Strawberry and Cream Scones

These light, fluffy strawberry and cream scones are the perfect combination of sweet and savory, with a soft, buttery texture and the fresh taste of strawberries. They are a delightful addition to any breakfast, brunch, or tea party. The cream provides richness, while the strawberries give a burst of fruity freshness that makes every bite a treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream (for brushing the scones)
• Additional sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with small butter bits.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup of heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Gently fold in the diced strawberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disk, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
8. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the remaining tablespoon of heavy cream and sprinkle with additional sugar if desired.
9. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and cooked through.
10. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8 scones
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Bake Time: 18-22 minutes
• Total Time: Approximately 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Berry Mix: Swap out the strawberries for a mix of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different fruity flavor.
• Lemon Zest: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist that complements the sweetness of the strawberries.
• Chocolate Chips: Stir in some mini chocolate chips for an extra indulgence.
• Glazed Scones: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled scones for added sweetness.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat scones in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds for a quick warm-up.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen strawberries in this recipe? Yes, frozen strawberries will work, but be sure to thaw and drain them to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream? You can use half-and-half or whole milk, though the scones may not be as rich and tender.
3. How can I make these scones dairy-free? Use a dairy-free butter substitute and coconut or almond milk in place of heavy cream.
4. Can I freeze the dough for later use? Yes, you can freeze the unbaked scones. Simply place them on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer them to a bag or container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
5. How do I prevent the scones from being too dry? Be sure not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to dry scones. Also, avoid adding too much flour when handling the dough.
6. Can I make these scones ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can bake the scones and store them in an airtight container for later.
7. How do I make the scones more flaky? Use very cold butter, and don’t overwork the dough. The small bits of butter in the dough will create a flaky texture as they melt during baking.
8. Can I add other ingredients to these scones? You can add nuts like chopped almonds or pecans, or even some chopped chocolate for added flavor.
9. How do I know when the scones are done? The scones are done when they are golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
10. Can I make these scones without an egg? Yes, you can substitute the egg with a flax egg or another egg replacement if you’re following an egg-free diet.

Conclusion

Strawberry and cream scones are a versatile and delicious treat that combines the sweetness of strawberries with the richness of cream, making them a perfect breakfast or snack. With simple ingredients and easy instructions, these scones can be customized with different berries or add-ins to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy them fresh out of the oven or reheated the next day, they are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Try them for your next brunch or tea party and impress your guests with these delightful scones!

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