!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together 3 1/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
3. Mix in the Butter
Add 3/4 cup of cold butter, cut into pieces, to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers, a fork, or a pastry blender, mix the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of lavender extract, if using. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a dough forms.
5. Add Blueberries
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups of blueberries into the dough, being careful not to overmix, as this may break the blueberries and affect the texture.
6. Shape the Dough
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. Divide it into two equal portions and pat each portion into a 6-inch circle. Cut each circle into 6 wedges for uniform scones.
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops of the scones with melted butter to enhance browning and add flavor.
8. Bake the Scones
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until they turn golden brown. Once baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet.
9. Prepare the Lavender Glaze
While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a bowl, whisk together 1 1/4 cups of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 1/4 teaspoon of lavender extract. Gradually add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream and 2 1/2 tablespoons of milk, mixing until smooth. If desired, add a drop of light pink or purple food coloring for a decorative touch.
10. Glaze the Scones
Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm scones, allowing it to run down the sides for an attractive finish. If desired, sprinkle culinary lavender flowers on top for garnish.
11. Set and Serve
Allow the glaze to set before serving the scones. Enjoy the delightful flavors and aromas of your homemade blueberry lavender scones.
Notes
Serving Suggestions
These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing Instructions
You can freeze the unbaked scones. Once shaped, arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Flavor Variations
Feel free to experiment with other fruits like raspberries or cranberries, or omit the lavender for a classic blueberry scone.
Cook techniques
Measuring Flour Accurately
To measure flour accurately, use the spoon-and-level method. Spoon the flour into your measuring cup and level it off with a straight edge to avoid packing the flour, which can lead to dense scones.
Cutting In Butter
Cutting in butter involves incorporating cold butter into dry ingredients to create a crumbly texture. Use your fingers, a fork, or a pastry blender to mix until coarse crumbs form. This technique helps maintain flakiness in the final product.
Mixing Wet and Dry Ingredients
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so stop as soon as a dough forms to ensure a tender texture.
Folding in Berries
Gently fold in blueberries using a spatula or spoon, being careful not to burst the berries. This technique ensures even distribution without damaging the fruit.
Shaping Scones
After dividing the dough, pat each portion into a circle rather than rolling, which helps retain layers. Cut the circle into wedges with a sharp knife for clean edges.
Brushing with Butter
Brushing melted butter on the scones before baking adds flavor and promotes browning, resulting in a golden, appealing finish.
Glazing Techniques
When preparing the glaze, whisk until smooth. Drizzle over scones while they are slightly warm for better adhesion. If desired, add food coloring for a decorative touch.
Garnishing
For an elegant finish, sprinkle culinary lavender flowers on top of the glazed scones. This adds visual appeal and enhances the lavender flavor.
FAQ
Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can use regular milk, but for a similar tangy flavor, add a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to the milk and let it sit for about 5 minutes before using.
What if I don’t have lavender extract?
If you don’t have lavender extract, you can omit it or substitute with a bit more vanilla extract for flavor. Just keep in mind it won’t have the same floral notes.
How can I ensure my scones are fluffy?
Make sure to use cold butter, avoid overmixing the dough, and bake immediately after shaping the scones for best results.
Can I freeze the scone dough?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scone dough. Shape the scones, freeze them on a baking sheet, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to restore freshness.
Conclusion
This blueberry lavender scone recipe is a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of blueberries with the delicate floral notes of lavender. Perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack, these scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven, drizzled with a smooth lavender glaze. With their light and crumbly texture, they’re sure to impress family and friends alike, making them a fantastic addition to any baking repertoire.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Raspberry Lemon Scones
Swap out blueberries for fresh raspberries and add lemon zest for a tangy twist on this beloved classic.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Incorporate dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a bright, festive flavor that’s perfect for the holidays.
Chocolate Chip Scones
Mix in semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of fruit for a rich and indulgent version that satisfies any sweet tooth.
Maple Pecan Scones
Replace blueberries with chopped pecans and add a touch of maple syrup for a nutty and sweet scone experience.
Peach Almond Scones
Use fresh peaches and almond extract to create a sweet and fragrant scone that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Zucchini Cheddar Scones
For a savory option, incorporate grated zucchini and sharp cheddar cheese, offering a delicious accompaniment to soups and salads.
