Lemon Poppy Seed Scones (Printable)
Tender buttery scones featuring bright lemon and crunchy poppy seeds for breakfast or tea.
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
04 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
05 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
→ Wet Ingredients
07 - Zest of 2 lemons
08 - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
09 - 2/3 cup cold heavy cream, plus more for brushing
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Glaze
13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest until evenly combined.
03 - Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together. Do not overmix.
06 - Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 3-4 times to bring it together, then pat into a 1-inch thick circle about 7 inches in diameter.
07 - Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper. Place wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing about 2 inches apart.
08 - Brush the tops of each scone lightly with additional heavy cream to promote golden browning.
09 - Bake for 16-18 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
10 - Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice, starting with 2 tablespoons and adding more as needed to reach a smooth, drizzling consistency.
11 - Drizzle the glaze over the completely cooled scones. Allow glaze to set for 10-15 minutes before serving.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The lemon glaze adds just the right sweetness without overwhelming the delicate crumb
- These scones come together in under 20 minutes of active work
02 -
- Overworking the dough makes tough scones, so stop as soon as it comes together
- Cold ingredients are non negotiable for flaky results
03 -
- Freeze your butter for 15 minutes before starting for easier cutting
- Room temperature ingredients are the enemy of flaky scones