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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Dry Mixture Preparation: Sift flour, baking soda, baking powder, and salt into a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution and eliminating potential lumps.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Portioning and Shaping: Segment the circular dough into eight precise triangular wedges using a sharp kitchen implement, ensuring uniform sizing for consistent baking.
- 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.
- 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