Homemade Fruit Scones Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide
Introduction
Fruit scones are a delightful treat, perfect for breakfast or a snack with tea. Bursting with flavors from fresh or dried fruits, these scones are buttery, slightly sweet, and satisfyingly crumbly. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to making delicious fruit scones at home!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients well, which will ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and sweetness.
Step 3: Add the Butter
Add the cubed, cold butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. These small bits of butter will create flakiness in the scones.
Step 4: Add the Fruit
Gently fold the fruit into the flour-butter mixture, ensuring the fruit is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly yet able to hold together.
Step 6: Form the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. If the dough is sticky, dust your hands with flour for easier handling.
Step 7: Cut the Scones
Using a round biscuit cutter (or a knife for wedge shapes), cut the dough into individual scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart for even baking.
Step 8: Brush with Milk
Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of milk. This step helps give the scones a lovely golden-brown color as they bake.
Step 9: Bake
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes or until golden brown. For even baking, rotate the baking sheet halfway through if needed.
Step 10: Cool and Enjoy
Once the scones are baked, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Tips for Perfect Fruit Scones
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Cold butter and milk make the scones flaky and tender.
- Avoid Overmixing: Mix the dough just until it comes together. Overmixing will make the scones dense.
- Fruit Options: Try using blueberries, chopped strawberries, cranberries, or apricots for a different flavor profile. Fresh or dried fruit both work well in this recipe.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sugar: For a little extra sweetness, sprinkle sugar on top of each scone before baking.
Enjoy your homemade fruit scones as a delightful snack or breakfast treat, bursting with fruity flavor and buttery goodness!