Buttery Lemon Scones with Citrus Glaze
Buttery Lemon Scones with Citrus Glaze: A Perfectly Bright and Tangy Treat
Full disclosure, I’m very biased toward anything lemon-flavored. These buttery lemon scones with a tangy citrus glaze are no exception. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a cozy morning at home, or just in need of a quick pick-me-up, these scones are the perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.
This is my go-to recipe for creating soft, flaky scones that strike the perfect balance between buttery richness and vibrant citrus. Plus, the citrus glaze adds an irresistible touch of sweetness that makes these scones absolutely crave-worthy.
Homemade Lemon Scones: The Ultimate Comfort Food?
There’s something so comforting about the simplicity of a scone. It’s easy to make but tastes fancy. Lemon scones, in particular, remind me of sunny mornings and carefree afternoons. The combination of buttery richness and bright citrus is a foolproof recipe for joy.
I also love how versatile these scones are. They pair beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea, and they’re just as enjoyable as a quick breakfast on the go as they are at a leisurely brunch with friends.
Why You’ll Love These Easy Lemon Scones
These lemon scones are a game-changer. Here’s why:
Incredible Flavor: The combination of fresh lemon juice, zest, and a hint of vanilla creates a bright and tangy flavor profile that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
Buttery Texture: The scones are tender and flaky, thanks to a generous helping of cold butter.
Easy to Make: Despite their bakery-worthy taste and appearance, these scones are surprisingly simple to prepare.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert, these scones are always a crowd-pleaser.
Tips for Flaky Lemon Scones
Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter and milk are essential for flaky scones. I like to pop my cubed butter in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting it into the dry ingredients.
Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid tough scones. A light touch is key!
Customize the Glaze: While lemon is my favorite, you can experiment with orange or lime juice for a twist.
Add Extras: Feeling adventurous? Try adding poppy seeds, blueberries, or white chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.
How to Bake Perfect Scones: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of citrus in this recipe?
Absolutely! While lemon is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap in other citrus fruits like orange, lime, or even grapefruit. The zest and juice of these fruits will bring a unique flavor twist to your scones.
Q: What’s the secret to making my scones extra flaky?
The key to flaky scones is cold ingredients. Make sure your butter is cold and your milk is chilled before mixing. Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid melting the butter, as those small butter pieces create steam in the oven, leading to a flaky texture.
Q: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can turn these into “make ahead” scones! Prepare the dough, cut it into wedges, place it on your parchment lined baking sheet, all as instructed in recipe. Cover scones on baking sheetwith plastic wrap, and chill in the refrigerator overnight. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove plastic wrap and pop into the preheated oven, as instructed.
Q: How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones are ready when the edges are lightly golden. Avoid overbaking, as this can make them dry. If in doubt, check them a minute or two early!
Q: Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. The texture may be slightly different, but they’ll still be delicious.
Q: How should I store leftover scones?
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat them in the oven or microwave before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe doubles easily if you’re baking for a crowd. Just make sure to divide the dough into two circles to maintain the correct thickness for baking.
Q: Is the glaze necessary?
While the glaze isn’t essential, it really enhances the flavor and adds a touch of sweetness. If you prefer less sweetness, you can skip it or lightly dust the scones with powdered sugar before serving.
If you have any other questions, feel free to leave a comment below—I’m happy to help!
“I just wanna stay in that… citrusy glaze”
These buttery lemon scones with citrus glaze are everything you could want in a homemade treat: easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. The bright, tangy lemon flavor combined with the rich buttery texture is pure magic, and the glaze takes them over the top.
If you’re looking for a recipe to add to your weekend baking routine—or just want a little sunshine in your day—this is it.
I hope you love these scones as much as I do. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me on Instagram or Pinterest—I’d love to see your lemony masterpieces.
Happy baking!
Buttery Lemon Scones with Citrus Glaze
Classic tender, flaky scones, with a vibrant zest of lemon.
Makes 8 large scones
Ingredients
For the Scones:
2 cups unbleached flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 large egg
12 tablespoons unsalted butter chilled, and cubed
1/2 cup whole milk
1/2 tablespoon vanilla bean paste (can sub with vanilla extract)
1/2 tablespoon lemon extract
zest from one large lemon, divided
For the Citrus Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon lemon zest, reserved from lemon zest for scone dough
Instructions
Preheat oven to 425℉, with the oven rack positioned in the center.
Using a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, beat the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar at a low speed until combined.
Add the cubed butter, and mix on medium speed until the dough forms tiny balls.
In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, milk, vanilla bean paste, and lemon extract. Set aside 1/4 teaspoon of lemon zest to reserve for the glaze, then whisk the remaining zest into the milk mixture. Add this to the dough in the stand mixer and continue to mix, just until the dough comes together and forms a ball.
Transfer dough to a parchment-lined baking sheet. Shape the dough into a 1" thick circle.
Using your pastry cutter, divide dough into 8 pieces, like a pizza, and separate them to give them space to bake.
Bake on the center oven rack position for 12-14 minutes, or until golden brown edges form. Mine take exactly 14 minutes.
Transfer scones to a wire baking rack and cool before glazing.
Whisk powdered sugar, zest, and lemon juice together to form the glaze. Dip scones tops into the glaze to coat and place them back on the wire rack. Allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Storing and Reheating Homemade Scones
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, these scones store wonderfully:
Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
Refrigerator: Extend their shelf life by keeping them in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Freeze unglazed scones for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.
To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes, or microwave for about 20 seconds.