Zesty Scones for Every Occasion

These Lemon Poppy Seed Scones are a delightful way to start your morning or enjoy a sweet treat in the afternoon. With the perfect balance of lemony zest and poppy seeds, they offer a bright, tangy flavor combined with a light and fluffy texture. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, need a quick breakfast, or are looking for something special to enjoy with tea, these scones are a guaranteed hit.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Lemon Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon poppy seeds for topping

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat Your Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, poppy seeds, and lemon zest until well combined.

3. Cut in the Butter:

• Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. Combine the Wet Ingredients:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice.

5. Mix the Dough:

• Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined—don’t overmix! The dough will be slightly sticky but manageable.

6. Shape the Dough:

• Use a cookie or ice cream scoop to portion out the dough into small mounds (about 2 tablespoons each) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

7. Bake to Perfection:

• Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top.

8. Prepare the Lemon Glaze:

• While the scones are baking, mix the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth.
• Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze generously over the top of each scone.
• Sprinkle extra poppy seeds on top for decoration.

Tips and Techniques

• Cold Butter is Key: For the flakiest scones, make sure your butter is cold before incorporating it into the dry ingredients. This helps create pockets of steam during baking, resulting in a tender texture.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough as little as possible to avoid overworking it, which can lead to tough scones. Gentle kneading is the secret to keeping them soft and fluffy.

A Perfect Treat Anytime

Ridiculously Easy Lemon Poppy Seed Scones are a must-try for anyone who loves the bright, tangy flavor of lemon and the delicate crunch of poppy seeds. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack with tea, these scones are light, fluffy, and full of flavor. The simple ingredients and quick preparation make them a go-to recipe when you want something special without too much fuss.