Lemon Scones

Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-33 minutes
Servings: 8 scones

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or buttermilk
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter:
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream (or buttermilk), lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
5. Mix Dough:
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Do not overmix. The dough will be slightly sticky.
6. Shape and Cut Scones:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Bake:
   • Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Prepare Glaze:
   • While the scones are baking, make the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.
9. Glaze Scones:
   • Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm scones.
10. Serve:
    • Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!

These Lemon Scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with bright citrus flavor, perfect for breakfast or a delightful afternoon treat!