Name: Mini Lemon Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Ingredients: 2 cups All-purpose flour; 2 tablespoons Granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon Baking powder; ½ teaspoon Salt; 6 tablespoons Cold unsalted butter; 1 box Instant lemon pudding mix; ½ cup Heavy cream; 1 large Egg; 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract; Zest from one large Lemon; ½ cup Powdered sugar; Pinch Salt; 1-2 tablespoons Fresh lemon juice

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There’s something truly heartwarming about baking, and my most recent adventure involved crafting the perfect batch of Mini Lemon Scones. It all started on a sunny Saturday morning, as the light streamed into my kitchen, creating a dance of shadows across the countertop. I had a sudden craving for a treat that would evoke the freshness of spring, and what better way to celebrate the season than with bright, zesty lemon scones? These little delights are not just pastries; they’re a ticket to a sunny afternoon tea party or a cozy breakfast on a lazy weekend. As I gathered my ingredients, each one brought back memories of family gatherings where we’d savor every bite together, laughter filling the air alongside the sweet aroma of baked goods. My love for baking was ignited by these memories, and I couldn’t wait to share the joy of Mini Lemon Scones with you.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
32 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
12 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
190 kcal

Protein:
3g g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
8g g

Tools Used:
Oven, Wooden Spoon, Whisk, Cutting Board, Baking Sheet, Mixing Bowl, Chef’s Knife

What Sets This Mini Lemon Scones Apart

They’re Incredibly Easy to Make

One of the greatest things about Mini Lemon Scones is how simple they are to whip up! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you can have these delightful treats ready in no time. There’s something so satisfying about making these from scratch, and the process is almost therapeutic. You’ll be surprised at how quickly they come together, making them perfect for both novice and seasoned bakers.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a weekend brunch, a tea party, or a cozy dessert after dinner, Mini Lemon Scones are versatile enough to fit any occasion. Serve them with a touch of cream and fresh fruit, or just enjoy them as they are! Their bright flavor is a hit with everyone, and you might even find them disappearing faster than you can bake them.

Bright, Zesty Flavor

Every bite of these scones bursts with lemony goodness! The fresh lemon zest and juice give them a vibrant flavor that’s refreshing without being overpowering. They’re a delightful way to enjoy the essence of spring, and with the addition of a simple glaze, they become an even more irresistible treat that’s sure to impress.

Texture You’ll Love

One of the hallmarks of a great scone is its texture, and these Mini Lemon Scones do not disappoint. They’re perfectly fluffy on the inside with a light, golden crust on the outside. The use of cold butter helps achieve that flaky texture we all crave. You’ll love how they crumble in your mouth just right!

Room for Creativity

These scones are a blank canvas for your creativity! While they shine on their own, you can easily customize them by adding your favorite extras – think blueberries or poppy seeds for a twist on the classic. You can even experiment with different glazes to suit your personal taste.

Great for Sharing

There’s something special about sharing baked goods with friends and family. When you make Mini Lemon Scones, you’re not just creating a delicious treat; you’re also creating memories. They’re perfect for gatherings, and you can easily scale the recipe up or down based on the number of guests. Everyone will appreciate the love and effort you put into making them!

What Goes Into Mini Lemon Scones

When it comes to baking Mini Lemon Scones, the ingredients are what bring this recipe to life. Each component plays a vital role, and together, they create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The key players include all-purpose flour for structure, granulated sugar for sweetness, and of course, zesty lemon that adds that refreshing kick. Let’s dive into what makes these scones so special.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of any scone, this flour provides the structure needed to hold the light and fluffy texture.
Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness balances the tartness of the lemon, making every bite deliciously enjoyable.
Baking powder: This is what gives the scones their lift, ensuring they rise beautifully in the oven.
Salt: A pinch of salt enhances flavor and brings out the sweetness of the sugar.
Cold unsalted butter: Diced into the flour, it creates that flaky texture we all love in scones.
Instant lemon pudding mix: This adds a burst of flavor and helps maintain moisture in the scones.
Heavy cream: This rich ingredient adds creaminess and flavor, making the scones tender.
Egg: It helps bind the ingredients together and adds richness.
Lemon zest: A key to that bright, zesty flavor in every bite.
Powdered sugar: Used in the glaze, it adds sweetness and a lovely shine to the finished scones.
Fresh lemon juice: This enhances the lemon flavor and adds a bit of tang to the glaze.

Step by Step Guide for Mini Lemon Scones

Baking Mini Lemon Scones is a delightful journey that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have scones that are not only tasty but also a joy to make. Let’s get started!

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (about 220 degrees Celsius). This high heat will ensure your scones bake perfectly, resulting in that golden crust we all love. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This helps to evenly distribute the dry ingredients, ensuring that every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Add the cold unsalted butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see some small butter pieces because they create pockets of flakiness!
Stir in the instant lemon pudding mix until thoroughly combined. This is where the magic happens; it adds flavor and moisture to your scones.
In a separate measuring cup, combine the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until smooth. This mixture will join the dry ingredients next.
Create a well in the center of your dry mixture and pour in the wet ingredients. Using a fork, gently stir until just combined. Don’t worry if there are still some dry bits; over-mixing can lead to tough scones.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it just a few times until it comes together smoothly. Be careful not to over-knead; you want to maintain that tender texture!
Divide the dough into two halves and shape each half into a disk, about 1 to 2 inches thick. This helps them bake evenly and achieve that perfect scone shape.
Slice each disk into 8 wedges, which will give you a total of 16 mini scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one for rising.
Bake for 8 to 11 minutes, or until the bottoms are just golden brown. Keep an eye on them; the scones should be fluffy and light!
Once baked, allow the scones to cool completely on a wire rack before glazing. To make the glaze, whisk together powdered sugar, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones and let set for a few minutes before serving.

Things Worth Knowing

Use cold ingredients: Keeping the butter and cream cold helps create flaky layers in your scones.
Don’t overwork the dough: Mixing just until combined will ensure your scones are light and fluffy.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add berries or nuts for an extra twist on these classic scones.
Check for doneness: The bottoms should be lightly golden; if they are too dark, the scones might be overbaked.

Making Adjustments

Every baker has their own style, and sometimes adjustments are necessary to fit your needs. Here are some tips to help you create the perfect batch of Mini Lemon Scones!

Storage: Once cooled, store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Freezing: They freeze beautifully! Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months.
Pairing: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a side of fresh berries for a delightful treat.
Flavor variation: Consider adding poppy seeds or blueberries for a delicious twist on the traditional lemon scone.
Glazing: Feel free to experiment with different flavors of glaze; try adding orange juice or almond extract for something unique.

Best Served With

The beauty of Mini Lemon Scones lies in their versatility. Here are some delightful ways to serve them:

Tea Time: Pair your scones with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, perfect for afternoon breaks.
Brunch Spread: Include them on your brunch table alongside fresh fruits and pastries for a delightful spread.
Festive Occasions: Great for spring celebrations or holidays where light, refreshing flavors shine.
With Cream: Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream to elevate your scone experience.
Picnics: These scones are easy to transport and make for a delicious picnic treat.
As a Snack: They’re also a wonderful snack any time of the day.

FAQ

Absolutely! Mini Lemon Scones can be made ahead of time. You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, simply slice and bake as directed. Alternatively, you can bake them and store them in an airtight container, allowing them to stay fresh for a few days. Just remember to reheat them slightly in the oven to bring back their delightful texture!

These scones are versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments! Enjoy them with a dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream, and a side of fresh berries for a delightful treat. They also pair beautifully with tea or coffee, making them a perfect choice for afternoon gatherings or brunch. You can even serve them with a light lemon curd for an extra zing!

You’ll know your Mini Lemon Scones are done when they turn a lovely golden brown color on the bottoms. They should feel light and fluffy when touched, and an inserted toothpick should come out clean. If you’re unsure, it’s better to err on the side of baking them slightly longer than underbaking, so you achieve that perfect texture!

Yes, you can freeze Mini Lemon Scones! They freeze exceptionally well. Once baked and cooled, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply remove them from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature or reheat them in the oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste almost like freshly baked!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Mini Lemon Scones are not just a treat; they’re a delightful way to bring a little sunshine into your day. Their zesty flavor and tender texture make them irresistible, whether enjoyed with tea or as a sweet snack. I encourage you to try making these scones at home and share them with loved ones. They’ll surely become a favorite in your baking repertoire!