Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 8 scones
Spring is a wonderful time to indulge in fresh, tantalizing flavors, and what better way to celebrate than with delicious Strawberry Scones? This recipe simplifies the baking process down to just five easy ingredients, making it perfect for busy mornings or cozy afternoons. With their flaky, buttery texture and bursts of sweet strawberries, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your home. Whether you’re a kitchen beginner or seasoned baker, this recipe is straightforward and approachable, providing a delightful baking experience without the fuss.
What Is Spring Baking: Strawberry Scones in 5 Ingredients?
Spring Baking involves celebrating the seasonal produce and flavors that come with the warmer weather. Strawberry Scones are a classic bakery treat, showcasing stunning strawberries that bring a hint of sweetness in each bite. They are typically made with a buttery and flaky dough, making them the ideal accompaniment to tea or coffee. This particular recipe streamlines the process with just five ingredients, focusing on the essentials while ensuring your scones come out perfectly light and airy.
Why You’ll Love This
These Strawberry Scones are not only straightforward to make, but they also highlight one of spring’s most beloved fruits. Here are several reasons why these scones will win your heart:
- Quick Preparation: With only five ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these scones up in no time, allowing you to enjoy fresh baked goods even on the busiest of days.
- Fresh and Seasonal: Using fresh strawberries brings an unparalleled flavor, giving each scone a unique burst of sweetness that perfectly balances the buttery dough.
- Versatile Pairing: Enjoy your scones on their own, with butter, or even as a base for delicious strawberry shortcake on warmer afternoons.
- Perfect for Everyone: Whether you’re making them for brunch, a gathering, or simply as a treat for yourself, these scones cater to all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make your Strawberry Scones, gather the following ingredients. Each plays a critical role in achieving that delicious flavor and texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your scone, giving it structure. Make sure to spoon and level the flour to avoid dense scones.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This provides sweetness which complements the strawberries perfectly, balancing out the dough’s savory aspects.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Essential for leavening, ensuring your scones rise beautifully and have a light texture.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed: This creates the flaky layers characteristic of a great scone. Always use chilled butter to achieve the right consistency.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and diced: The highlight of the recipe, adding natural sweetness and moisture while infusing a lovely color.
How to Make
Making these Strawberry Scones is as easy as the ingredient list suggests. Just follow these steps for a beautiful batch of scones.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Whisk these dry ingredients together to incorporate air and break up any lumps.
- Add the chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for achieving that desirable flakiness and texture.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture without overworking the dough.
- Gradually add cold water or milk, a little at a time, until the dough comes together. Be careful not to add too much liquid, as you want a slightly sticky but manageable dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter to form individual scones, placing them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top. Keep an eye on the color to avoid overbaking.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving, and enjoy the warm, fragrant scones!
Variations & Substitutions
These scones are incredibly versatile, allowing plenty of room for creativity.
Chocolate Chip Strawberry Scones
If you’re a fan of chocolate, try adding 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough. The rich chocolate will pair beautifully with strawberries, creating a delightful mix of flavors. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a more decadent treat.
Gluten-Free Strawberry Scones
For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix. Ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free. The texture may vary slightly, but you’ll still achieve a delicious result.
Lemon Zest Strawberry Scones
Introduce a hint of citrus to elevate your scones by adding the zest of one lemon to the dry ingredients. It will impart a refreshing brightness that contrasts lovely with the sweetness of the strawberries.
Mixed Berry Scones
Feel free to swap out the strawberries for your choice of berries, such as blueberries, raspberries, or even blackberries. Just ensure the berries are evenly mixed, maintaining the same overall quantity for best results.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking can sometimes lead to unexpected challenges. Here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
Overworking the Dough: Too much mixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are incorporated, and avoid excessive kneading.
Using Warm Butter: Ensure that the butter remains cold to achieve flaky layers. If it melts, your scones might become dense rather than light and airy.
Not Preheating the Oven: Always preheat your oven before baking. Starting with a hot oven is crucial for proper leavening, helping your scones rise as they bake.
Storage, Freezing & Reheating Tips
Proper storage can help keep your scones fresh for longer.
For short-term storage, place the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for about 2 days. If you wish to keep them for a week or more, freezing is an excellent option. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To reheat frozen scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap and place them on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven for the best texture and flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in place of fresh ones, but it is important to thaw them first and pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This will help prevent the dough from becoming too wet and ensure the scones maintain their shape.
What if I don’t have baking powder?
If you don’t have baking powder, you can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar. This homemade baking powder will work similarly to standard baking powder.
How do I know when the scones are fully baked?
Your scones will be ready when they have a beautiful golden brown top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s better to test them with a toothpick as you can always give them a few extra minutes in the oven if needed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply cut and bake the dough as normal. Keep in mind, the scones may not rise as much compared to baking fresh dough.
How should I serve my Strawberry Scones?
These scones are perfect served warm with a slather of butter or clotted cream, and they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee. You can also serve them with a side of fresh or homemade jam for a delightful treat.
Conclusion: This Spring, delight in the charming taste of Strawberry Scones made with just five simple ingredients. With their fuss-free preparation and scrumptious flavor, these scones are bound to bring joy to your kitchen. Whether it’s a quick breakfast or a sweet afternoon snack, this recipe ensures you can enjoy seasonal flavors effortlessly. Embrace the art of baking with this easy recipe that’s sure to impress everyone at your table!
