Heavenly Lemon Cream Scones

Bright, buttery, and irresistibly tender, these Heavenly Lemon Cream Scones are the perfect treat to elevate your morning or afternoon tea. With a delicate lemon essence and rich cream base, they bake up golden and flaky with just the right amount of sweetness. Each bite melts in your mouth, delivering sunny citrus notes that feel like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Whether you’re a scone connoisseur or trying your hand at baking for the first time, this recipe delivers consistently delightful results. The cream gives these scones their luxurious texture, while lemon zest and juice bring a bright freshness that pairs beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. Best of all? They’re ready in under an hour.

Pure Comfort

There’s something inherently cozy about a freshly baked scone—especially when it’s infused with lemon and served warm. These scones are tender in the center with crisp edges, creating the perfect balance of textures. They’re exactly what you want when you need a little pick-me-up or want to impress guests at brunch.

Ingredients

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon finely grated lemon zest

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

What You Need

• Mixing bowls
• Pastry cutter or fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Zester or microplane
• Measuring cups and spoons

Time to Cook

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18–20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Steps to Make It

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and lemon zest. This ensures everything is evenly distributed.

3. Add Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, stir together the cream, lemon juice, and vanilla. Pour into the dry mixture and gently stir with a fork until a shaggy dough forms. Do not overmix.

4. Form and Shape Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead just until it holds together. Pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.

5. Brush and Bake

Brush the tops with a bit of cream to encourage browning. Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown on the edges and tops.

6. Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Let scones cool for 10 minutes. For the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, lemon juice, and zest until smooth. Drizzle over scones.

Make It Perfect

Cold ingredients are key for perfect scones. Keep your cream chilled, and consider popping your bowl in the fridge before starting. Don’t overwork the dough—it should be slightly crumbly for that tender texture.

Mix It Up

Feeling adventurous? Add fresh blueberries or raspberries to the dough before baking. Swap lemon zest with orange or lime for a new citrus twist. A handful of white chocolate chips also pairs wonderfully.

Perfect Partners

Serve these scones with:

• Clotted cream or lemon curd
• Fresh berries
• A cup of Earl Grey or chamomile tea
• Iced coffee with a splash of vanilla

Busy Day Hero

Because the dough comes together so quickly, this recipe is perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade without the hassle. Keep it in your back pocket for unexpected guests or mid-week indulgence.

Work Ahead

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate overnight. Bake the next morning for ultra-fresh scones with no morning mess. You can also freeze the unbaked wedges for up to 2 months.

Save Some For Later

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5. To reheat, pop them in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes. You can also freeze them post-bake for future cravings.

Everyone’s Happy

These scones are a crowd-pleaser, perfect for brunch, baby showers, or holiday breakfasts. The soft texture and hint of lemon appeal to all ages, from toddlers to grandparents.

Good For You Too

While indulgent, these scones are made with simple, real ingredients—no artificial flavors or preservatives. Lemon is rich in vitamin C, and using cream means you can skip the butter.

Easy Clean Up

Minimal mess here—just one bowl for dry, one for wet, and a baking sheet. Line your tray with parchment for quick cleanup. The glaze whisks up in seconds with no sticky situation.

Switch It Up

Want to turn these into dessert? Split them and fill with whipped cream and strawberries for a delightful twist on shortcake. You can also cut them smaller for mini scones—great for parties or gift boxes.

Simply Perfect

With their golden edges and soft, lemony centers, these scones are simply everything a scone should be. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and downright delicious.

FAQs

1. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but your scones will be less rich. Whole milk works best as a substitute.

2. How do I keep my scones from spreading too much?

Make sure your dough is cold before baking, and don’t overwork it.

3. Can I freeze lemon cream scones?

Absolutely. Freeze unbaked scones and bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the bake time.

4. What’s the best flour to use?

All-purpose flour is perfect here. Avoid cake or bread flour, which can affect texture.

5. Do I need a pastry cutter?

Nope! A fork or even your hands work fine. Just work quickly to keep the dough cold.

6. Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Check baking powder for gluten, too.

7. How do I know when they’re done?

Look for golden tops and a toothpick that comes out clean from the center.

Conclusion

Heavenly Lemon Cream Scones are a fresh, comforting, and elegant addition to any table. With a soft crumb, citrus zing, and simple prep, they check all the boxes for a perfect homemade bake. Whether served plain or dressed up with glaze and cream, they’re destined to be a repeat favorite. Go ahead—bake up a batch and taste the sunshine!

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