There’s something truly special about the way these Lemon Raspberry Scones fill your kitchen with a warm, inviting aroma as they bake. Each bite is a delightful blend of flaky tenderness with a burst of bright, zesty lemon and the sweet-tart flavor of fresh raspberries. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea, they carry a nostalgic charm that reminds me of sunny days spent in the garden with friends. I often whip up a batch when I’m feeling a little indulgent, or simply when I want to spread joy through baked goods!
These scones come together surprisingly fast, providing a wonderful treat when you need something a little special without a lot of fuss. They’re perfect for brunch gatherings, alongside a cup of tea, or even as a delightful late-night snack. If, by some miracle, you have leftovers, they store beautifully for a few days and make for a quick breakfast on the go.
Why I Love Lemon Raspberry Scones
There’s a beautiful simplicity in these Lemon Raspberry Scones that hits that sweet spot for both flavor and ease. They’re incredibly easy and undeniably delicious, making them a true winner at my table. Each scone is bursting with juicy raspberries and aromatic lemon zest, which is so refreshing, especially during spring and summer months. Plus, they elevate any occasion with their elegant appearance while being casual enough for a cozy family breakfast.
Lemon Raspberry Scones Ingredients
The magic of these scones truly lies in the harmonious blend of bright flavors and tender textures. Don’t worry about exact measurements just yet; those are all in the recipe card for you!
Essential Components
- 2 CUPS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR: The backbone of our scones, providing structure.
- 1/4 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR: Just the right amount of sweetness to complement the tangy lemon and raspberries!
- 1 TABLESPOON BAKING POWDER: This is the leavening agent that gives the scones their lovely rise.
- 1/2 TEASPOON SALT: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 CUP UNSALTED BUTTER, CHILLED AND CUBED: Adds richness and the flaky texture we adore!
- 1 CUP FRESH RASPBERRIES: These little gems pack a mighty punch of flavor and color.
- 1 TABLESPOON LEMON ZEST: This is where we get that vibrant, zesty kick!
- 1/2 CUP HEAVY CREAM: Calms everything down and provides a tender crumb.
- 1 LARGE EGG: Binds all our ingredients together.
- 1 TEASPOON VANILLA EXTRACT: Adds depth and warm aroma that rounds out the flavors.
Substitutions and Tips
Need a swap? If you’re looking to switch things up:
- Gluten-Free Flour: You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, though it may yield a slightly different texture.
- Coconut Oil: In a pinch, you can use chilled coconut oil instead of butter, resulting in a different flavor but still so good!
- Frozen Raspberries: Those work just fine if fresh isn’t available—just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess moisture.
- Zest Variations: Don’t have lemon? Try using orange zest for a different citrusy twist!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls (1 medium, 1 large)
- Whisk
- Baking sheet (with parchment paper)
- Sharp knife or bench scraper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or forks (for cutting in the butter)
- Cooling rack (for best cooling results)
How to Make Lemon Raspberry Scones
Let’s dive into creating these delightful Lemon Raspberry Scones. I’ve broken down the process into simple steps, and trust me, follow along, and you’ll have a delicious treat in no time. We’re aiming for perfectly golden, flaky scones that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Preheat and Prepare
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures that our scones have a fantastic surface to bake on without sticking!
Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
Next, in a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This combination is key, as it distributes the leavening agent evenly throughout the flour for that perfect rise!
Incorporate the Chilled Butter
Now, using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want little pebbles of butter throughout—it’s these bits that will create those amazing flaky layers.
Fold in Raspberries and Lemon Zest
Next, gently fold in the fresh raspberries and lemon zest. Be careful here; you want to keep the raspberries intact for those glorious bursts of fruit in every bite!
Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, combine the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Give it a good whisk to incorporate everything together nicely.
Combine Wet and Dry
Now, stir the wet ingredients into the flour mixture until just combined. You don’t want to overmix—this is what keeps our scones light and tender!
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a couple of times until it just comes together. Then shape it into a disk about 1 inch thick. This is an important step for achieving that perfect scone shape!
Cut into Wedges
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the disk into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. This is where the excitement builds—soon, they’ll be baking to golden perfection!
Bake to Golden Brown
Put the scones in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown. This is when your kitchen will start smelling like a bakery!
Cool Slightly Before Serving
Finally, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a cooling rack. This allows the flavors to settle—and trust me, waiting is 100% worth it for that melt-in-your-mouth experience!
How to Store Lemon Raspberry Scones
If you happen to have leftovers (though I doubt it!), these scones store beautifully. Room temperature storage is ideal for up to 2 days, but if you’ve got a longer timeline, pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for about 3-4 days. They can also be frozen for 2-3 months—just thaw them overnight in the fridge and reheat in a warm oven for fresh-baked goodness!
Tips for Success
- Use chilled butter. It’s key for achieving that flaky texture!
- Don’t overmix the dough. This ensures a tender scone.
- Avoid mushy raspberries by gently folding them in the last minute.
- Always use fresh lemon zest for the best flavor explosion!
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little cream before baking for a gorgeous golden color.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with clotted cream or soft butter.
- Pair with a selection of fresh fruit on the side.
- Enjoy alongside a cup of Earl Grey or your favorite tea blend.
- Drizzle with a lemon glaze for added sweetness.
- Consider a light sprinkle of powdered sugar for presentation!
These Lemon Raspberry Scones are not just a treat; they are a celebration of bright, bold flavors, and I can’t wait for you to make them! Enjoy every last crumb and the smiles they bring!
