Strawberry Shortcake Scones: 5 Steps to Flaky Perfection

There’s something truly magical about the joy of baking, especially when it comes to making the best Strawberry Shortcake Scones. Picture this: the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries wafting through your kitchen as you mix up a tender, buttery dough. These delightful scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a sweet afternoon treat, and they come together in no time! Trust me, once you take that first bite, with the flaky layers and bursts of juicy strawberries, you’ll be hooked.

What I love about these scones is how versatile they are. You can enjoy them warm, drizzled with a luscious glaze, or topped with a dollop of whipped cream and more fresh strawberries for that classic shortcake experience. Plus, they’re easy to whip up, whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out. So, grab your mixing bowl and let’s dive into the delightful world of Strawberry Shortcake Scones—you’re in for a treat!

Ingredients List

To create these scrumptious Strawberry Shortcake Scones, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into tiny cubes
• 10 small strawberries, hulled and finely diced
• 3/4 cup half and half

For the glaze, which adds that delightful finishing touch:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/4 cup half and half
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Make sure to have everything prepped and ready to go before you start mixing! Fresh strawberries are key, so choose the ripest, sweetest ones you can find for the best flavor. I always say good ingredients lead to great results!

How to Prepare Strawberry Shortcake Scones

Now that we’ve gathered all our ingredients, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delicious Strawberry Shortcake Scones! Follow these steps closely, and you’ll have a batch of warm, flaky scones in no time.

Preheat and Prepare

First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven helps the scones rise beautifully and develop that golden crust we all love. While the oven is heating up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little trick ensures that your scones won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did!

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure to whisk it well until everything is combined. This step is crucial because it helps to evenly distribute the baking powder and sugar throughout the flour. You want a nice, light mixture to give your scones that fluffy texture.

Incorporate Butter

Next up, it’s time to incorporate the butter! Take your 6 tablespoons of chilled unsalted butter and cut it into tiny cubes. Using a pastry blender, or even your fingers if you prefer, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see some pea-sized pieces of butter—it’s what makes these scones tender and flaky. Be careful not to overdo it; we want to keep some air in there for that perfect rise!

Add Strawberries and Wet Ingredients

Now for the star of the show—strawberries! Toss in your finely diced 10 small strawberries, making sure they’re well coated in the flour mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom while baking. Next, pour in the 3/4 cup of half and half. Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until a soft dough forms. Remember, don’t overmix! We want to keep the dough light and airy, so just fold until everything is combined.

Shape and Cut the Dough

Flour your work surface lightly and turn the dough out onto it. Pat the dough into a rectangle or circle about 1 inch thick. If you’re feeling fancy, you can use a rolling pin, but I love to do it by hand—it feels more rustic! Once shaped, grab a sharp knife and cut the dough into 6 or 8 triangles. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; the beauty of scones is in their charming imperfections!

Bake and Cool

Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a bit to give them room to expand. Pop them in the oven and bake for 16-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re done when they’ve risen beautifully and you can lightly tap the top—if it sounds hollow, you’re all set! Once baked, let them cool on a rack for about 10 minutes. This cooling time is crucial to let the scones firm up a bit.

Make the Glaze

While the scones are cooling, let’s whip up that delicious glaze! In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2 cups of powdered sugar, 1/4 cup of half and half, and 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a splash more half and half until you reach the perfect drizzling consistency. Once your scones are slightly cooled, you can dunk the tops in the glaze or drizzle it over the top. Either way, they’re going to look beautiful and taste even better!

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional information for each Strawberry Shortcake Scone. Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes. But this should give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 20mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 10g
• Protein: 3g

These delightful scones are a lovely treat for breakfast or dessert, and knowing their nutritional content can help you indulge with a little more peace of mind. Enjoy every fluffy, strawberry-filled bite!

Tips for Success

To ensure your Strawberry Shortcake Scones turn out perfectly every time, I’ve gathered some of my top tips that I swear by in my kitchen. Let’s dive in!

Avoid Overmixing

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when making scones is overmixing the dough. It can lead to tough, dense scones instead of the light, flaky treats we’re after. Remember, when you’re folding in the wet ingredients, just mix until everything is combined. A few lumps are okay—trust me, it’ll all come together beautifully during baking!

Handle Sticky Dough with Care

If your dough feels a bit sticky, don’t panic! Just sprinkle a light dusting of flour on your work surface and your hands to help with handling. But be careful not to add too much flour, as that can alter the scone’s texture. You want just enough to keep it manageable without making it dry.

Get the Glaze Just Right

When it comes to the glaze, you want it to be smooth and pourable but not too runny. If you find it’s too thick, add a splash more half and half until you reach that perfect consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, just whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. You want it to coat the tops of your scones nicely without running off completely!

Use Fresh Strawberries

Fresh strawberries are key to making these scones shine. Look for the ripest, juiciest berries at the market for the best flavor. If they’re overripe, they might add too much moisture to the dough, so aim for firm, sweet berries that will hold their shape during baking.

Experiment with Flavors

Feel free to get creative! Add a sprinkle of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy zing, or swap out strawberries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries. Each variation brings a new twist on this classic recipe, and it’s a fun way to keep things interesting!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re well on your way to baking up a batch of Strawberry Shortcake Scones that will impress everyone around your table. Enjoy the process and happy baking!

Variations on Strawberry Shortcake Scones

While classic Strawberry Shortcake Scones are undeniably delicious, one of the best parts about baking is the opportunity to experiment! Here are some fun variations to switch things up and cater to different tastes.

Berry Medley Scones

Why limit yourself to just strawberries? Try adding a mix of berries like blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a colorful and flavorful medley. Each berry brings its own unique sweetness and tartness, creating a delightful burst of flavor in every bite!

Citrus Infusion

If you’re a fan of zesty flavors, adding lemon or orange zest to the dough can elevate your scones to a whole new level. The bright citrus notes pair beautifully with strawberries and will leave your kitchen smelling heavenly. Just a teaspoon or two of zest will do the trick!

Chocolate Chip Strawberry Scones

For a sweet twist, fold in some semi-sweet chocolate chips along with the strawberries. The combination of rich chocolate and juicy strawberries is simply irresistible! This variation is perfect for a decadent breakfast or a special treat.

Herb-Infused Scones

Feeling adventurous? Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or mint into your scone mixture. The subtle herbal notes complement the sweetness of the strawberries and add a refreshing touch. Just a tablespoon of finely chopped herbs will provide a unique flavor profile that’s sure to surprise and delight!

Nutty Crunch

If you love a bit of texture, consider adding chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts to the dough. They provide a delightful crunch and add a nutty flavor that pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries. Just be sure to adjust the amount so the scones don’t become too dense!

With these variations, you can enjoy endless possibilities while keeping the essence of Strawberry Shortcake Scones intact. So go ahead and let your creativity shine—your taste buds will thank you!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your Strawberry Shortcake Scones, the options for serving are as delightful as the scones themselves! One of my absolute favorite ways to enjoy these treats is with a generous dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. It adds a luxurious creaminess that perfectly complements the sweet strawberries. You can even sweeten the cream slightly with a touch of sugar and a hint of vanilla for an extra special touch!

Fresh strawberries are always a great addition, too. Whether you slice them up and place them right on the scone or serve them on the side, their natural sweetness brings out the flavor of the scones beautifully. If you’re feeling a bit fancy, why not macerate the strawberries in a sprinkle of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice? This brings out their juices and creates a lovely syrup to drizzle over your scones.

For beverages, I love pairing these scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee. A light herbal tea, like chamomile or mint, offers a refreshing contrast to the sweet scones. If you prefer something more indulgent, a creamy latte or cappuccino is a perfect match! Enjoying these scones with loved ones over a leisurely breakfast or brunch truly makes it a memorable experience. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make the scone dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the scone dough and shape it into triangles, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just preheat your oven and pop them in straight from the fridge—no need to thaw!

Q2: How should I store leftover scones?
To keep your Strawberry Shortcake Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. Just make sure they’re completely cooled first, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They should last for about a month, and you can reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

Q3: Can I substitute the strawberries with another fruit?
Definitely! While strawberries are the star of this recipe, you can easily swap them out for other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even diced peaches. Just make sure to adjust the quantity if you’re using larger fruits to maintain the right dough consistency.

Q4: What if my scone dough is too sticky?
If your dough feels sticky while you’re working with it, don’t worry! Simply sprinkle a little flour on your work surface and on your hands to help manage the dough. Just be careful not to add too much flour, as that can make your scones dense.

Q5: How can I make these scones healthier?
You can make a few simple swaps to lighten up your Strawberry Shortcake Scones. Try using whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for added fiber, or reduce the sugar slightly. You can also substitute part of the butter with unsweetened applesauce for a lower-fat version. Just remember that these changes might slightly affect the texture and flavor, but they’ll still be delicious!

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