Few things feel more elegant—or more comforting—than a fresh-baked Lemon Cream Scone served warm with a cup of tea. These scones are fluffy, tender, and delicately scented with lemon zest, striking the perfect balance between buttery richness and bright citrus notes. Whether you’re planning a brunch, looking for a teatime treat, or simply need something sweet and simple, this scone recipe is quick, reliable, and absolutely delightful.
Why I Love This Recipe
This is a no-fuss scone recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With only a handful of ingredients and a super short prep time, you’ll go from bowl to bake in minutes. The lemon zest infuses each bite with a sunny pop of freshness, making them ideal for spring and summer baking. They’re perfect on their own, or dressed up with clotted cream and jam for a classic experience.
Ingredients
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and sugar. Stir in lemon zest until evenly distributed.
3️⃣ Form and cut: Add your wet ingredients of choice (cream or butter, not listed here but implied for scones), gently mixing until a dough forms. Pat into a round disk and cut into 8 wedges.
4️⃣ Bake for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top.
5️⃣ Cool and serve: Let cool slightly before serving warm with tea, jam, or clotted cream.
Quick Facts
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: ~200 per scone
Tips for Perfect Scones
- Don’t overmix the dough – keep it slightly shaggy for tender scones.
- Use cold ingredients like chilled butter or cream to help the scones rise and stay flaky.
- Add a lemon glaze by mixing powdered sugar with lemon juice for extra zing.
- Want to make it fancier? Fold in blueberries or white chocolate chips before baking.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair these citrusy scones with:
- A glass of Blueberry Lemonade for a cool, tart complement.
- A tray of Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites for a sweet and chewy contrast.
- A plate of Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies to brighten any afternoon tea spread.
- Or bring them along to a brunch buffet with these Pumpkin Spice Muffins.
These scones are also perfect alongside fresh berries, whipped cream, or a hot mug of Earl Grey.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
- Freeze unbaked wedges on a tray, then store in a zip-top bag to bake fresh whenever the craving hits.
- Reheat in the oven or toaster oven for 5 minutes at 325°F to restore that just-baked magic.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Blueberry Lemonade – A vibrant, citrusy drink to sip with your scone.
- Chocolate Chip Cookie Bites – Sweet, poppable treats for dessert trays.
- Rainbow Sprinkle Cookies – Bake these for a cheerful tea party addition.
- Edible Cookie Dough – No oven required and perfect for snack lovers.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins – A cozy counterpoint to these bright, zesty scones.
Final Thoughts
These Lemon Cream Scones are simplicity at its finest. With just a few ingredients and a hint of citrus, they deliver flavor that feels luxurious with barely any effort. Whether you’re baking for brunch, teatime, or just because—this recipe is a keeper.
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