If you're looking for a delightful way to brighten up your mornings or afternoon tea, blueberry scones are a perfect treat. Simple yet satisfying, these scones bring a burst of sweet-tart flavors from fresh blueberries, combined with the comforting texture of a flaky, buttery scone. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress both your taste buds and those of your loved ones.
What You’ll Need
To make these delicious blueberry scones, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1⁄3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)
💡 Note: If fresh blueberries are not in season, frozen can work too, just keep them frozen until you add them to the dough to prevent them from bleeding into the scones.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Blueberry Scones
Follow these steps to create your batch of blueberry scones:
Prepare Your Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir well.
Mix the Dough
- Add the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in the blueberries.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the heavy cream and vanilla extract.
- Pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture, stirring until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky but not wet.
💡 Note: Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Keep the mixing to a minimum.
Shape and Cut the Scones
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick round. You might need to use your hands to pat it into shape.
- Using a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake the Scones
- Brush the tops with the beaten egg and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired. This will give your scones a nice, golden crust.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden and the bottoms sound hollow when tapped.
💡 Note: Watch your scones closely towards the end of baking time to avoid over-baking them.
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Keep Everything Cold: Cold butter is key for flaky scones. If your kitchen is warm, you might want to chill your mixing bowl and utensils.
- Handle with Care: When mixing and shaping the dough, handle it as little as possible to keep the scones tender.
- Frozen Blueberries: If using frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them. Adding them directly to the dough helps maintain their shape and prevents the scone from becoming too wet.
In the delightful journey of baking, this blueberry scones recipe stands as a testament to the joy of simple, quality ingredients coming together to create something truly delightful. With their tender, crumbly texture and the sweet burst of blueberries, these scones are not only a treat to eat but a joy to make. They are versatile enough for breakfast, snacks, or as a sweet addition to your tea time. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or store them in an airtight container for a couple of days, re-warming them slightly before serving.
Can I use dried blueberries instead of fresh or frozen?
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Yes, you can use dried blueberries, but you should rehydrate them slightly by soaking in warm water for a few minutes before adding them to the dough to prevent them from being too hard in the scone.
How can I store leftover scones?
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Scones can be stored at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat them in the oven when ready to eat.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
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Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or another binding agent to help with texture and structure.
