Lemon Poppyseed Scones

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These Lemon Poppyseed Scones are everything you want in a treat: buttery, tender, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Their golden, slightly crisp crust gives way to a soft, moist crumb flecked with crunchy poppy seeds and fragrant lemon zest. Drizzled with a simple lemon glaze, each bite offers the perfect balance of tart and sweet—ideal for a cozy breakfast or an elegant afternoon tea.

Unlike overly dense or dry scones, these are light yet satisfying, with just the right amount of richness. The lemon glaze isn’t just a pretty finish; it enhances the zesty punch and adds that crave-worthy final touch. Whether you’re baking for brunch guests or just craving a midweek indulgence, these scones rise to the occasion beautifully.

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Why You’ll Love This Lemon Poppyseed Scones Recipe

• Bright & refreshing: Lemon zest and juice give the scones a fresh flavor profile.
• Perfect texture: Crisp on the outside, soft and buttery inside.
• Make-ahead friendly: Dough can be prepped and frozen for future bakes.
• Versatile: Enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or dessert.
• Simple ingredients: Pantry staples come together quickly.
• Elegant finish: That lemon glaze makes them café-worthy in looks and taste.
• No stand mixer needed: Just basic kitchen tools required.
• Customizable: Add berries, switch glazes, or make minis—lots of ways to tweak.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

To create these perfect Lemon Poppyseed Scones, you’ll need a few essential tools that make the process both smooth and enjoyable. Here’s a quick rundown of each:

• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients, you’ll need at least two medium-sized bowls. One for the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, etc.), and one for the wet (buttermilk, eggs, lemon juice, etc.). Having separate bowls ensures the dry and wet ingredients mix evenly when combined.
• Pastry Cutter or Fork: To achieve that buttery, flaky texture, you’ll need a pastry cutter or a fork. These help you incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture without overworking the dough, preserving the light, airy texture.
• Baking Sheet: A large, flat baking sheet is key for evenly cooking the scones. It helps to line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
• Sharp Knife or Bench Scraper: When cutting the scones, use a sharp knife or bench scraper to make clean, even cuts. This is important for ensuring uniform baking and consistent texture.
• Grater: For zesting the lemon, a fine microplane or box grater is your best bet. It ensures the zest is finely shredded, giving the scones just the right amount of citrus flavor.

Preparation Tips

• Use cold ingredients: To achieve the best scone texture, make sure the butter and buttermilk are cold. Cold butter creates pockets in the dough, which results in the flakiness everyone loves. If you’re using fresh buttermilk, chill it in the fridge for a few minutes before incorporating.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can result in dense scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. The dough will be a little shaggy, but that’s perfectly fine.
• Chill the dough: Once you’ve shaped the scones, placing them in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking will help them hold their shape and produce a better rise.
• Roll gently: When you’re patting the dough into a circle, do it gently. Avoid pressing it down too hard to maintain that light, airy texture inside.

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Ingredients for this Lemon Poppyseed Scones Recipe

To make these delightful Lemon Poppyseed Scones, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
• 2/3 cup buttermilk (cold)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the lemon glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

These ingredients come together to create a soft, buttery scone with a burst of fresh lemon flavor and a delightful glaze that enhances the citrus notes. Make sure to use fresh, cold butter and buttermilk for the best results.

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Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. This helps ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the dry ingredients, which is key to achieving the perfect rise.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with small pea-sized pieces of butter. You can also use your hands if you don’t have a pastry cutter, but be quick to avoid warming up the butter.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Pour the wet ingredients into the flour-butter mixture and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough will be shaggy and a little sticky—don’t overmix!

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently press it into a disk about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). If you prefer mini scones, you can cut the dough into smaller pieces.

Step 5: Chill the Dough

Transfer the scone wedges to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the sheet in the fridge for about 20 minutes before baking. This helps the scones hold their shape and ensures a flakier texture.

Step 6: Bake the Scones

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Once the dough has chilled, bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The aroma of lemon and freshly baked scones will fill your kitchen!

Step 7: Glaze the Scones

While the scones are baking, make the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones once they’ve cooled slightly.

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Notes

• Don’t Skip the Chilling Step: While it’s tempting to skip the chill time, it’s an essential step to getting perfectly flaky scones. Chilling the dough before baking helps the butter stay cold, which in turn creates those buttery, flaky layers.
• Make the Dough in Advance: If you’re planning for a busy morning, you can prepare the dough the night before, cut it into wedges, and store it in the fridge overnight. This allows you to quickly pop them in the oven for a fresh-baked breakfast.
• Feel Free to Customize: While this recipe is perfect as is, feel free to mix things up. You could add a handful of fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries to the dough or swap out the poppy seeds for another seed or nut variety.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

1. Overmixing the Dough: When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
2. Using Softened Butter: For the best texture, always use cold butter. It’s essential for creating flaky layers. If your butter is too soft, it will melt too quickly during baking, and you won’t get the desired flakiness.
3. Not Chilling the Dough: Chilling the dough helps the scones maintain their shape and encourages a better rise. Don’t skip this step, even if you’re in a rush!
4. Baking at Too Low a Temperature: The high heat of the oven helps the scones rise quickly. Be sure your oven is preheated to 400°F (200°C) to get that golden-brown top and perfectly baked interior.
5. Skipping the Glaze: While the scones are delicious on their own, the lemon glaze adds an extra layer of flavor and elegance. Don’t leave it out unless you’re in a real rush!

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What to Serve With Lemon Poppyseed Scones?

Pairing these Lemon Poppyseed Scones with the right accompaniments can elevate your breakfast or tea time experience. Here are some suggestions:

8 Recommendations for Serving:

1. Clotted Cream: This rich and creamy spread is a perfect contrast to the light, fluffy texture of the scones. It complements the lemon flavor beautifully.
2. Fresh Fruit: Serve with fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries for a burst of natural sweetness that complements the lemon.
3. Citrus Marmalade: A sweet-tart spread made from oranges, marmalade enhances the citrus notes in the scones.
4. Tea: A light, floral tea such as Earl Grey or Chamomile pairs beautifully with the scones, balancing their richness.
5. Lemon Curd: For a lemon-lover’s dream, serve the scones with a side of tangy, smooth lemon curd to spread on top.
6. Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt or vanilla yogurt adds creaminess and a bit of tang, making a satisfying side dish.
7. Scrambled Eggs: For a heartier breakfast, pair scones with scrambled eggs or an omelette to balance out the sweetness with some savory.
8. Iced Coffee: If you’re enjoying these scones as a mid-morning treat, a chilled glass of iced coffee will give you a refreshing, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet scones.

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These pairings bring out the best in your Lemon Poppyseed Scones, creating a spread that’s both elegant and comforting.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Lemon Poppyseed Scones fresh:

• At Room Temperature: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed within the first 24 hours to maintain their light, fresh texture.
• In the Refrigerator: If you need to store them for a bit longer, place the scones in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4-5 days. To revive them, warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
• Freezing: Scones freeze very well. To freeze, arrange them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the scones to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutrition per scone:

• Calories: 220
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8g
• Protein: 3g

This estimate assumes 8 scones per recipe. The nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredient measurements and modifications (such as using a different type of butter or glaze).

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of flour for these scones?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture. Keep in mind that whole wheat flour might make the scones a bit denser.

2. Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free milk (like almond or oat milk) and add a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic the tang of buttermilk. For the butter, you can use a dairy-free butter substitute.

3. What can I use instead of poppy seeds?

If you’re not a fan of poppy seeds, you can substitute them with chia seeds or even sunflower seeds for a different crunch. You can also skip them entirely for a simpler scone.

4. Can I add fruits to these scones?

Absolutely! Fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or cranberries can be added to the dough for an extra burst of flavor. Just fold them in gently at the end to avoid crushing them.

5. How can I make my scones fluffier?

To ensure your scones are light and fluffy, make sure to use cold butter, avoid overmixing the dough, and chill it before baking. These steps are key to achieving the desired texture.

6. How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To make the glaze thicker, simply add more powdered sugar. To make it thinner, add a bit more lemon juice. Adjust to your preference for the right consistency.

7. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into wedges, and store it in the refrigerator overnight. Just bake it in the morning for fresh scones.

8. Can I freeze the scones before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the unbaked scones for up to 3 months. Place them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

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Conclusion

These Lemon Poppyseed Scones are the perfect blend of light, buttery texture and bright citrus flavor, with a satisfying crunch from the poppy seeds. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, tea, or as a snack, they’re sure to impress. Easy to make, customizable, and absolutely delicious, these scones are a must-try in your baking repertoire. Serve them with your favorite tea or coffee, and enjoy a moment of pure indulgence!

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