The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Lemon Cream Scones 🍋

Hello lovely readers—and a heartfelt welcome! I’m truly grateful you’re here today, because I’ve got something extra-special to share. These lemon cream scones are the sunshine of any breakfast or afternoon tea, and I just know they’ll brighten your day. If you enjoy them, feel free to subscribe for more delightful recipes delivered straight to your inbox—I’d love to share more of my kitchen adventures with you!

Overview of Recipe Content

What Are Lemon Cream Scones?

Lemon cream scones are tender, buttery scones infused with fresh lemon zest and enriched with cream for an ultra-moist, pillowy texture. They’re perfect for a cozy brunch, casual afternoon tea, or even as a sweet treat to start your morning!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortlessly elegant: They look fancy, but don’t let that intimidate you—they’re simple enough to make any day of the week.
• Bright and zesty: The lemon flavor is fresh, vibrant, and never overpowering.
• Indulgently creamy: With cream in the dough, these scones are moist and tender—no dry crumb in sight.
• Customizable: Add poppy seeds, white chocolate chips, or even a drizzle of lemon glaze!

What They Taste Like

Tender, buttery, slightly sweet, and bright with sunshine—these scones have a delicate crumb that melts in your mouth, while the lemon zest wakes up your senses with each bite.

Health/Nutritional Benefits or Seasonal Relevance

While these are a treat, they feel light and fresh—perfect for spring mornings, summer brunches, or any time you crave something bright and comforting. They’re not just indulgence; they’re sunshine on a plate!

Ingredient List

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• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 5 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• ½ lb (2 sticks) unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• Zest of 2 lemons
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Optional Additions/Substitutions:
– Swap heavy cream for half-and-half (a touch less rich, but still lovely).
– Stir in 2 Tbsp poppy seeds or ½ cup white-chocolate chips.
– Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.

Tools Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or forks (or a food processor)
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Grater or microplane for zesting
• Pastry brush for eggwash
• Sharp knife or biscuit cutter for shaping

How to Make Lemon Cream Scones

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Step 1: Prep the Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 400 °F (200 °C). In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Take a moment here to appreciate how bright your kitchen will smell once these scones bake!

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to work the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If using a food processor, pulse briefly—be careful not to overdo it. The butter pieces should be pea-sized for a tender, flaky result.

Step 3: Add Zest and Cream

Gently stir in the lemon zest, letting that citrus aroma fill the bowl. Pour in the cream, egg, and vanilla extract, then mix gently until the dough just comes together. It will be slightly shaggy and soft—perfect!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gather it into a ball. Gently press or roll it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or cutter to divide it into 8 wedges (like pizza). Don’t worry if they’re not perfect—they won’t taste any less amazing!

Step 5: Brush and Bake

Place the wedges on your prepared sheet. Lightly brush the tops with cream or beaten egg for that golden finish. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the scones are puffed and golden. The aroma will be irresistible!

Step 6: Enjoy Warm

Cool for about 5 minutes, then serve warm (or let them cool completely). If you like, drizzle with a simple lemon glaze—just whisk powdered sugar and fresh lemon juice until smooth.

What to Serve with Lemon Cream Scones

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• A cup of good tea—Earl Grey or English Breakfast is classic, but a green tea with jasmine is lovely too.
• A dollop of clotted cream or homemade lemon curd for extra indulgence.
• Fresh berries—strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries add color and brightness.
• For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, or a frittata.

Tips for Making It Perfect

1. Chill the butter well—this is key to flaky texture.
2. Avoid overmixing—gentle handling keeps scones tender.
3. Zest only the yellow part of the lemon to prevent bitterness.
4. Serve warm—the scones taste best fresh, straight from the oven.
5. Freeze unbaked wedges on a sheet, then store in a bag; thaw and bake when ready.

Storage Instructions

• Short-term: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm slightly before serving.
• Freezing baked scones: Wrap individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 8–10 minutes.
• Freezing unbaked scones: Place on a tray, freeze, then store in a zip-top bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a couple of minutes to the time.

General Information

These scones are inspired by classic British baking but with a creamy American twist—my grandmother always said adding cream makes everything better! Introducing bright lemon zest uplifts the taste and makes them perfect for Easter brunch, summer tea parties, or Garden Club potlucks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Absolutely! Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your baking powder is GF. Texture may be slightly more crumbly.

Q: Why are my scones dense?
A: Likely due to overmixing or the butter being too soft. Keep things cold and fold the dough gently.

Q: Can I add citrus glaze?
A: Yes! Whisk 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 Tbsp fresh lemon juice and drizzle after cooling.

Q: How do I rehydrate day-old scones?
A: Sprinkle with a bit of water and warm in the oven for a few minutes to freshen them up.

Q: Can I use margarine?
A: Technically, yes—but butter gives much better flavor and texture. If using margarine, choose one with a high-fat content for best results.

Conclusion

These lemon cream scones are the perfect sunshine-filled treat—tender, a little sweet, and bursting with lemon. Once you make a batch, I guarantee they’ll become a favorite. If you love lemons, be sure to check out these recipes:
– Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes
– Lemon Blueberry Muffins
– Classic Lemon Bars
– Lemon Ricotta Cookies

Thank you so much for being here—you make my kitchen so joyful. Please drop a comment or review below, and if you bake these, I’d love to see your creations—tag me on Pinterest: PoulefRecipe!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Per Scone (⅛ recipe)
Calories	~300 kcal
Fat	17 g
Saturated Fat	10 g
Carbohydrates	31 g
Sugars	12 g
Fiber	1 g
Protein	4 g
Sodium	240 mg
Cholesterol	75 mg

Interactive Elements

Leave a comment or star rating below—I’d love to hear how your scones turned out! And if you snap a pic, share it on Pinterest or Instagram and tag me @PoulefRecipe—it brightens my day to see your creations!

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