Introduction to Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Welcome to a delightful culinary adventure! If you’re looking for a treat that combines elegance and comfort, these Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are just the ticket. Perfect for busy mornings or a cozy afternoon tea, they bring a touch of sophistication to any table. Imagine the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen, inviting your loved ones to gather around. With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch that will impress even the pickiest eaters. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
These Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are a dream come true for busy moms and professionals alike. They’re quick to make, taking just 35 minutes from start to finish. The combination of fragrant Earl Grey tea and juicy blackberries creates a flavor explosion that’s simply irresistible. Plus, the zesty lemon glaze adds a delightful finishing touch, making these scones perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients for Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze. Here’s what you’ll need:
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve that lovely golden color.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your scones their light and fluffy texture.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter: Cold and cubed, it creates a rich, flaky texture when mixed into the dry ingredients.
- Heavy cream: Adds moisture and richness, making the scones tender and delicious.
- Earl Grey tea leaves: Infuses the scones with a fragrant, citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with blackberries.
- Fresh blackberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness, they add a pop of color and flavor to each bite.
- Powdered sugar: Used for the lemon glaze, it creates a smooth, sweet topping.
- Lemon juice: The zesty kick that brightens the glaze and complements the scones perfectly.
For those who want to experiment, feel free to substitute blackberries with other berries like raspberries or blueberries. You can find all the exact measurements for these ingredients at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) is crucial for baking perfect scones. This ensures that the scones rise beautifully and develop that golden-brown crust we all love. A hot oven creates steam, which helps achieve that light and fluffy texture. So, don’t skip this step!
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well blended. This step is essential for evenly distributing the baking powder, which helps your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze rise properly. A good mix sets the stage for success!
Step 3: Incorporate Butter
Next, add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This process is key to achieving that flaky texture. The cold butter creates pockets of steam during baking, making your scones tender and delicious.
Step 4: Add Tea and Blackberries
Gently fold in the Earl Grey tea leaves and fresh blackberries. Be careful not to crush the blackberries; we want those juicy bursts in every bite! This step infuses the scones with a delightful flavor and adds a pop of color, making them visually appealing.
Step 5: Combine with Cream
Pour in the heavy cream and mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this can lead to tough scones. The cream adds richness and moisture, making your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze soft and tender. Trust me, you want that melt-in-your-mouth texture!
Step 6: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead it gently for about 30 seconds. This helps bring the dough together without overworking it. Kneading is important for developing the right texture, but remember, less is more when it comes to scones!
Step 7: Shape and Cut
Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into wedges. This method gives you those classic scone shapes. Place the wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them for even baking.
Step 8: Bake the Scones
Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them towards the end of the baking time. You’ll know they’re done when they spring back lightly when touched. The aroma will be heavenly!
Step 9: Prepare the Lemon Glaze
While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. This zesty glaze is the perfect finishing touch for your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze. It adds a bright flavor that complements the scones beautifully.
Step 10: Drizzle and Serve
Once the scones are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over them. The warm scones will soak up some of that glaze, creating a delightful treat. Serve them warm, and watch your family and friends enjoy every bite!
Tips for Success
- Use cold butter for a flaky texture; it’s a game changer!
- Don’t overmix the dough; it should be just combined for tender scones.
- Let the dough rest for 30 minutes for richer flavor.
- Experiment with different berries for a fun twist.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container to keep them fresh.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl for combining ingredients. A sturdy pot can work in a pinch.
- Pastry cutter: Ideal for cutting in butter. You can also use your fingers or two forks.
- Baking sheet: A flat surface for baking. A pizza stone can be a great alternative.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup. Silicone baking mats are a reusable option.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing dry ingredients. A fork can do the job too!
Variations
- Berry Medley: Swap blackberries for a mix of raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries for a colorful twist.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make these scones suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
- Herbal Infusion: Experiment with different tea flavors like chamomile or chai for a unique taste.
- Vegan Version: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a plant-based treat.
- Nutty Addition: Add chopped walnuts or almonds for a delightful crunch and extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Tea Time: Pair your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful afternoon treat.
- Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries for a colorful and healthy addition.
- Presentation: Arrange scones on a beautiful platter, drizzled with extra lemon glaze for an elegant touch.
FAQs about Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen blackberries work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough. This prevents excess moisture from affecting the scone texture.
How do I store leftover scones?
Store your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing them. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy!
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before shaping and cutting.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. However, keep in mind that the scones may be slightly less rich and tender.
Can I add more Earl Grey flavor?
Definitely! If you want a stronger Earl Grey flavor, consider steeping the tea leaves in the heavy cream for a few minutes before adding it to the dough. This will infuse the cream with even more aromatic goodness!
Final Thoughts
Making Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze is more than just baking; it’s about creating moments of joy and connection. The delightful aroma fills your kitchen, inviting everyone to gather and share in the experience. Each bite offers a perfect blend of flavors, from the fragrant tea to the sweet blackberries and zesty glaze. Whether it’s a busy morning or a leisurely afternoon, these scones bring a touch of warmth and comfort to your table. I hope you enjoy making and sharing them as much as I do. Happy baking!
Print
Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Delight You!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious scones infused with Earl Grey tea and fresh blackberries, topped with a zesty lemon glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the Earl Grey tea leaves and blackberries gently.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, let the dough rest for 30 minutes before baking.
- Feel free to substitute blackberries with other berries if desired.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg