Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Recipe: Easy & Delicious

Craving a burst of sunshine in every bite?

Then you absolutely MUST try these Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones! Flaky, tender, and bursting with fresh flavors, these scones are surprisingly easy to make and are guaranteed to impress everyone, whether for a weekend brunch or a special treat any day of the week. Prepare to be amazed by how simple it is to create bakery-worthy scones right in your own kitchen.

Why You’ll Love It

• The delightful combination of sweet strawberries and zesty lemon is simply irresistible.
• These scones have the perfect balance of a crisp exterior and a soft, crumbly interior.
• They’re incredibly easy to prepare, even for beginner bakers.
• They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
• You can customize them with different fruits or glazes to your liking.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets these scones apart is the combination of fresh lemon zest and juice not only in the scone batter itself but also in the glaze. This ensures a wonderfully bright lemon flavor throughout, perfectly complementing the sweet strawberries and adding a refreshing zing. Using cold butter and a gentle hand when mixing the dough creates those perfect flaky layers. The addition of poppy seeds gives a subtle crunch and visual appeal to the finished product.

Ingredient List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted cold butter, cut into small cubes
• ¾ cup cold heavy cream
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• For the Lemon Glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The smaller the pieces of butter are the better.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick disk.
8. Using a sharp knife or a round cookie cutter, cut the dough into 6-8 wedges.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
10. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown on top and cooked through.
11. While the scones are baking, prepare the lemon glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Add more lemon juice if needed to reach a pourable consistency.
12. Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
13. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm scones and let it set.
14. Serve and enjoy!

Optional Toppings/Variations

Feel free to customize your scones with these delicious additions:

• Extra Glaze: Make a double batch of glaze for an extra sweet and lemony kick.
• Lemon Curd: Swirl a spoonful of lemon curd into the batter before baking.

Expert Tips

• Use very cold butter and heavy cream for the flakiest scones.
• Don’t overmix the dough! Overmixing will develop the gluten and result in tough scones.
• Work quickly to keep the butter cold.
• For extra golden brown tops, brush the scones with a little heavy cream before baking.
• If using frozen berries, do not thaw them before adding to the dough, or they may become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I substitute regular milk for heavy cream? While heavy cream provides the best texture, you can use whole milk as a substitute, but the scones may be slightly less tender.
• Can I use frozen strawberries? Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. Add them directly to the dough without thawing.
• How should I store leftover scones? Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bring it back to room temperature slightly before baking.
• Can I freeze these scones? Yes, you can freeze baked scones. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the oven or microwave when ready to eat.

Variations and Customization Options

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Raspberry Lemon: Replace the strawberries with fresh or frozen raspberries for a different berry flavor.
• Blueberry Lemon: Swap out the strawberries with blueberries and add a bit more lemon zest.
• Orange Poppy Seed: Use fresh orange juice and zest instead of lemon, and add a hint of orange extract to the wet ingredients.
• White Chocolate: Add ½ cup of white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra touch of sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

These Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones are wonderful on their own, but they’re even better with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them warm with a side of clotted cream or a dollop of lemon curd for an extra special treat. They’re also perfect for a brunch spread alongside other breakfast favorites.

Conclusion

These Strawberry Lemon Poppy Seed Scones are a delightful combination of flavors and textures that are sure to brighten up any occasion. They’re easy to make, impressive to serve, and utterly delicious to eat. So why not bake a batch today and fill your home with the irresistible aroma of fresh berries and zesty lemon? Don’t forget to share your beautiful creations with us – we can’t wait to see them! Also, if you loved this recipe, subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious baking ideas and tips!

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