Easy Fresh Strawberry Scones

When it comes to delightful treats, fresh strawberry scones are always a crowd-pleaser. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of ripe strawberries and a touch of zesty lemon, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. In this easy-to-follow strawberry scone recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating these mouthwatering delights. So, let’s get started on this strawberry scone adventure!

Why You’ll Love this Strawberry Scone Recipe

1. Irresistible Freshness: The use of ripe, chopped fresh strawberries in this strawberry scone recipe ensures every bite bursts with the natural sweetness and juiciness of the fruit. The addition of lemon zest provides a zesty twist that perfectly complements the berries, making these scones a truly fresh and flavorful delight.
2. Easy and Approachable: This recipe is designed for both seasoned bakers and beginners alike. With clear, step-by-step instructions and common pantry ingredients, it’s accessible to all. Whether you’re an experienced baker looking for a quick treat or a novice eager to impress, these scones are easy to whip up.
3. Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: These strawberry scones are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet snack anytime. The scones’ delightful combination of textures and flavors, along with their beautiful appearance, makes them a crowd-pleaser at family gatherings, tea parties, or simply as a self-indulgent treat.

Are Scones Hard to Make

No, scones are not generally considered hard to make. While they may require some attention to detail, a basic scone recipe involves simple steps and common ingredients. With practice, you can easily become proficient in making delicious scones at home.

Strawberry Scone Ingredients

• 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp of baking powder
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp of salt
• 1/2 tsp of baking soda
• 4 oz of cold butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup of milk or non-dairy alternative
• 2 cups of fresh strawberries, chopped
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp of heavy cream

How to Make Strawberry Scones

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a baking mat. This will ensure your strawberry scones bake perfectly without sticking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 3/4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tsp of baking powder, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp of salt, and 1/2 tsp of baking soda. Mix thoroughly to combine all the dry ingredients.
3. Incorporate Butter: Cut your cold butter into small cubes and then, using your hands, work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients: Add in 1 egg and 1/2 cup of milk or your preferred non-dairy alternative. Use a fork or spoon to mix the wet ingredients into the dry mixture until a dough forms.
5. Fold in Strawberries: Quarter your fresh strawberries and gently fold them into the dough along with the zest of 1 lemon.
6. Shape and Cut: On a floured surface, roll out the dough into an 8-inch circle. Cut the circle into 8 slices, like a pizza, and transfer each scone onto your prepared baking sheet.
7. Brush with Cream and Sugar: Lightly brush each scone with some of the heavy cream and sprinkle a little sugar on the top of each scone for that extra touch of sweetness.
8. Bake to Perfection: Bake the scones for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges start to turn golden. If your scones are on the thicker side, they might need an additional 3-4 minutes.
9. Cool and Enjoy: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These fresh strawberry scones are best enjoyed warm. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, and when you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply pop them in the toaster oven for a few minutes!

Strawberry Scones can be served warm cold or at room temperature

Tips for Making Perfect Strawberry Scones

Creating perfect strawberry scones requires attention to detail and a few key tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time. Here are some tips for making perfect strawberry scones:

1. Use Fresh Strawberries: Whenever possible, use fresh, ripe strawberries for the best flavor and texture. Frozen strawberries can release excess moisture during baking, affecting the scone’s consistency.
2. Chill Ingredients: Keep your ingredients cold. This includes using cold butter and cold heavy cream. Cold ingredients help create flaky, tender scones.
3. Handle the Dough Gently: When incorporating the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the Strawberries: Gently fold the chopped strawberries into the dough rather than stirring them vigorously. This helps distribute the strawberries evenly without breaking them apart.
5. Chill the Dough: After shaping the dough into a circle and cutting it into scones, refrigerate the scones for about 15-20 minutes. Chilled dough produces fluffier scones during baking.
6. Brush with Heavy Cream: Brushing the tops of the scones with heavy cream before baking gives them a beautiful golden color and a slightly crispy crust.
7. Maintain Uniform Sizes: Ensure that your scones are roughly the same size so they bake evenly. You can use a round cutter or shape them by hand, but aim for consistency.
8. Don’t Overbake: Keep a close eye on your scones as they bake. Overbaking can result in dry scones. They should be lightly golden on the outside and tender inside.
9. Variations: Get creative with flavor variations by adding ingredients like orange zest, or almond extract for extra depth and complexity. You can even add your favourite glaze once baked.
10. Enjoy Fresh: Scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container and reheat them briefly in the oven or toaster oven to revive their freshness.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to baking perfect strawberry scones that are both flavorful and beautifully textured. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Scones

Scones are a versatile treat that can be paired with various accompaniments, making them suitable for different occasions. Here are some delicious options for what to serve with scones:

1. Clotted Cream: A classic choice for serving with scones, clotted cream is thick, creamy, and slightly sweet. It’s often spread on scones before adding jam.
2. Jam or Preserves: Fruit jams or preserves, such as strawberry preserve, raspberry, or apricot, complement scones wonderfully. You can choose to spread them on top of butter or clotted cream.
3. Lemon Curd: The zesty and tangy flavor of lemon curd is a delightful contrast to the sweetness of scones. It can be spread directly on the scones or served on the side.
4. Honey: Drizzling honey over scones adds a natural sweetness and pairs well with the buttery texture of the scones.
5. Fresh Berries: Serve scones with a side of fresh berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries. They provide a refreshing and juicy contrast.
6. Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a delicious alternative to clotted cream and adds a fluffy, airy texture to your scones.
7. Butter: Simple and classic, a pat of butter can be spread on warm scones for a rich, creamy flavor.
8. Tea or Coffee: Scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or even hot chocolate. The beverage helps balance the sweetness of the scones.
9. Salad: Serve scones with a fresh salad for a lighter option. The combination of the slightly sweet scones and crisp, leafy greens can be delightful.
10. Fruit Salad: A side of fruit salad, with a mix of fresh seasonal fruits, complements the sweetness of scones and adds a refreshing element.
11. Ice Cream: Scones can be turned into a delightful dessert by serving them with a scoop of vanilla or fruit-flavored ice cream.

Ultimately, what you serve with scones depends on your preferences and the occasion. Whether you opt for the traditional clotted cream and jam or experiment with savory or unique pairings, scones are versatile enough to accommodate a wide range of accompaniments.

How to Store Scones

Storing scones properly helps maintain their freshness and texture. Here’s how to store scones:

1. Cool Completely: Allow your freshly baked scones to cool completely on a wire rack. This is crucial to prevent moisture buildup inside the storage container, which can make the scones soggy.
2. Choose an Airtight Container: Place the cooled scones in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Ensure the container is clean and dry.
3. Layer with Parchment or Wax Paper: To prevent the scones from sticking together, you can place a sheet of parchment paper or wax paper between each layer of scones in the container.
4. Seal Tightly: Make sure the container is sealed tightly to keep air out. This will help maintain the scones’ freshness and prevent them from becoming dry.
5. Room Temperature: Scones are best enjoyed within 2-3 days when stored at room temperature. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Additional Tips

• For longer storage (up to a week), you can place the airtight container in a cool pantry or cupboard.
• If you need to store scones for a more extended period, consider freezing them. Follow the freezing instructions mentioned earlier.

By following these steps, your scones should stay fresh and tasty for several days, allowing you to enjoy them at your leisure.

Can you Freeze Strawberry Scones

Yes, you can freeze fresh strawberry scones for longer-term storage. Freezing scones is a great way to preserve their freshness and enjoy them at a later date. Here’s how to freeze fresh strawberry scones properly:

How to Freeze Fresh Strawberry Scones

1. Cool Completely: Allow your freshly baked strawberry scones to cool completely on a wire rack. It’s essential to ensure they are at room temperature before freezing to prevent condensation inside the storage container.
2. Prepare for Freezing: Once the scones have cooled, you can wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Alternatively, you can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash freeze them for about 1-2 hours. Flash freezing helps prevent them from sticking together when stored.
3. Airtight Container or Freezer Bag: After wrapping or flash freezing, transfer the scones to an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from the bag before sealing it to minimize the risk of freezer burn.
4. Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the container or bag with the date you froze the scones. This will help you keep track of their freshness.
5. Store in the Freezer: Place the airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer. Strawberry scones can typically be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.

How to Thaw Scones

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen strawberry scones, you have a few options for thawing:

• Room Temperature: Remove the desired number of scones from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. They should become soft and ready to eat.
• Oven or Toaster Oven: Preheat your oven or toaster oven to 350°F (175°C) and place the frozen scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes or until they’re heated through and have a slightly crisp exterior.

Freezing fresh strawberry scones allows you to enjoy this delightful treat even when they’re out of season or when you want to save them for a future occasion.

Final Thoughts

With this easy strawberry scones recipe, you can bring the taste of summer to your table any time of the year. Whether you’re savoring them with a cup of tea or sharing them with friends, these scones are a delicious treat that everyone will love. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s bake some fresh strawberry scones that are sure to put smiles on faces!