Lemon Cream Scones: A Delightful Treat for Tea Time
Introduction
Scones are a classic British delicacy that have made their way into the hearts and taste buds of people all around the world. These tender, buttery pastries are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a fancy afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast at home. And when you add a zesty twist of lemon and a touch of creaminess, you get a truly delightful treat known as lemon cream scones.
In this article, we will take you through a step-by-step journey of creating these heavenly scones. We will also explore variations for those following a keto or low-carb diet. So grab your apron, preheat your oven, and let’s get baking!
Ingredients
To make a batch of delicious lemon cream scones, you will need the following ingredients:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Steps by Step Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the lemon zest and mix well to distribute the zest evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
3. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step helps create a flaky texture in the scones.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and butter mixture. Stir until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle that is about 1 inch thick.
6. Using a sharp knife or a round biscuit cutter, cut the dough into scones. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone.
7. Optional: Brush the tops of the scones with a little bit of heavy cream to give them a golden color when baked.
8. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Keto and Low-Carb Variations
For those following a keto or low-carb diet, you can still enjoy the delightful flavors of lemon cream scones. Here’s how you can modify the recipe to make it suitable for your dietary needs:
– Replace the all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary slightly from the original recipe.
– Substitute the granulated sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia.
– Replace the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or almond milk.
– Adjust the amount of sweetener and lemon zest according to your taste preferences.
Please note that the baking time and texture may differ when using alternative ingredients, so keep an eye on the scones while they are in the oven.
Tips
– For extra flaky scones, make sure the butter is cold and cubed before incorporating it into the dry ingredients.
– Avoid overmixing the dough to prevent dense and tough scones. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
– Experiment with different citrus flavors by substituting the lemon zest with lime or orange zest.
– Serve the scones warm with clotted cream, lemon curd, or your favorite jam for a delightful tea time experience.
Conclusion
Lemon cream scones are a delightful treat that brings a burst of citrus flavor to any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a sweet indulgence, these scones are sure to impress. With their tender crumb and zesty aroma, they are a perfect accompaniment to a hot cup of tea or coffee.
So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch of homemade lemon cream scones? Follow the simple steps, experiment with different variations, and enjoy the delightful flavors that these scones have to offer. Happy baking!
FAQs
Q: Can I freeze the scones?
A: Yes, you can freeze the baked scones by placing them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or reheat them in a preheated oven for a few minutes.
Q: How long do the scones stay fresh?
A: The scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Just make sure to reheat them slightly before serving to bring back their freshness.
Q: Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter alternative?
A: While heavy cream provides richness and tenderness to the scones, you can substitute it with whole milk or buttermilk if desired. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Q: Can I add other mix-ins to the scones?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite mix-ins such as blueberries, white chocolate chips, or chopped nuts to the dough. Just make sure to adjust the measurements accordingly and gently fold them into the dough before shaping the scones.
