If you are looking for a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a tender, flaky crumb, this Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe will quickly become your go-to favorite. Bursting with fresh strawberries, hints of vanilla, and a luscious cream glaze, these scones transform a simple breakfast or snack into a moment of pure joy. They’re easy enough to make any morning but feel special enough for celebrations or teatime gatherings. Trust me, once you try these strawberries & cream scones, you’ll be hooked on their irresistible charm!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making this recipe is a breeze thanks to simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe. From the tender crumb created by butter and flour to the burst of strawberry flavor and the sweet glaze that ties it all together, each element plays a crucial role.
- Chopped fresh strawberries (1 cup): Provides natural sweetness and juicy bursts throughout the scones.
- Half and half or milk (1/2 cup + 2-3 tbsp): Adds richness to the dough and helps create a tender texture.
- Vanilla extract (3/4 tsp): Enhances the flavor with a warm, aromatic note.
- Large egg (1): Binds ingredients together and adds moisture.
- All-purpose flour (2 cups + 2 tbsp): The foundation of the dough that gives structure.
- Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
- Salt (1/4 tsp): Balances the sweetness and enriches flavor.
- Baking powder (2 1/2 tsp): Leavens the dough to deliver fluffy scones.
- Cinnamon (1/4 tsp): Adds subtle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Cold salted butter (1/2 cup): Key for creating flaky layers and richness.
- White chocolate chips (1/4 cup): Melts into pockets of creamy sweetness.
- Freeze-dried strawberries (1/3 cup + 1/3 cup, pulsed into powder): Concentrated strawberry flavor that intensifies the berry taste.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): For making the sweet glaze on top.
How to Make Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Strawberries and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking. The key trick here is gently blotting your fresh sliced strawberries to remove excess moisture. This keeps your scones from getting watery and helps maintain their tender crumb. Two rounds of blotting with paper towels work wonders.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the vanilla extract, egg, and half and half in a glass measuring cup, then pop it in the fridge. This chilled wet mixture will later combine smoothly with the dry ingredients without warming your butter too soon, keeping your scones delightfully flaky.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Butter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Cut cold salted butter into chunks and use a pastry blender (or your fingers if you’re feeling adventurous) to incorporate the butter until the mixture looks crumbly with some pea-sized bits. This step is crucial for those flaky layers you dream about.
Step 4: Fold in Strawberries and White Chocolate
Crush the freeze-dried strawberries slightly to release their concentrated flavor, then gently fold them together with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips into the flour and butter mixture. Be gentle here to avoid breaking up the strawberries too much.
Step 5: Form the Dough
Add the chilled wet ingredients to the dry mix and gently stir with a spatula. The dough should come together without being sticky—add an extra tablespoon of flour if it feels wet. Shape the dough into a ball with lightly floured hands and flatten it into an 8-inch disc.
Step 6: Chill and Slice
Cut this disc into 8 equal wedges and place them spaced apart on your prepared baking sheet. Freeze the slices for 15 minutes to solidify the butter again, which helps the scones rise beautifully and bake into tender pockets of buttery goodness.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden
Brush the scones’ tops with a light bit of cream or milk and sprinkle some coarse sugar if you like a crunchy finish. Bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden and fully set. The aroma alone will have you eager to dive in.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While baking, whisk powdered sugar, pulsed freeze-dried strawberries, and 2-3 tablespoons of half and half or milk to create a luscious glaze. Adjust the thickness with more cream if needed. Drizzle over scones once they have cooled for a few minutes, turning each bite into a sweet, creamy berry delight.
How to Serve Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop, sprinkle a few freeze-dried strawberry crumbs on top of the glaze right after drizzling. A small dollop of whipped cream or a fresh strawberry slice makes for a stunning presentation and adds an inviting freshness to each bite.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a pot of your favorite tea or coffee. A fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait complements the richness of the scones and keeps your breakfast or brunch balanced and bright.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the scones stacked on a pretty cake stand or arrange them on a rustic wooden board alongside jam jars and clotted cream. For brunch gatherings, plate scones with edible flowers and small bowls of fruit preserves for a charming, Instagram-worthy spread that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag in the fridge. This will keep the scones fresh for 1-2 days while maintaining their moisture and flavor. Just remember they’re best enjoyed warm or at room temperature.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked scones after shaping and before baking. Place them on a tray to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time. This tip makes the Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe perfect for last-minute treats.
Reheating
Warm your scones gently in a preheated oven at 300°F for 8-10 minutes or zap them briefly in the microwave for a few seconds. The glaze might soften slightly, but that sweet, creamy finish will still shine through. Enjoy these warm for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Fresh strawberries are best for this recipe because they hold their texture better and won’t release too much moisture. However, if you use frozen, be sure to thaw and drain them well before folding into the dough to avoid sogginess in your scones.
What can I substitute for half and half?
You can use whole milk or even heavy cream diluted with milk in equal parts. The goal is to maintain that creamy texture without making the dough too heavy or wet.
How do I keep scones moist but not dense?
Chilling the dough and using cold butter are key to flaky, moist scones. Also, avoid overmixing; gentle folding maintains air pockets that give you that tender crumb without density.
Can I make the glaze sugar-free?
Yes! You can substitute powdered sugar with a powdered erythritol blend designed for baking or drizzle a light honey or maple syrup glaze instead. Just adjust sweetness to taste.
Are these scones suitable for breakfast or dessert?
Absolutely! The balance of fruit, cream, and sweetness makes them versatile enough to shine as a luxurious breakfast or a delightful afternoon snack or dessert.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe inspires you to fill your kitchen with the irresistible scent of fresh berries, vanilla, and buttery scones. They’re simple enough to make any day but special enough to make every bite feel like a celebration. Trust me, sharing these with family or friends will turn ordinary mornings into memorable moments. Give them a try—you deserve that perfect bite of strawberries and cream happiness.
Print
Strawberries & Cream Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously tender Strawberries & Cream Scones bursting with fresh strawberries, white chocolate chips, and a delicate strawberry glaze. These bakery-style scones are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat, combining a light crumb with sweet fruity and creamy flavors.
Ingredients
Scones
- 1 cup chopped, fresh strawberries (130 grams)
- 2 cups + 2 tbsp all-purpose flour (280 grams)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 cup cold salted butter (113 grams)
- 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
- 1/3 cup freeze dried strawberries
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup half and half or milk
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tbsp half and half or milk
- 1/3 cup freeze-dried strawberries, pulsed into a powder
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Prepare your fresh strawberries by gently blotting them dry between paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps prevent soggy scones.
- Make the Scones: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together the vanilla extract, egg, and half and half or milk, then chill in the fridge. In a large mixing bowl, combine sugar, flour, salt, cinnamon, and baking powder. Cut the cold salted butter into chunks and use a pastry blender to mix it into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized butter pieces. Lightly crush the freeze-dried strawberries and gently fold them along with fresh strawberries and white chocolate chips into the dry mixture. Slowly add the chilled wet ingredients and fold gently using a spatula to combine, being careful not to overmix. If the dough feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of flour. Shape the dough into an 8-inch diameter disc, then cut into 8 equal slices. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes to firm up before baking. Just before baking, brush the tops lightly with heavy cream or milk and optionally sprinkle with coarse sugar for a bit of crunchy sweetness.
- Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they become golden brown and no wet spots are visible in the dough.
- Glaze: While the scones bake, whisk together powdered sugar, freeze-dried strawberry powder, and half and half or milk in a small bowl to create the glaze. Adjust the consistency by adding extra cream or milk if needed to make it drizzle-friendly. Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over each scone.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy these scones warm for the best flavor and texture. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Blotting fresh strawberries removes extra moisture, keeping the scones light and preventing sogginess.
- Freezing the dough disc before baking helps maintain the scones’ shape and gives a flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to ensure tender scones rather than tough ones.
- If you don’t have freeze-dried strawberries, they can be omitted but will reduce the strawberry flavor intensity and texture contrast.
- Scones are best eaten fresh but can be briefly warmed before serving if refrigerated.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast & Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
