Quick & Easy Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones Recipe for Happy Baking

Lemon scones dance with bright, zesty elegance on breakfast tables and afternoon tea trays across countless kitchens.

These delightful pastries capture sunshine in every tender, crumbly bite.

Rich butter melts into soft flour, creating a delicate canvas for citrusy notes.

scones represent more than simple baked goods – they embody comfort and tradition with a modern twist.

Each golden-edged morsel promises a perfect balance between sweet and tangy flavors.

Baking these treats transforms ordinary moments into delectable memories that linger long after the last crumb disappears: treat yourself to pure culinary joy.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Scones

• Prevent Tough Texture: Barely mix ingredients to keep scones tender and delicate.
• Amplify Citrus Punch: Layer lemon flavor through zest in both dough and glaze for vibrant taste.
• Control Dough Consistency: Sprinkle flour sparingly if mixture feels sticky, maintaining delicate balance.
• Master Precise Cutting: Sharp knife ensures even scone shapes that rise beautifully during baking.
• Track Golden Perfection: Monitor scones closely, aiming for light golden color without burning edges.

How to Store Lemon Scones for Later

• Freezing: Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. These delightful treats maintain their amazing texture and flavor for up to 3 months, making them perfect for future breakfast surprises or unexpected guests.
• Refrigeration: Slide your lemon scones into an airtight container and tuck them in the fridge. They'll stay fresh and delectable for a full week, ready to brighten your morning or afternoon with a zesty bite.
• Room Temperature: Stash leftover scones in a sealed container on your kitchen counter. Enjoy their tender crumb and bright lemon essence within 2 days for the best taste and texture.

Lemon Scone Variations to Try

• Lavender Lemon Scones: Enhance the classic recipe by adding dried lavender buds to the flour mixture, creating a fragrant and elegant twist on the original scones.
• Blueberry Citrus Scones: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries into the dough just before shaping, complementing the bright lemon flavor with bursts of sweet berries.
• Almond Lemon Cream Scones: Incorporate almond extract into the wet ingredients and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking for a nutty, crunchy texture.
• Ginger Lemon Scones: Mix finely chopped crystallized ginger into the dry ingredients, adding a warm, spicy note that pairs beautifully with the zesty lemon glaze.

Why Contessa’s Lemon Scones Are a Treat

• Zesty Flavor Burst: Packed with bright, tangy lemon zest and juice, these scones deliver a refreshing citrus punch that wakes up your taste buds and brings sunshine to your breakfast or tea time.
• Quick and Simple Baking: Whipped up in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, requiring minimal technical skills and basic kitchen tools while producing professional-looking results.
• Versatile Treat Options: Enjoy these scones fresh out of the oven, store them in the refrigerator for a week, or freeze them for up to three months – making them an incredibly convenient and flexible baked good for spontaneous cravings or planned gatherings.
• Texture Perfection: Combining crumbly butter-infused dough with a smooth lemon glaze, these scones offer a delightful contrast between crisp exterior and tender interior that melts in your mouth with every delicious bite.

Ingredients for Fresh Lemon Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundation for the scones, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help scones rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the scones.

• Butter: Adds richness and creates a flaky texture in the scones.
• Sour Cream: Provides moisture and a subtle tangy flavor.
• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and adds structure.

• Lemon Zest, Lemon Juice: Brings bright, citrusy notes to the scones.
• Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Ingredients for the smooth, sweet glaze that tops the scones.

How to Bake Light, Fluffy Contessa Lemon Scones

Step 1: Preheat Oven

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Whisk these together until well blended.

Step 2: Create Crumbly Butter Mixture

Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Work the butter until the mixture looks like tiny pea-sized crumbs.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• 1 large egg
• Fresh lemon zest
• Fresh lemon juice

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Use a fork and mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Shape the Scones

Lightly flour your work surface. Transfer the dough and gently shape into an 8-inch circle. If the dough feels sticky, sprinkle a bit more flour. Using a sharp knife or kitchen scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.

Step 6: Bake the Scones

Place the scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool completely.

Step 7: Create Lemon Glaze

• Powdered sugar
• 2-fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest

Pour the glaze over cooled scones.

A Zesty Finish for Contessa Lemon Scones

Lemon scones from Barefoot Contessa elevate breakfast with zesty sophistication.

Kitchen magic transforms simple ingredients into remarkable pastry perfection.

Citrus notes dance through delicate crumb, creating irresistible morning indulgence.

Homemade comfort meets gourmet elegance in each tender wedge.

Quick preparation rewards passionate bakers with remarkable results.

So go ahead, snap a mouthwatering photo, tag this recipe, spark conversation, and spread delicious inspiration among fellow scone lovers.

Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa lemon scones bring zesty sunshine to breakfast tables with classic British charm. Delicate pastry kissed with lemon zest and glazed with sweet citrus icing promises a delightful morning treat that will transport you to a cozy café in London.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) white sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet and Fat Ingredients:

• 5 tablespoons cold butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Glaze Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480 ml) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius). In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt using a whisk.
2. Using a pastry cutter or two knives, carefully incorporate the cold butter into the flour mixture until the texture resembles coarse, pea-sized crumbs. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sour cream, egg, freshly grated lemon zest, and lemon juice until well blended.
3. Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients using a fork, mixing just until the dough comes together and appears slightly moistened. Lightly dust a clean work surface with flour to prevent sticking.
4. Transfer the dough onto the prepared surface and gently shape it into a rounded 8-inch (20-centimeter) circle. If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle additional flour sparingly. Using a sharp kitchen knife or bench scraper, divide the circle into eight equal triangular wedges.
5. Carefully arrange the scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving slight space between each piece. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown and the tops appear lightly set.
6. Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. Prepare the glaze by whisking the ingredients until smooth and uniform. Drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled scones. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

• Zesting citrus adds vibrant flavor that transforms ordinary scones into extraordinary treats.
• Gentle mixing prevents tough textures, keeping the pastry light and tender.
• Sharp cutting tools ensure clean edges that allow perfect rising during baking.
• Precision matters when measuring flour to maintain ideal dough consistency.
• Temperature control determines golden-brown perfection and delicate crumb structure.
• Cooling before glazing helps create a smooth, even coating that looks professional.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 318 kcal
• Sugar: 29 g
• Sodium: 204 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 33 mg