What makes a perfect spring morning? Freshly baked strawberry scones, made with sweet strawberries and a hint of homemade goodness, are a quick and easy treat to enjoy on a weeknight or as a family favorite breakfast. Save this idea for a delicious homemade breakfast treat to try soon.

strawberry scones on a white plate with strawberries

Introduction

Imagine a warm, sunny morning with a delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky pastry. Strawberry scones, served on a crisp white plate and garnished with fresh strawberries, are the epitome of a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. The best part? They’re incredibly easy to make, requiring only a few everyday ingredients and some basic kitchen skills. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to impress with its simplicity, flavor, and presentation. So, let’s dive into the world of strawberry scones and explore what makes them so special.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of fresh strawberries, creamy butter, and a hint of sugar creates a perfect harmony of flavors. Plus, the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets, making this recipe accessible to everyone.
• Ease of preparation: The dough comes together in just a few minutes, and the scones bake to perfection in under 20 minutes. This recipe is perfect for busy mornings or last-minute brunch invitations.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is a beautifully presented and deliciously flavorful treat that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Key Ingredients

The star of the show is, of course, the fresh strawberries. You’ll need about 1 cup of hulled and sliced strawberries for this recipe. Other key ingredients include 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, 3/4 cup of heavy cream, and 1 large egg. If you want to get creative, you can also add some dried fruit, nuts, or even chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and egg until well combined. Add the sliced strawberries to the wet ingredients and stir gently to combine. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass.
3. Step 3: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle that’s about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick. Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out scones. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones.
4. Step 4: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of space between each scone. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake the scones for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to use cold ingredients, especially the butter and cream, to help the scones rise and give them a flaky texture.
• Don’t overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough, dense scones.
• If you want to get creative, try adding different flavors like vanilla, almond, or lemon to the dough for a unique twist.

Heat Control

When baking the scones, it’s essential to keep an eye on the temperature and timing. The ideal temperature for baking scones is between 400°F (200°C) and 425°F (220°C). The scones are done when they’re golden brown and firm to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can always check the internal temperature with a thermometer – it should read around 200°F (90°C).

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in these scones comes from the granulated sugar on top and the crispy edges. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar before baking. You can also try adding some chopped nuts or seeds to the dough for extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour mixture – this will help create a flaky, tender texture.
• Don’t overbake the scones – they should be lightly golden and still slightly soft in the center.
• Try using different types of flour, like whole wheat or oat flour, to create a unique flavor and texture.

Storage Tips

• Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Freeze the scones for up to 2 months – simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Reheat the scones in the microwave or oven until warm and crispy.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give these scones as a gift, consider packaging them in a beautiful basket or tin. You can also wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and tie with a ribbon. Add a few fresh strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream for a beautiful and delicious presentation.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices, like cinnamon or nutmeg, to the dough for a unique flavor.
• Use different types of fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, for a variation on the classic strawberry scone.
• Add some chocolate chips or nuts to the dough for a sweet and indulgent treat.

Troubleshooting

• If your scones are too dense, try adding a little more cream or using a lighter touch when mixing the dough.
• If your scones are too crumbly, try adding a little more flour or using a higher ratio of cream to butter.
• If your scones are overcooked, try reducing the baking time or temperature.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the scones? Yes, you can freeze the scones for up to 2 months. Simply wrap them individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and is not gluten-free. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to make more scones. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and follow the same instructions! Just keep an eye on the scones while they’re baking, as they may need a few extra minutes to cook through.

Conclusion

And there you have it – a simple, delicious, and impressive recipe for strawberry scones that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a culinary newbie, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different flavors and ingredients. And don’t forget to share your beautiful strawberry scones with friends and family – they’re sure to be a hit! Happy baking, and I’ll see you in the next recipe!