There’s something about scones that feels like a warm hug on a chilly morning. Picture this: a lazy Saturday, the sun peeking through the kitchen window, and the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the air. It transports me back to cozy tea times at quaint little cafes, where I’d savor every crumb while chatting with friends. This particular recipe for Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze is a delightful combination of their comforting warmth and my favorite tea’s floral notes. Inspired by my love for both tea and summer berries, these scones are a staple during brunches and afternoon teas alike. Plus, they come together quickly, making them perfect for those “I need a treat NOW” moments. Trust me when I say, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You might be wondering, “What makes these scones special?” Well, let me break it down for you. First off, they are incredibly easy to whip up, saving you time when you’d rather be sipping your Earl Grey than standing in the kitchen. They’re essentially little pockets of joy, with the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea seamlessly mingling with juicy blackberries. This isn’t just a snack; it’s comfort food that wraps you in a savory embrace, and the lemon glaze adds a zesty sparkle that brightens your day. It’s the kind of recipe that feels fancy—perfect for special gatherings, yet simple enough for an everyday treat. You may find yourself making batch after batch!
What It Tastes Like
Imagine biting into a soft, crumbly scone, where the floral essence of bergamot dances on your palate, followed by the burst of sweet-tart blackberries. Each bite is like a mini adventure, as your taste buds navigate through texture and flavor. The scones are moist but have that delightful crumble we all adore, reminiscent of lazy afternoon tea parties. And then… oh, the lemon glaze! It’s like sunshine on your scone—a bright, tangy finish that makes everything feel a bit more special. Together, they create a harmonious symphony of flavors that’ll have you craving just one more piece.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our scone, giving it structure and that perfect crumb.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the earthy flavors of the tea and berries.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: This is the magical leavener, ensuring your scones rise beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A little seasoning goes a long way in enhancing flavors.
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: Brings richness and that flaky texture we crave.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Keeps the scones moist and tender.
- 1 tablespoon loose Earl Grey tea: Infuses that unique flavor—don’t skimp on quality!
- 1 cup fresh blackberries: Bursting with flavor and color for a delightful twist.
- For the lemon glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Sweetness and thickness for drizzling.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: A vibrant zing that ties everything together.
Optional Additions: Feel free to experiment! You can swap in raspberries for blackberries or add some lemon zest for extra zing. If you like a hint of spice, try adding a pinch of cardamom. Let your creativity run wild!
Special Garnishes: A sprinkle of edible flowers or a dusting of additional powdered sugar can elevate the presentation for a special gathering.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that we have everything ready, let’s put on our aprons and get to baking!
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is important! You want that heat ready to work its magic when your scones hit the oven.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step is essential for even flavor distribution—don’t skip it!
- Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. Think of it like a fun sensory project! You want tiny pieces but don’t overdo it; some butter clumps are okay.
- Infuse the cream: In a small saucepan, gently heat the cream over low heat, and stir in the Earl Grey tea. Let it steep for about 5 minutes. This is where the flavor begins to bloom—don’t rush this step; it’s where the magic happens!
- Combine wet and dry: Remove the cream from heat and let it cool slightly. Strain out the tea leaves, and then pour the infused cream into the flour mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing will lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that.
- Fold in the blackberries: Gently fold in those lovely blackberries, being careful not to crush them too much. You want to see chunks for that burst of flavor!
- Shape the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice it into triangles or circles—your choice!
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Your kitchen will start smelling divine right about now. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
- Make the lemon glaze: While the scones cool, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Adjust to your preferred consistency—thicker is better for drizzling!
- Drizzle and serve: Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over them and serve immediately, possibly with a little extra Earl Grey on the side for dipping. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations
Want to mix things up? Here are a few ideas! Try swapping Earl Grey with chai tea for a spicier twist or use blueberries instead of blackberries for a milder flavor. You can experiment with adding nuts like almonds for a little crunch or even chocolate chips for those sweet tooth days. Get creative, and make this recipe your own!
Serving & Storage Tips
These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days. To keep them tasting just as delightful, reheat them in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds or pop them back into a warm oven for a few minutes. As for leftovers, you can crumble them over yogurt or serve them with a scoop of ice cream—perfect for a fun dessert twist!
Helpful Tips
Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years in my baking adventures:
- Avoid overworking the dough; scones thrive on a gentle touch. Think of it as a spa day for your ingredients!
- Chill your butter beforehand for flaky textures; room temperature butter is not your friend here.
- If you’re using frozen blackberries, no need to thaw them—just toss them in as they are!
- Don’t skip the glaze! It’s the cherry on top (or should I say, the lemon on top?) of these delightful scones.
Special Equipment
- Pastry cutter or your hands: Great for cutting in butter, ensuring that the scone texture remains crumbly rather than dense.
- Mixing bowls: A big one for dry ingredients and a smaller one for wet ingredients. No need to complicate things!
- Baking sheet lined with parchment paper: It helps with easy cleanup and ensures even baking. No one likes a sticky situation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Raspberries, blueberries, or even chopped strawberries work wonderfully too.
Can I make these scones in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it. Just bake them fresh on the day you want to serve them!
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with whole milk, but be prepared for slightly less rich scones. Adding a bit of extra butter can help too!
How do I store leftover scones?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They can also be frozen; just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Conclusion
As you can see, these Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are not just a recipe; they’re a little piece of joy baked into the perfect bite. Whether it’s a lazy weekend brunch or a vibrant afternoon tea, they are perfect for sharing (or keeping all to yourself, we won’t judge!). I adore the way this recipe blends warm flavors and invites cozy vibes into my kitchen. So go ahead, make them, share your experiences in the comments, and let’s celebrate the delightful art of baking together!
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Irresistible Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
Taste the delightful combo of Earl Grey and blackberry in these scones, perfectly paired with a zesty lemon glaze. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
A delightful combination of Earl Grey tea and fresh blackberries, these scones with lemon glaze offer a comforting treat for brunch or afternoon tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 scones
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 8g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
