If you have a soft spot for tender, flaky pastries bursting with fresh, fruity flavor, this Strawberry Scones Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. These scones are delightfully light with just the right hint of sweetness, featuring juicy strawberries that add not only vibrant color but also a juicy pop in every bite. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a lovely afternoon tea, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between classic scone texture and a fresh berry twist that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Whipping up these strawberry scones is simpler than you might think! Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building the perfect texture and flavor, from that flaky buttery goodness to the bright, fresh notes of strawberry.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones, providing structure and tenderness.
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness without overpowering.
- 1 Tbsp baking powder: Essential for that perfect, fluffy rise and light crumb.
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt: Balances sweetness and boosts flavor complexity.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp or 1 stick), chilled and diced: The secret to flaky layers and rich taste.
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries: Brings freshness and delightful bursts of juicy sweetness.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind ingredients and adds richness.
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled): Creates moisture and tenderness in the dough.
- 1 Tbsp milk (to brush the top): Gives your scones a beautiful golden finish when baked.
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sugar (to sprinkle the top): Adds a satisfying crunch and extra sparkle.
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar: For the irresistible glaze that finishes these scones perfectly.
- 1 Tbsp milk (for the glaze): Creates a smooth icing to drizzle over the cooled scones.
How to Make Strawberry Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Dry Ingredients and Butter
Start by combining the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine sea salt in a large bowl. The dry ingredients form the base flavor and balance the moisture from the strawberries and cream. Then, add the chilled and diced unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until you achieve pea-sized crumbs. This process is crucial because those little butter bits melt during baking, creating those dreamy, flaky layers every scone lover desires.
Step 2: Fold in the Fresh Strawberries
Gently fold in the one cup of chopped fresh strawberries, being careful not to overmix to prevent the berries from turning the dough a mushy pink. These strawberries will infuse your scones with juicy sweetness and flecks of vibrant red that make them look as delicious as they taste.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients and Form the Dough
In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg together with the chilled heavy whipping cream until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until the dough begins to come together. Avoid overworking the dough here to keep your scones tender. If the dough feels too sticky, you can add a touch more flour, but it should be soft and slightly wet.
Step 4: Shape and Chill the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a 7 to 8-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Chill the dough for about 10 minutes to firm up the butter again, which helps maintain that fantastic flakiness while baking.
Step 5: Cut and Prepare for Baking
After chilling, slice the dough into 12 wedges and place them onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush each scone with a little milk, then sprinkle with coarse sugar to give them that inviting sparkle and crisp top crust.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 16 minutes or until golden brown on top. The smell of these baking will have your kitchen smelling like a dream.
Step 7: Drizzle the Glaze
While the scones cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar and one tablespoon of milk to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm scones to add a sweet finishing touch that beautifully complements the fruit inside.
How to Serve Strawberry Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Top your strawberry scones with a dollop of whipped cream or a pat of butter to enhance their rich, buttery flavor. Fresh sliced strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar add that extra bit of charm for presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
Serve these scones alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee for a perfect relaxing moment. For brunch, pair them with a fresh fruit salad or a light green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to balance sweetness with brightness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your strawberry scones into an elegant petite dessert by cutting them smaller and serving with a spoonful of mascarpone cheese and a drizzle of honey. You can also slice them horizontally and make mini strawberry scone sandwiches filled with clotted cream or lemon curd for an extra special treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them from drying out, you can wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap before storing.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully! Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep up to two months, so you can enjoy a quick, fresh-baked treat whenever the craving hits.
Reheating
To reheat, unwrap the scones and place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8–10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make them a bit soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries work best for this Strawberry Scones Recipe because they hold their texture better. However, if you use frozen strawberries, make sure to thaw and drain them very well to avoid soggy dough.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a little melted butter. This helps maintain moisture and richness in your scones.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and shape the scones the night before, cover them tightly, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next morning for the best texture.
Why are my scones dry after baking?
Dry scones often result from overbaking or using too much flour. Make sure to measure your flour correctly and bake just until golden to keep them tender and moist.
Can I add other fruits or flavors?
Definitely! While this Strawberry Scones Recipe shines with fresh strawberries, you can try blueberries, raspberries, or even orange zest to mix things up and discover new favorites.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about baking a batch of strawberry scones that fills your kitchen with warmth and invites you to slow down and savor each bite. This Strawberry Scones Recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weekday morning but elegant enough to impress guests at brunch. So go ahead and treat yourself and your loved ones to these sweet, flaky delights—you won’t regret it!
Print
Strawberry Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 14 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these classic homemade Strawberry Scones, boasting a tender crumb and bursting with fresh strawberries. Perfectly buttery with a light sweetness, these scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. With a simple mix, a quick bake, and a sweet powdered sugar glaze, they bring a touch of elegance to any table.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3 Tbsp granulated sugar
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
Butter & Fruit
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (8 Tbsp or 1 stick), chilled and diced
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
Wet Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream (chilled)
Toppings
- 1 Tbsp milk (to brush the top)
- 1/2 Tbsp coarse sugar (to sprinkle the top)
Glaze
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 Tbsp milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined. This dry base will give structure to your scones.
- Incorporate the Butter: Add the chilled, diced unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter throughout. This helps create a flaky texture after baking.
- Add Fresh Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, taking care not to crush them too much to keep the scones moist and fruity.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the large egg together with the chilled heavy whipping cream. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure tender scones.
- Form the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a couple of times to bring it together, then shape the dough into a 7-inch circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut the Scones: Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough circle into 12 equal wedges. Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Prepare for Baking: Brush the top of each scone lightly with 1 Tbsp milk and sprinkle with 1/2 Tbsp coarse sugar. This will give the scones a golden, slightly crunchy top.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the scones for 16 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.
- Make the Glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together 2/3 cup powdered sugar and 1 Tbsp milk until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm scones. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.
Notes
- For best results, use chilled ingredients to ensure flakiness.
- Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to prevent tough scones.
- Fresh strawberries add moisture; if they are very juicy, consider patting them dry to limit sogginess.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter texture, but keep the volume the same.
- These scones can be frozen before baking; freeze after cutting and brushing with milk then bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to baking time.
