Indulge in the delightful flavors of lemon scones with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for breakfast or a midday treat, these scones are light, fluffy, and bursting with citrusy goodness. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, you'll find this recipe both simple and rewarding.
When preparing this recipe, you might need to pick up a few ingredients that aren't always stocked in your pantry. Heavy cream is essential for achieving the rich texture of the scones, and lemon zest adds a fresh, vibrant flavor. Make sure to use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your scones.

Ingredients For Lemon Scones Recipe
All-purpose flour: The base of the scones, providing structure and texture.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to the scones.
Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the scones.
Lemon zest: Provides a fresh, citrusy flavor.
Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
Heavy cream: Contributes to the scones' moist and tender texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aroma and flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Scones
When incorporating the cold butter into the flour mixture, make sure to work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. This ensures that the scones will have a flaky texture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If the butter starts to soften, you can place the mixture in the refrigerator for a few minutes to firm it up before continuing.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the scones denser.
granulated sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder needed.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and adds a slightly different mineral flavor.
unsalted butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil provides a dairy-free option and adds a subtle coconut flavor.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest offers a different citrus flavor that complements the scones well.
large egg - Substitute with flax egg: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 3 tablespoon water to replace one egg, making the recipe vegan-friendly.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream provides a dairy-free alternative with a rich texture.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract gives a different but complementary flavor to the scones.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This One
How to Store or Freeze Your Scones
- To keep your lemon scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They will stay delicious for up to 2 days.
- For longer storage, place the scones in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can last up to a week in the fridge.
- If you want to enjoy your lemon scones at a later date, freezing is a great option. First, allow the scones to cool completely.
- Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn and maintain their delightful texture.
- Place the wrapped scones in a resealable freezer bag or an airtight container. Label with the date to keep track of their freshness.
- When you're ready to enjoy a frozen scone, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
- For a freshly baked taste, reheat the thawed scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
- If you prefer a quicker option, microwave the scones on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds, but be cautious not to overheat and dry them out.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the lemon scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm them in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until they are heated through and slightly crispy on the outside.
For a quicker method, use a microwave. Place a damp paper towel over the lemon scones to keep them from drying out. Heat on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Check and add more time if necessary, but be careful not to overheat as they can become rubbery.
If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the lemon scones in the basket and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method helps to maintain their crisp exterior while warming them through.
To reheat on the stovetop, use a skillet over low heat. Place the lemon scones in the skillet and cover with a lid. Heat for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until warmed through. This method can help retain their texture without drying them out.
For a toaster oven, preheat to 325°F (160°C). Place the lemon scones on the rack or a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes. This method is great for achieving a slightly crispy exterior.
Best Tools for Baking Scones
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to bake the scones until golden brown.
Baking sheet: Line with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
Parchment paper: Used to line the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Mixing bowl: Used to combine the dry ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Whisk: Used to mix the dry ingredients together evenly.
Pastry cutter: Helps to cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Small bowl: Used to whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract.
Measuring cups: Used to measure out the flour, sugar, and heavy cream accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the baking powder, salt, and vanilla extract accurately.
Zester: Used to grate the lemon zest finely.
Spatula: Helps to stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until just combined.
Floured surface: A clean, flat area dusted with flour to knead and shape the dough.
Knife: Used to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Cooling rack: Allows the scones to cool slightly before serving.
How to Save Time on Making Scones
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting. This will streamline the process and prevent any delays.
Use a food processor: Quickly cut the butter into the flour mixture using a food processor instead of a pastry cutter or fingers.
Chill the dough: Prepare the dough in advance and chill it. This makes it easier to handle and cuts down on prep time.
Preheat the oven: Start preheating your oven before you begin mixing the ingredients to save time.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Lemon Scones Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 1 large Egg
- ½ cup Heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the lemon zest.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Add to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a circle about 1-inch thick and cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
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