Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings a burst of fresh fruitiness wrapped in tender, flaky goodness, then this Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe is exactly what your mornings (or afternoons) have been waiting for. These scones are soft and fluffy, thanks to the magic of buttermilk, and studded with juicy strawberries, making each bite a perfect blend of sweet and slightly tangy. Imagine cozying up with a warm scone and your favorite cup of tea, feeling the gorgeous aroma and flavor lift your spirits—this recipe is your new go-to for that experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredient list simple yet essential is key to achieving the perfect strawberry buttermilk scones. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s creating the tender crumb, adding fresh flavor, or lending a delicate sweetness and golden crust.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of our scones, providing structure and fluffiness.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to brighten up every bite.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become delightfully light.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Reacts with buttermilk to add tenderness and lift.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out the other flavors beautifully.
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed: The secret to flaky layers and buttery richness.
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries: Bursts of juicy sweetness and vibrant color throughout the scones.
- 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a pleasant tang, keeping scones tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Subtle warmth that enhances the strawberry flavor.
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional): A little sparkle and crunch on top if you like a sweet crust.
How to Make Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mixture is the dry base that will give your scones the perfect rise and crumb.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step is essential because those tiny butter pieces create steam during baking, resulting in that flaky texture we all love in scones.
Step 3: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the chopped fresh strawberries into the dry mixture. Be careful not to crush them; the goal is to have lovely pockets of juicy fruit throughout the dough. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure they’re thawed and drained very well to avoid soggy dough.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid mixture into the flour and strawberry mixture, stirring just until everything is combined. Overmixing can toughen your scones, so gentle handling is key to keeping them tender and soft.
Step 5: Shape the Dough and Cut the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. This classic shape makes for perfect individual scones that bake evenly.
Step 6: Prepare for Baking
Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet and brush the tops lightly with additional buttermilk. If you enjoy a touch of sparkle and crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top now. This final flourish gives your scones a golden, slightly crunchy crust that’s irresistibly pretty.
Step 7: Bake and Cool
Bake your scones in the preheated oven for 18–22 minutes or until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. Once done, pull them out and let them cool just enough so they’re warm but won’t burn your fingers. Now you’ve got fresh, irresistible strawberry buttermilk scones ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
Garnishes
The beauty of this Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe is that it shines on its own, but adding a few garnishes elevates the experience. A light spread of clotted cream or whipped butter adds richness, while a drizzle of honey or a scatter of fresh strawberry slices brings fresh, natural sweetness and that inviting pop of color.
Side Dishes
Scones are wonderful with a simple cup of tea or coffee, but if you want to create a more indulgent brunch spread, consider serving them alongside fresh fruit salad, yogurt parfaits, or even a small cheese plate. The creamy or tangy sides beautifully complement the sweet and tender scones.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, stack two scones and sandwich them with strawberry jam and clotted cream to create an elegant strawberry cream scone sandwich. Or serve the scones on a delicate tiered tray at a brunch party—they’re as lovely to look at as they are to eat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers from your Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This will keep them fresh and soft, just like when freshly baked.
Freezing
To enjoy these scones any time you like, freeze the baked ones by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep well for up to three months. When you’re ready to indulge, just thaw at room temperature or gently warm them.
Reheating
Reheat your scones in a warm oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for 5–10 minutes to bring back that just-baked warmth and flaky texture. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make them rubbery rather than tender.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries for this Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw and drain them very well before adding to the dough, so you avoid excess moisture that could make the scones soggy.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?
A quick substitute is to mix 3/4 cup milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar, let it sit for 5 minutes, and then use it just like you would buttermilk in the recipe. This will mimic the acidity and tenderness without changing the flavor too much.
Why is the butter cold in this recipe?
Cold butter helps create flaky layers in baked goods. As the butter melts in the oven, it produces steam which puffs up the dough, giving those lovely light, flaky scones you want.
Can I add other fruits or flavorings to this recipe?
Absolutely! While strawberries are the star here, feel free to experiment with blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped peaches. You can also add a little lemon zest or almond extract to complement the fruit.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Your scones are ready when they turn a nice golden brown on top and feel firm but tender when you gently press them. Baking time can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep a close watch from 18 minutes onward.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe enough – it’s a true crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to throw together but delivers that homemade, bakery-quality taste you’ll want to make again and again. Whether it’s a lazy weekend breakfast or a must-have accompaniment for your afternoon tea, these scones add a little burst of joy to your day. So, grab your ingredients, get baking, and savor every strawberry-filled, buttery, tender bite!
Print
Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These strawberry buttermilk scones are soft, fluffy, and bursting with fresh strawberry flavor. The buttermilk keeps them tender, while a touch of sugar adds the perfect hint of sweetness. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (plus more for brushing)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Other Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- Coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute all leavening agents and seasonings.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, which creates the flaky texture in the scones.
- Add Strawberries: Gently fold in the chopped fresh strawberries, being careful not to crush them to keep pieces intact within the dough.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and vanilla extract until well combined, adding flavor and moisture to the dough.
- Form Dough: Pour the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, avoiding overmixing to maintain a tender texture.
- Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick, preparing it for even slicing and baking.
- Cut Scones: Cut the dough circle into 8 wedges and arrange them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Finishing Touches: Brush the tops of the scones with additional buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired to add a crunchy sweet topping.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the scones cool slightly before serving for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- Frozen strawberries can be used, but thaw and drain them well before adding to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
- For extra richness and indulgence, serve the scones with clotted cream or whipped butter.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
