Lemon Scones Recipe from Barefoot Contessa’s Kitchen

Lemon scones burst with vibrant, sun-kissed flavor that electrifies morning palates and afternoon tea rituals.

These golden-edged delicacies whisper tales of comfort and zesty sophistication.

Buttery layers melt seamlessly, creating a tender landscape for bright citrus notes.

Crumbly textures dance between sweet and tangy, promising an unforgettable taste experience.

Each scone carries the essence of comfort, blending traditional baking techniques with modern culinary flair.

Warm from the oven, these scones transform ordinary moments into extraordinary culinary adventures.

Grab your mixing bowl and let’s craft a batch of pure, lemony bliss that will make your taste buds sing.

Baking Tips for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

• Boost Butter Texture: Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into flour to guarantee ultra-flaky scones with perfect crumbly layers.
• Customize Flavor Combos: Swap lemon for orange zest, add dried blueberries or chopped lavender for unexpected taste adventures that transform basic scones into gourmet treats.
• Master Mixing Technique: Handle dough minimally to keep scones tender; overmixing develops gluten and creates tough, dense pastries that lack delicate crumbly texture.
• Glaze Game Changer: Drizzle glaze while scones are slightly warm so it gently seeps into crevices, creating irresistible moisture and intensifying sweet-tangy flavor profile.

Serving Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve these zesty lemon scones alongside a velvety dollop of clotted cream or smooth Greek yogurt for a luxurious breakfast experience.
• Brew the Perfect Beverage Match: Complement the bright citrus flavor with a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea or a refreshing iced lavender latte to elevate your morning treat.
• Create a Delightful Dessert Spread: Arrange the scones on a rustic wooden board with fresh berries, honey drizzle, and a small pot of lemon curd for an Instagram-worthy presentation that will impress brunch guests.
• Weekend Brunch Star: Serve these scones as the centerpiece of a leisurely weekend breakfast, surrounded by light scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storing Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

• Store Freshly: Keep scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Refrigerate for Longer Shelf Life: Seal scones in a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes before serving to restore their fresh-baked texture.
• Freeze for Future Enjoyment: Wrap unbaked scone wedges tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze raw scones for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time when ready to enjoy.
• Glaze Preservation Tip: Apply lemon glaze just before serving to prevent sogginess. Store unglazed scones separately and add the glaze right before enjoying for maximum freshness and crisp texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 440 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: Choose unbleached flour for richer flavor and better texture.
• Baking Soda: Fresh container ensures maximum rising power.
• Baking Powder: Check expiration date for optimal leavening.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt for even distribution.

• Sour Cream: Select full-fat variety for rich, tender crumb.
• Egg: Fresh, room temperature egg helps bind ingredients smoothly.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed provides brightest citrus punch.
• Lemon Zest: Use organic lemons for most intense flavor.

• Powdered Sugar: Sift to prevent lumpy glaze.
• Lemon Juice: Adjust quantity for desired consistency.
• Lemon Zest: Adds bright, fragrant note to topping.

• Cold Butter: Use high-quality, unsalted butter straight from refrigerator for flakiest texture.

Kitchen Tools for Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

• Mixing Bowls: Large bowl for dry ingredients, separate bowl for wet ingredients.
• Whisk: Perfect for blending dry ingredients smoothly.
• Pastry Cutter: Helps break cold butter into tiny crumbs quickly.
• Fork: Great for gently mixing wet and dry ingredients.
• Sharp Knife or Kitchen Scraper: Ideal for cutting dough into clean scone wedges.
• Baking Sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy baking and cleanup.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Essential for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Grater or Zester: Helps create fresh lemon zest.
• Cooling Rack: Allows scones to cool evenly after baking.

Instructions to Bake Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones

Craft Zesty Lemon Scones

• Warm Up the Oven Prepare your kitchen for delightful baking by heating the oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your dry ingredients until they're perfectly blended.
• Create a Buttery Base Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work cold butter into the flour mixture. Gently break down the butter until the mixture looks like tiny, crumbly pebbles that will make your scones wonderfully flaky.
• Mix Creamy Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, blend sour cream, egg, bright lemon zest, and a splash of fresh lemon juice until smooth and vibrant. This magical mixture will give your scones incredible moisture and flavor.
• Bring Dough to Life Tenderly fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Use a fork and mix with a light touch, just until the dough comes together. Remember, gentle mixing is the secret to tender scones.
• Shape and Slice Dust your countertop with flour and transfer the dough. Shape it into a beautiful circle, then slice into eight perfect wedges using a sharp knife. This is where your scones start to take shape!
• Bake to Golden Perfection Arrange the scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Slide them into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until the edges turn a gorgeous golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen with lemony excitement.
• Finish with Zesty Glaze Whip up a tangy glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice and zest. Once the scones have cooled, drizzle the glaze over top, letting it cascade down the sides for a stunning finish.

Sunny Barefoot Contessa Lemon Scones Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

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

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Description

Classic Barefoot Contessa lemon scones shine with zesty citrus and buttery richness. Simple ingredients create a delightful British-style pastry you’ll savor alongside afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 ml) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (80 ml) white sugar
• 2 tsps baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 tsps lemon zest
• 1 large egg, slightly beaten
• 5 tbsps cold butter
• ¾ cup (180 ml) sour cream
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cups (480 ml) powdered sugar
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 2–3 tbsps lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Dry Mixture Preparation: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution and eliminating potential lumps.
2. Butter Integration: Utilize a pastry cutter to methodically incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, creating a texture reminiscent of coarse, pebble-like crumbs that will contribute to the scones’ signature flakiness.
3. Liquid Component Blending: Whisk sour cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a separate vessel until thoroughly combined, forming a vibrant, aromatic liquid base.
4. Dough Formation: Delicately fold liquid ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a tender crumb structure. Transfer the slightly tacky dough onto a flour-dusted surface and gently shape into an 8-inch circular disk.
5. Portioning and Shaping: Segment the circular dough into eight precise triangular wedges using a sharp kitchen implement, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent baking.
6. Baking Process: Arrange scone wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, maintaining slight separation. Slide into a preheated 400°F oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until edges achieve a golden-bronze hue and surfaces appear delicately set.
7. Finishing Touch: After cooling completely on a wire rack, drizzle with prepared glaze, allowing it to cascade elegantly over the scones’ surfaces. Store in an airtight container, refrigerating for up to a week or freezing for three months.

Notes

• Chill Butter Strategically: Keep butter extremely cold to ensure flaky, tender scone texture that melts in your mouth.
• Handle Dough Minimally: Mix ingredients just until combined to prevent tough, dense scones that lack delicate crumb structure.
• Check Oven Temperature: Use an accurate oven thermometer to guarantee precise 400°F baking for golden, evenly cooked edges.
• Zest Fresh Lemons: Always use freshly grated lemon zest for maximum citrusy flavor and vibrant aromatic notes in the scones.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 56 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg