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Ultimate Soft & Fluffy Lemon Scones with Tangy Lemon Glaze

A stack of four triangular lemon scones topped with a sweet white glaze and zest.

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Make soft, moist lemon scones that melt in your mouth. This easy recipe uses fresh lemon zest and cream for a tender texture, topped with a bright, tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • For the Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  3. Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, lemon zest, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Mix gently with a fork until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough will be slightly sticky.
  6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
  7. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between them.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden brown. Let the scones cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes.
  9. While the scones cool, prepare the glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice together until smooth. Add more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed to reach a thick, drizzly consistency.
  10. Drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the cooled scones. Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

  • For the softest scones ever, make sure your butter is very cold.
  • If you want a stronger lemon flavor, use Meyer lemon zest and juice.
  • You can use buttermilk instead of heavy cream for a slight tang in the scone itself.

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