Strawberry rhubarb scones
-
Prep Time: 25 minutes
-
Chill Time (Optional): 15–30 minutes
-
Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
-
Total Time: ~1 hour
-
Servings: 8 scones
-
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate
-
Best For: Breakfast, brunch, tea time, or picnic baskets
Introduction
There’s nothing quite like a fresh, warm scone with a cup of coffee or tea. When seasonal strawberries and rhubarb come together in a buttery scone dough, the result is irresistible — sweet, tart, soft in the center, and golden crisp on the outside.
Strawberry rhubarb scones are a wonderful twist on the classic British scone and are easier to make than you might think. Whether you’re baking for a spring brunch, a summer picnic, or just craving something homemade and cozy, this recipe delivers flaky layers and bright flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Scone Dough:
-
2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
-
1 tbsp baking powder
-
1/2 tsp baking soda
-
1/2 tsp salt
-
1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
-
Zest of 1 lemon (optional but recommended)
-
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
-
1/2 cup (120ml) cold heavy cream or buttermilk
-
1 large egg
-
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries
-
1/2 cup chopped fresh rhubarb
Optional Toppings:
-
Heavy cream (for brushing tops)
-
Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
-
Optional glaze: 1/2 cup powdered sugar + 1 tbsp lemon juice
Baking Equipment Needed
-
Mixing bowls
-
Pastry cutter or fork
-
Bench scraper or knife
-
Baking sheet
-
Parchment paper or silicone mat
-
Pastry brush
-
Cooling rack
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
-
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
-
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Wash, dry, and chop the rhubarb and strawberries into small 1/4 to 1/2 inch pieces.
-
If your fruit is very wet, pat it dry with paper towels to prevent soggy dough.
Step 2: Make the Dough
-
Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and lemon zest if using. -
Cut in the Butter:
Add cold, cubed butter to the bowl. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs (pea-sized bits of butter are perfect). -
Toss in Fruit:
Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and rhubarb, coating them lightly with the flour mixture. This helps keep them suspended in the dough.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
-
Whisk Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, and vanilla. -
Form the Dough:
Pour the wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a fork or spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing — the dough should look shaggy and barely hold together.
Step 4: Shape the Scones
-
Turn Out the Dough:
Lightly flour a work surface. Turn the dough out and gently knead it a few times until it comes together into a rough ball. -
Form a Disk:
Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick. -
Cut into Wedges:
Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the circle into 8 even wedges. -
Chill (Optional but Recommended):
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes. This helps keep the butter cold and results in flakier scones.
Step 5: Bake the Scones
-
Brush and Sprinkle:
Brush tops with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar for a crispy top. -
Bake:
Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and firm on the edges. The fruit may bubble slightly — that’s a good sign! -
Cool:
Let scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Optional Glaze
-
While scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice.
-
Drizzle over cooled scones for a sweet-tart finish.
Serving Suggestions
-
Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
-
Pair with black tea, earl grey, or a hot cup of coffee.
-
Great for brunch tables, potlucks, or as a sweet afternoon pick-me-up.
Storage & Freezing
-
Room Temp: Store cooled scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
-
Fridge: Will keep 4–5 days, but best reheated.
-
Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen (add 2–3 extra minutes to baking time).
Nutrition Information (Per Scone – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 290–320 kcal |
| Fat | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9 g |
| Carbohydrates | 35 g |
| Sugars | 10–12 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 200 mg |
Nutrition may vary depending on fruit moisture and optional glaze.