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### **Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Lemon Cream Scones**
#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven**
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Scones bake best in a hot oven, which helps them rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
#### **Step 2: Prepare the Dry Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the **all-purpose flour**, **sugar**, **baking powder**, and **salt**. Whisk these dry ingredients together to ensure that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the flour. This helps the scones rise evenly when baked.
#### **Step 3: Cut in the Butter**
Next, add the **cold cubed butter** to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, two forks, or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The goal is to have small pieces of butter scattered throughout the flour. These bits of butter will melt during baking, creating pockets of air that give the scones their light and flaky texture.
#### **Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients**
In a separate bowl, whisk together the **heavy cream**, **egg**, **lemon zest**, and **lemon juice**. Once these ingredients are combined, pour them into the dry ingredients and mix gently with a spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can result in dense scones.
If the dough is too dry and crumbly, you can add a little more cream (a tablespoon at a time) until the dough holds together. On the other hand, if the dough becomes too sticky, sprinkle a little flour on top and gently incorporate it.
#### **Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough**
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a round disk, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). Alternatively, you can use a round biscuit cutter to make individual rounds of scones.
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure they’re close together but not touching. This will help them rise evenly during baking.
#### **Step 6: Bake the Scones**
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. When done, they should have a crisp, golden exterior and a soft, fluffy interior.
#### **Step 7: Prepare the Lemon Glaze (Optional)**
While the scones are baking, prepare the **lemon glaze** by whisking together the **powdered sugar**, **lemon juice**, and **vanilla extract** in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If it’s too thick, you can add a little more lemon juice to thin it out.
#### **Step 8: Glaze the Scones**
Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. While they’re still warm, drizzle the **lemon glaze** over the top of the scones. The glaze will soak into the warm scones, creating a sweet, tangy coating that complements the lemony flavor.
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### **Serving and Storing Lemon Cream Scones**
Lemon Cream Scones are best served fresh, while they’re still warm from the oven. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon snack or a delightful breakfast. If you have leftover scones, you can store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the freezer for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until they’re heated through.
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### **Variations of Lemon Cream Scones**
While **Lemon Cream Scones** are delicious on their own, you can experiment with different add-ins to create your own variations:
– **Blueberry Lemon Scones**: Add 1/2 to 3/4 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough for a burst of fruity sweetness that pairs perfectly with the lemon.
– **Lemon Poppy Seed Scones**: Add 1-2 tablespoons of poppy seeds to the dough for an extra texture and a more pronounced lemon flavor.
– **Lemon Lavender Scones**: Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried culinary lavender to the dough for a fragrant, floral note that pairs beautifully with lemon.
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### **Conclusion**
Making **Lemon Cream Scones** is a simple yet satisfying baking project that results in a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The light, flaky texture combined with the bright, zesty flavor of lemon creates an irresistible scone that both adults and kids will love. Whether served at breakfast, for an afternoon tea, or as a special snack, these scones are sure to become a family favorite.
With the right balance of sweetness, creaminess, and citrus, **Lemon Cream Scones** are more than just a recipe—they’re an experience. The fresh lemon flavor shines through in every bite, making these scones a refreshing twist on the classic scone. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing, whip up a batch of these delectable treats and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.
