What makes a perfect scone so irresistible? Fresh strawberries and a hint of sweetness in every bite make these homemade strawberry scones a family favorite, especially when paired with a simple homemade jam and fresh strawberries, perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dessert, Save this idea

strawberry scones on a white plate with strawberries

Introduction

Imagine a warm, sunny morning, and the first thing that comes to mind is a delicious, flaky, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or as a snack. Strawberry scones, freshly baked and served on a crisp white plate, surrounded by succulent strawberries, are the epitome of a delightful and easy-to-make dessert. With the simplicity of everyday ingredients and the creativity to mix and match flavors, you can create a masterpiece that will impress both family and friends. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for such an impressive result.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of sweet strawberries and the subtle tang of cream or buttermilk in the scones creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile. Plus, all the ingredients are easily accessible in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: The preparation and baking of strawberry scones are straightforward and quick. It involves simple mixing and a short baking time, making it perfect for a spontaneous breakfast or brunch.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the end result is impressive. The scones are not only delicious but also visually appealing, especially when served with fresh strawberries on a beautifully set table.

Key Ingredients

To make these delectable strawberry scones, you’ll need a few key ingredients. First, you’ll need all-purpose flour as the base, along with baking powder to help the scones rise. Cold butter is essential for creating the flaky texture, and granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness. For moisture and a hint of flavor, you can use either heavy cream or buttermilk. Fresh strawberries are the star of the show, providing natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. You can also use egg for extra richness and vanilla extract for a deeper flavor profile. Practical substitutions include using frozen strawberries when fresh ones are not available, and for a vegan version, you can replace the butter with a vegan alternative and use a non-dairy milk.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and granulated sugar. Cut the cold butter into small pieces and use a pastry blender or your fingers to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream or buttermilk, egg (if using), and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until the dough comes together in a shaggy mass. Do not overmix.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the sliced strawberries. 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 is about 1 inch 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 of space between each scone. Brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, accompanied by fresh strawberries on a white plate for a beautiful presentation.

Handy Tips

• One of the most helpful kitchen tips for making scones is to keep all your ingredients cold, especially the butter. This helps in achieving the flaky texture that scones are known for. Also, avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough scones. If you find that your scones are not rising well, check the expiration date of your baking powder, as it might be inactive.

Heat Control

For baking the scones, the ideal temperature is 400°F (200°C), and the baking time is approximately 18-20 minutes. To check for doneness, look for the scones to be golden brown. You can also check by inserting a toothpick into the center of a scone; it should come out clean. Keep an eye on the scones after 15 minutes, as oven temperatures can vary.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in strawberry scones comes from the exterior, which should be crispy and golden, while the interior remains tender and flaky. To achieve this, make sure not to overbake the scones. The moment they are golden brown, they are ready to be taken out of the oven. Brushing the tops with cream and sprinkling with sugar before baking also adds to the crunch and flavor of the scones.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For better results, use high-quality ingredients, especially the strawberries, as they are the highlight of the dish. Also, consider using a pastry blender to work the butter into the flour, as this helps in creating the flaky layers without warming the butter too much with your hands.

Storage Tips

• For storing leftover scones, it’s best to keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the scones for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw frozen scones overnight in the fridge and then warm them up in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for a few minutes. The best containers for storing scones are those that keep air out, such as ziplock bags or airtight plastic containers.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting these strawberry scones, they can be beautifully packaged in a variety of ways. One idea is to place the scones in a decorative tin or a gift box lined with parchment paper. You can also wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in a gift basket filled with fresh strawberries and a jar of jam or clotted cream. Adding a ribbon around the basket or a gift tag with a personal message makes it an even more thoughtful gift.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for an extra depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of just serving with strawberries, you can also offer a variety of jams, clotted cream, or even a drizzle of honey for different flavor combinations.
• Ingredient swaps: For a gluten-free version, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix. Also, using different types of milk or cream can slightly alter the flavor profile of the scones.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your scones turn out too dense, it might be because the dough was overmixed. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together, and then stop mixing.
• Ingredient replacements: If you’re out of an ingredient, there are often substitutions you can make. For example, if you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for a few minutes.
• Over/undercooking signs: Keep an eye on your scones while they’re baking. If they’re not golden brown after the recommended time, give them a few more minutes. Conversely, if they’re getting too dark, cover the tops with foil to prevent overbrowning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the scones before baking. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, put the sheet in the freezer until the scones are frozen solid, and then transfer them to a ziplock bag or airtight container for storage. Bake frozen scones for an additional 2-3 minutes.
• Is it gluten-free? The original recipe is not gluten-free, but you can make it gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double the recipe if you need to make more scones. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the baking time slightly if you’re baking a larger batch.

Conclusion

Making strawberry scones is a rewarding baking experience that yields delicious results with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe is perfect for anyone looking to impress with a simple yet elegant dessert. Feel free to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and beautiful presentation, strawberry scones on a white plate with strawberries are sure to become a favorite in your household.