Imagine biting into a warm, flaky scone bursting with the bright flavors of lemon and the delightful crunch of poppy seeds—sounds tempting, right? Welcome to the world of "Ridiculously Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Scones," where simplicity meets scrumptiousness! In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a batch of these mouthwatering treats that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this recipe will have you impressing friends and family in no time. Get ready to elevate your baking game and indulge in a taste of sunshine!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are well mixed.
- Add 1/4 cup of cold butter, cubed, to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure there are still some small pieces of butter remaining for a flaky texture.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds. Stir until well combined.
- Pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture. Gently stir with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. Brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg for a nice golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or with butter, lemon curd, or jam.
Tips
- Chill Your Butter: For the flakiest scones, ensure your butter is cold before cutting it into the flour mixture. This helps create those delightful layers as the scones bake.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add additional flavors like blueberries or almonds for a unique twist. Just remember to adjust the sugar accordingly if you're adding sweet ingredients.
- Use Fresh Lemon Zest: Freshly grated lemon zest will provide the best flavor. Avoid using bottled lemon zest, as it can lack the vibrant taste that fresh zest brings.
- Egg Wash for Shine: For a beautiful golden finish, don’t skip the egg wash! Brush the tops of your scones with a beaten egg before baking to achieve that bakery-style sheen.
- Serve Warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, straight from the oven. Pair them with butter, lemon curd, or your favorite jam for an extra special treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 45mg
