Strawberry and Cream Scones Recipe

Hello, scone lovers! If you’re looking for a way to brighten your mornings or elevate your tea time, this recipe for Strawberry and Cream Scones is exactly what you need. With tender, buttery layers bursting with sweet strawberries and topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, these scones are the perfect combination of decadent and delightful. Let’s dive into the details and create the ultimate treat!

Introduction

Scones have a rich history rooted in British tradition, where they’re often served with clotted cream and jam alongside tea. However, this recipe adds a vibrant twist with fresh strawberries and a touch of indulgence from the vanilla glaze. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up, these Strawberry and Cream Scones are sure to impress. The key to their perfection lies in using cold ingredients, gentle mixing, and just the right balance of sweetness.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

  • 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (100 grams) sugar
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, frozen and grated
  • 1 large egg, lightly beaten
  • ½ cup + 1 tablespoon cold heavy cream, divided
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chopped strawberries, about ½-inch dice
  • Sanding sugar or coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)

For the Vanilla Glaze (Optional):

  • 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 5-7 tablespoons heavy cream

How to Make Strawberry and Cream Scones

Prepare the Scone Dough:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold grated butter to the mixture and mix on the lowest speed until the texture looks craggy and the butter is evenly distributed. This step is essential for creating flaky layers.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, ½ cup of heavy cream, and vanilla extract. With the mixer on low, slowly add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if the dough looks slightly lumpy. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so stop as soon as it starts coming together.

Gently fold in the chopped strawberries, mixing on low speed until the berries are evenly distributed. The dough will be sticky but manageable.

Shape and Chill the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a well-floured surface. Use your hands to shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick, taking care not to overwork the dough. Visible bits of butter are a good sign that your scones will bake up tender and flaky.

Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza. Carefully transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Brush the tops of the scones with the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream. This step ensures a golden, glossy finish. If desired, sprinkle the tops with sanding sugar or coarse sugar for added texture and sweetness.

Place the scones in the freezer for 30 minutes or the refrigerator for about 1 hour. Chilling the dough firms up the butter, which helps create a flaky texture during baking.

Bake the Scones:

Bake the chilled scones in the preheated oven for 15-16 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the edges are set. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry them out. Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare and Apply the Vanilla Glaze:

While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 5 tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you achieve your desired consistency.

Once the scones are completely cooled, spoon the glaze over the tops, letting it drizzle down the sides for a decadent finish.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Scones

  • Keep Ingredients Cold: The butter, cream, and even the strawberries should be as cold as possible to prevent the dough from becoming too soft.
  • Do Not Overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in dense, heavy scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
  • Use Fresh Strawberries: Fresh strawberries provide the best flavor and texture. If you use frozen strawberries, do not thaw them before mixing into the dough.

Cooking Tips

  • Uniform Size: To ensure even baking, make sure all the wedges are the same size.
  • Double the Recipe: These scones are so popular, you might want to make a double batch and freeze some unbaked scones for later. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Customize the Glaze: Add a pinch of lemon zest or a drop of almond extract to the glaze for a unique twist.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy these Strawberry and Cream Scones warm or at room temperature. Serve them with a dollop of clotted cream, a side of strawberry preserves, or a cup of freshly brewed tea or coffee. They’re also a wonderful addition to brunch spreads or as a sweet treat for afternoon tea.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 290
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 160mg
  • Sugar: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Vitamin C: 12%
  • Calcium: 8%
  • Iron: 10%

Storage and Leftovers

To store, place the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

If you’d like to freeze them, wrap the unbaked scones tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to bake, follow the original instructions, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use other fruits? Yes, you can substitute strawberries with blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches for a different flavor.

What if I don’t have heavy cream? Half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes, but the texture may be slightly less rich.

Can I skip the glaze? Absolutely. The scones are delicious on their own or with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Related Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, here are some related treats to try:

Conclusion

There you have it—the perfect recipe for Strawberry and Cream Scones! With their buttery layers, bursts of strawberry sweetness, and creamy glaze, these scones are a treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting friends, enjoying a quiet morning, or looking for a sweet snack, these scones will bring a smile to your face. Try them out, and don’t forget to share your results. Happy baking!

Leave a Comment