What makes the perfect spring morning even sweeter? Fresh strawberry scones, of course, made with simple homemade ease using fresh strawberries and a hint of sugar. Try baking a batch of these easy treats for a quick breakfast or weeknight dinner side dish. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite recipe to enjoy all season long.

Fresh Strawberry Scones

Introduction

Welcome to the delightful world of baking with the simplest yet most flavorful ingredients. Fresh strawberry scones are a perfect treat for any time of the day, offering a balance of sweetness, freshness, and warmth that is hard to resist. What makes this recipe truly special is its ease of preparation, the accessibility of its ingredients, and the impressive results you can achieve with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting to explore the world of homemade delights, these scones are sure to become a favorite. They’re perfect for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert, and they can be customized with various toppings or served on their own, fresh from the oven.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is key, combining the natural sweetness of strawberries with the richness of cream and the subtle tang of sugar, all within the comforting warmth of freshly baked scones.
• The ease of preparation is another winning factor, as it requires minimal specialized equipment and can be completed in under an hour, making it an ideal project for a lazy Sunday morning or a quick weekday treat.
• Despite the simplicity of the ingredients and the process, the end result is nothing short of impressive. The scones are moist, flavorful, and visually appealing, making them perfect for serving to guests or as a special treat for the family.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for these fresh strawberry scones include fresh strawberries, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cold butter, heavy cream, eggs, salt, and baking powder. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in the texture and flavor of the scones. Fresh strawberries provide natural sweetness and a burst of flavor, while the cold butter and heavy cream contribute to the richness and moisture of the scones. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, and the baking powder ensures the scones rise beautifully. For practical substitutions, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh ones are not in season, and for a dairy-free version, you can replace the heavy cream with a non-dairy milk alternative and use vegan butter.

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, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until the dough starts to come together. Do not overmix.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the fresh strawberries. Be careful not to crush them. 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.
4. Step 4: Use a biscuit cutter or the rim of a glass to cut out the scones. Gather the scraps, re-form the dough, and cut out additional scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each scone. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to keep your ingredients cold, especially the butter, as this will help the scones to rise better and give them a flaky texture.
• Avoid overmixing the dough, as this can lead to tough scones. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a shaggy mass.
• Don’t overbake the scones. They should be lightly golden and still feel soft to the touch.

Heat Control

For baking the scones, it’s crucial to maintain the correct oven temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and ensure it’s at a stable temperature before baking. The scones should bake for 18-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them after 15 minutes, as oven times can vary. They are done when they are lightly golden brown on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Crunch Factor

The desired texture for these scones is tender on the inside and lightly crispy on the outside. To achieve this, make sure not to overbake them. Brushing the tops with heavy cream and sprinkling with sugar before baking also helps to create a lovely, caramelized crust. For an extra crunchy top, you can broil the scones for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Using cold ingredients, especially cold butter, is a professional trick that ensures your scones will have a beautiful, flaky texture.
• Don’t twist the biscuit cutter when cutting out the scones. This can cause the scones to become misshapen and affect their rise. Instead, press down evenly and lift straight up.
• For easier cleanup, line your baking sheet with parchment paper before baking the scones.

Storage Tips

• Freshly baked scones are best served on the same day, but they can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, scones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place in a freezer bag. To reheat, thaw overnight at room temperature and then warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
• When reheating, make sure the scones are heated evenly to prevent drying out. You can also reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be cautious not to overheat.

Gift Packaging Ideas

These fresh strawberry scones make a wonderful gift, especially when packaged nicely. Consider placing a few scones in a decorative tin or a paper bag tied with a ribbon. You can also add a personal touch by including a small jar of homemade jam or clotted cream. For a more rustic look, wrap the scones individually in parchment paper and tie with twine. Adding a handwritten note or a small plant, like a strawberry plant, can make the gift even more special and thoughtful.

Flavor Variations

• Experiment with different types of sugar, like brown sugar or turbinado sugar, for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on top of the scones before baking for an extra layer of flavor.
• Replace the strawberries with other berries, like blueberries or raspberries, for a different twist on the recipe.

Troubleshooting

• 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 next time.
• If the scones are too dry, they might have been overbaked. Keep a closer eye on them during the baking time, and remove them from the oven when they’re lightly golden.
• If you find that your scones aren’t rising well, check the expiration date of your baking powder. Old baking powder can lose its potency and affect the rise of your baked goods.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the dough before baking? Yes, you can freeze the dough. Simply shape the dough into a circle, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and place it in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, thaw the dough overnight in the refrigerator, then let it come to room temperature before cutting out the scones and baking.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe uses all-purpose flour and therefore contains gluten. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version, though the texture and rise might be slightly different.
• 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 fresh strawberry scones is a rewarding baking experience that offers a delicious treat with minimal fuss. With these simple steps and handy tips, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of scones that are sure to impress. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make the recipe your own, and enjoy the process of sharing these homemade delights with friends and family. Whether you’re a baking novice or a seasoned pro, the joy of baking lies in the creation and sharing of love and warmth, one delicious treat at a time.