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Lemon Scones Recipe

Lemon Scones Easy Recipe & Lemon Glaze

These amazing lemon scones are tender and flaky, with a bright, citrusy flavor, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze. This easy scone recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Scones:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ⅓ teaspoon salt
  • ¾ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
  • 9 tablespoons milk
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 ½ teaspoons lemon zest
  • 1 ½ teaspoons vinegar

For the Lemon Glaze:

  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • ⅓ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 ½ tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons water, or as needed

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cut in Butter: Cut in cold butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vinegar.
  5. Add Wet to Dry: Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just moistened.
  6. Knead and Shape: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly, 5 or 6 turns. Pat or roll the dough out into a 1-inch-thick round.
  7. Cut Scones: Cut into 10 wedge-shaped pieces.
  8. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place scones 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
  9. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven until the bottom edges are golden brown, 12 to 15 minutes.
  10. Cool Scones: Cool scones on a wire rack for 15 minutes.
  11. Make Glaze: In a bowl, stir confectioners’ sugar, melted butter, lemon juice, and vanilla together until smooth. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, to reach desired consistency.
  12. Glaze: Drizzle glaze over the warm scones.
  13. Set Glaze: Let the glaze set for about 15 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Cold Butter is Key: Ensure butter is very cold to create flaky layers.
  • Do Not Overmix: Overmixing will result in tough scones.
  • Freezing: Scones can be frozen before or after baking. Freeze before glazing, and add glaze after thawing.
  • Variations: Add blueberries, poppy seeds, or orange zest for different flavors.
  • Glaze Consistency: Adjust the amount of water in the glaze to achieve desired thickness.
  • Storage: Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

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