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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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