Earl Grey Scones

The warm, buttery scent of fresh scones fills the kitchen, hinting at a cozy treat just minutes away. Earl Grey scones, with their lovely hints of floral bergamot and rich buttery goodness, are hard to resist. Unlike the dry, crumbly versions you might find in some cafes, these scones are tender and melt in your mouth. The added lemon glaze provides a zesty finish that elevates this delightful baked good to a whole new level.

Earl Grey Scones

Whether it’s a Sunday brunch, a casual afternoon snack, or a cozy breakfast treat, these Earl Grey scones fit the bill perfectly. The simplicity of the recipe means you’ll spend only about 10 minutes prepping, making it accessible even for novice bakers. With a handful of pantry staples, you can whip up this delightful treat any day of the week. Why not gather your ingredients and give them a try? You’ll be delighted with the result!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple & Quick: Ready in under an hour, perfect for busy mornings.
  • Irresistible Flavor: The combination of rich butter and aromatic Earl Grey tea creates a dreamy taste.
  • Eye-Catching Appeal: Those golden scones with a shiny lemon glaze are sure to impress.
  • Flexible Serving: Delightful as breakfast, brunch, or a cheeky midday snack.
  • Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 2.5 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of your scone, giving it structure. You can substitute with gluten-free flour if desired.
  • 3 tablespoons Earl Grey tea: Approximately 6 tea bags, cut open. This infuses the scones with a fragrant, earthy flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons sugar: A hint of sweetness that balances the flavor of the tea.
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder: This helps your scones rise beautifully.
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda: A little helps create the perfect texture.
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing the sweetness.
  • 0.5 cup cold butter, cubed: Cold butter fosters flaky layers; chilled is best.
  • 1 cup buttermilk: This adds moisture and tenderness. You may also use milk with a splash of vinegar if you’re out of buttermilk.
  • 1 large egg: This serves as a binding agent, giving the scones a rich texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A dash of warmth and flavor uplift that enhances the taste.
  • 1 cup icing sugar: For the sweet glaze that complements the scones.
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice: This brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness.

How to Make Earl Grey Scones

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or simply dusting it with flour.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, Earl Grey tea, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until incorporated.
  3. Cut in the Butter: Using a pastry blender, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for achieving flaky scones.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring with a fork until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable.
  6. Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough into a rectangle, approximately 9 inches by 6 inches thick.
  7. Cut the Scones: Trim the edges of the rectangle to create clean lines then cut it into three equal pieces. Cut each piece into two squares, then diagonally into four triangles.
  8. Transfer & Bake: Move the triangles onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the center of the oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges.
  9. Cool: Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack while you prepare the glaze.
  10. Make the Glaze: In a bowl, combine the icing sugar and lemon juice. Mix until smooth; the consistency should be pourable but not too runny.
  11. Drizzle & Serve: Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over them using a spoon. Let the glaze set for a few minutes, then enjoy your freshly baked Earl Grey scones!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Earl Grey scones fresh, store them at room temperature in an airtight container for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. For freezing, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, simply pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5-10 minutes, allowing them to regain their warm, crumbly goodness. Just keep in mind that while they will still taste delicious after freezing, the texture may be a bit different.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

  • Ensure that your butter is very cold to create the necessary flaky layers. If needed, pulse the butter in the freezer for 15 minutes before cutting it in.
  • Avoid overmixing the dough; this can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the dough comes together.
  • If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding chopped dried fruits like currants or cranberries to the dough for extra flavor.
  • Be cautious with the glaze. If it’s too thick, add a bit more lemon juice for a smoother texture.
  • For a touch of elegance, sprinkle some lemon zest into the glaze for that extra citrus zing.
  • These scones are great for a make-ahead breakfast; just bake them, cool, and freeze. Reheat in the morning for a quick treat!

The rich aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen is nothing short of magical. Elevate your next brunch or coffee break with these delightful Earl Grey scones, adorned with a zesty lemon glaze. Feel free to experiment with ingredients, whether adding a sprinkle of chocolate or a handful of nuts for texture. These little treats are bound to be a favorite in your home, giving you every reason to bake them again and again. Gather your loved ones, pour a cup of tea, and savor every crumb!

Earl Grey Scones

Recipe FAQs

Can I use different tea flavors for the scones?

Absolutely! You can replace Earl Grey with other flavored teas such as chai or lavender for a unique twist. Just keep the same quantity, and enjoy the different aromatic profiles.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can create a quick substitute by adding one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

How do I prevent my scones from being too dry?

Ensure your butter is cold and your measuring of ingredients is precise. Also, avoid overworking the dough; it should be just combined. A little bit of stickiness is okay!

Can I add fruits or nuts to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to fold in ½ cup of dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or nuts such as walnuts or pecans to enhance the flavors and textures of the scones. They make a wonderful addition!

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Earl-Grey-Scones-Recipe

Earl Grey Scones

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  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 12 scones 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: British

Description

These Earl Grey Scones are a delightful blend of fragrant tea and zesty lemon glaze, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, they offer an irresistible taste that leaves everyone wanting more.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 cups flour all-purpose
  • 3 tablespoons earl grey tea (approximately 6 tea bags, cut open)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2.5 teaspoons baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon baking soda
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup cold butter, cubed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup icing sugar
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or dust with flour.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, earl grey tea, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Using a pastry blender, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir swiftly with a fork until the dough forms.
  6. On a lightly floured surface, pat the dough into a rectangle (about 9" x 6").
  7. Trim the edges to straighten, then cut the rectangle into three equal pieces.
  8. Slice each piece into two squares and cut each square diagonally into four triangles.
  9. Move the triangles to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden.
  10. Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack.

Notes

For an extra flavor boost, consider adding lemon zest to the dough.
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
These scones pair wonderfully with clotted cream and jam.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 26g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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