When it comes to classic baked goods that combine buttery richness with sweet, fresh fruit, strawberry scones hold a special place in the hearts of many. These delightful pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea snack. Flaky, tender, and bursting with juicy strawberries, strawberry scones are a delicious twist on the traditional scone that everyone will love.
What Are Strawberry Scones?
Scones are a type of quick bread or biscuit that originated in the British Isles. Traditionally enjoyed with tea, scones have a crumbly yet tender texture and a slightly sweet flavor. Adding fresh strawberries takes this classic pastry to the next level by infusing it with bright, fruity bursts in every bite.
Strawberry scones are typically made from a simple dough of flour, sugar, butter, baking powder, and milk or cream, with fresh diced strawberries folded in before baking. Some recipes also add a touch of vanilla or almond extract to enhance the sweetness. The finished scones are often glazed or dusted with sugar to add a glossy, sweet finish.
Why Make Strawberry Scones at Home?
While bakery-bought scones can be tasty, homemade strawberry scones offer several benefits:
- Freshness: Using fresh strawberries ensures the best flavor and juiciness.
- Customization: You can adjust sweetness, add spices like cinnamon, or include extra ingredients like white chocolate or nuts.
- Control: You decide the texture — flaky or soft — and how much fruit you want.
- Comfort: Baking scones fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Strawberry Scones
To make delicious strawberry scones, you’ll need:
- All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure.
- Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness.
- Salt: Balances flavors.
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Key to a flaky texture.
- Fresh Strawberries: Diced small for even distribution.
- Heavy Cream or Buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness.
- Egg: Optional, for richness and binding.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor.
- Optional Glaze: Powdered sugar mixed with milk or lemon juice.
How to Make Strawberry Scones: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing and dicing fresh strawberries into small pieces. Keep your butter cold by cutting it into small cubes and refrigerating it until ready.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The small chunks of butter create flaky layers when baked.
Step 4: Add Strawberries
Gently fold the diced strawberries into the flour and butter mixture. Be careful not to crush the berries.
Step 5: Add Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or buttermilk), egg (if using), and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry mixture and stir just until combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Step 7: Cut into Wedges
Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in a preheated oven (around 400°F / 200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown on top.
Step 9: Glaze and Cool
Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice for a sweet finish.
Tips for the Best Strawberry Scones
- Keep Butter Cold: This helps create flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make scones tough.
- Use Fresh Strawberries: Frozen berries can add too much moisture.
- Add Texture: Consider adding chopped nuts or white chocolate chips.
- Serve Warm: Scones taste best fresh out of the oven or slightly warmed.
Serving Suggestions for Strawberry Scones
Strawberry scones are delicious on their own but can be served with:
- Clotted cream or whipped cream.
- Fresh strawberry jam.
- A side of fresh berries or fruit salad.
- A cup of tea or coffee.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Strawberry Scones: Add lemon zest to the dough and lemon juice to the glaze.
- Strawberry Almond Scones: Mix in slivered almonds and almond extract.
- Chocolate Strawberry Scones: Add mini chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
- Vegan Strawberry Scones: Use plant-based butter and milk alternatives.
Conclusion
Strawberry scones are a delightful treat that brings together the best of flaky pastry and fresh fruit. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, craving a sweet breakfast, or just want a comforting homemade snack, strawberry scones are an excellent choice. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they offer a perfect balance of sweetness and texture that’s sure to satisfy.
Give this classic recipe a try and enjoy the warmth and flavor of fresh-baked strawberry scones in your own kitchen!