How to Make Buttery Lemon Raspberry Scones in Under 30 Minutes

Some mornings call for something a little extra—bright, zesty, sweet, and buttery all at once. These Ridiculously Easy Lemon Raspberry Scones check every box. They come together fast, use just a handful of ingredients, and bake up into golden, tender pastries bursting with fresh raspberry and lemon flavor.

Whether you’re hosting brunch, prepping for the week, or just want a bakery-style treat without the price tag, these scones deliver.


Why I Love This Recipe

These scones are wonderfully forgiving and quick to make. The heavy cream and melted butter combo is a genius shortcut that replaces the need for cold butter and cutting tools. The lemon zest adds a citrusy punch, and the raspberries bring just the right amount of juicy tartness. Chill, scoop, bake—it’s that simple.

No mixers, no pastry cutters, no stress. Just buttery, fruity perfection.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 tbsp (1 stick) butter, melted and cooled
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 6 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • ½ cup fresh raspberries, halved if large

Ingredient Swaps and Tips

  • Berries: Fresh raspberries are best, but frozen (unthawed) work in a pinch. Handle gently to avoid bleeding.
  • Citrus twist: Swap lemon zest for orange or lime for a new flavor.
  • Cream substitute: Whole milk can work, though the texture may be less rich.
  • Add-ins: White chocolate chips, poppy seeds, or chopped nuts make fun extras.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep and Chill

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the heavy cream in the freezer for 10–15 minutes to chill.

2. Melt the Butter

Melt butter in a microwave-safe bowl and set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

4. Combine Cream and Butter

Pour the chilled cream into the cooled melted butter and stir. The cold cream will help form small clumps of butter—perfect for tender scones.

5. Mix the Dough

Add the cream-butter mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until the flour is mostly combined.
Gently fold in the raspberries, being careful not to crush them too much.

6. Shape and Chill

Use a cookie scoop or spoon to portion dough into mounds on the prepared baking sheet.
Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to help the scones keep their shape.

7. Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the tops are golden and edges are crisp. Let cool on a wire rack.


Tips for Success

  • Don’t overmix the dough—stop once ingredients are just combined.
  • Chill before baking for that classic scone rise and texture.
  • Use fresh lemon zest for the best citrusy aroma and flavor.
  • Drizzle with glaze if you want an extra touch of sweetness (powdered sugar + lemon juice = perfect topping).

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These scones shine warm out of the oven, but they’re just as delightful cooled with coffee or tea. Try serving them with:


Storage & Leftovers

  • Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigerator: Will keep for up to 5 days, but reheat briefly before serving.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm in the oven at 325°F for 10 minutes.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If lemon raspberry is your vibe, here are more easy bakes and treats to keep you inspired:


Final Thoughts

These Ridiculously Easy Lemon Raspberry Scones bring bakery-style flavor to your kitchen with very little effort. The bright lemon zest, juicy berries, and soft, buttery texture make them a go-to for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon snack.

Give them a try, and don’t forget to share your results! Tag @chefmaniac or leave a comment to let us know how they turned out. Hungry for more? Follow along for simple, joyful bakes that always impress.