Lemon Scones

These Lemon Scones are a perfect addition to your spring desserts collection, bringing a refreshing citrusy flavor to your Easter baking ideas. Light, buttery, and topped with a sweet lemon glaze, they are an easy Easter treat that pairs wonderfully with tea or coffee. Whether served at brunch, as Easter party food, or as a cute Easter dessert, these scones are sure to brighten up your holiday table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for Spring & Easter – Light, zesty, and fresh, ideal for celebrating the season.
• Easy to Make – A simple Easter recipe with minimal prep and baking time.
• Fluffy & Buttery Texture – Achieved with cold butter and a light touch when mixing.
• Customizable – Make them vegan, gluten-free, or add fun mix-ins.
• Kid-Friendly – A fun Easter dessert that children will love helping to bake and decorate.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter, cubed (or vegan butter)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add wet ingredients: Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined—do not overwork the dough.
5. Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a round disk about 1 inch thick, and cut it into 8 wedges.
6. Bake: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
7. Prepare the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until smooth.
8. Glaze and serve: Let the scones cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Garnish with lemon slices or additional zest if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 scones
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
• Total Time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

• Easter-Themed Scones – Add pastel-colored sprinkles or drizzle with colored icing for a cute Easter dessert.
• Blueberry Lemon Scones – Fold in ½ cup fresh or frozen blueberries for a fruity twist.
• Lavender Lemon Scones – Add 1 tsp dried lavender for a floral touch, making it a best Easter dessert for tea time.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a wheat-free version.
• Dairy-Free Scones – Use plant-based butter and oat or almond milk for a vegan alternative.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze unglazed scones for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dough, shape it, and refrigerate overnight before baking the next day.

What type of lemon works best?

Fresh lemons provide the best flavor—use both zest and juice for maximum citrusy brightness.

How do I get the perfect scone texture?

Use cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough to keep the scones light and flaky.

Can I make these without a glaze?

Absolutely! They’re delicious on their own or simply dusted with powdered sugar.

Can I use buttermilk instead of heavy cream?

Yes! Buttermilk adds a slight tang and keeps the scones tender.

How do I prevent scones from spreading too much?

Chill the shaped dough for 10 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

Can I add poppy seeds for a lemon poppy seed version?

Yes! Add 1 tbsp poppy seeds to the dough for a delicious variation.

What pairs well with these lemon scones?

Tea, coffee, fresh fruit, or a dollop of clotted cream or jam make perfect pairings.

Can I shape these scones differently?

Yes! Instead of wedges, you can cut the dough into circles using a biscuit cutter for a fun Easter dessert.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Absolutely! These scones make great Easter party food, so feel free to double the batch.

Conclusion

These Lemon Scones are a delightful and easy-to-make spring dessert, perfect for any Easter gathering. Whether served at brunch, as Easter appetizers, or as a fun Easter treat for kids, their light and fluffy texture, paired with the sweet lemon glaze, makes them an irresistible addition to any holiday menu. Bright, fresh, and bursting with citrus flavor, they’re a best Easter dessert to enjoy with family and friends!