There is something truly enchanting about these Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe that instantly transports you to a sunlit garden in full bloom. Imagine tender, flaky scones infused with the delicate floral notes of fresh lilac flowers, paired perfectly with a luscious cream cheese icing that is smooth, tangy, and just sweet enough. Whether you are enjoying a cozy morning or hosting friends for afternoon tea, this recipe is a delightful treat that combines elegance with comforting flavors, making every bite a little celebration of spring and sunshine.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in such an inviting way, offering simple pantry staples elevated by fresh lilac and creamy textures. Each plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of fluffy crumb, subtle sweetness, and floral brightness.
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour: The foundation of your scones, giving structure and that classic crumb texture.
- 1/2 cup butter (frozen and grated): Ensures flakiness by staying cold and creating air pockets during baking.
- 1/2 cup sugar: Adds gentle sweetness, ready to be infused with lilac to perfume the dough.
- 1/3 cup yogurt: Contributes moisture and tenderness, keeping the scones soft inside.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: The leavening agent that gives your scones their delightful rise.
- 1 large egg: Binds ingredients and enriches the dough with flavor and color.
- 1/2 cup fresh lilac flowers (flowers only): The star ingredient, delivering an aromatic floral essence like no other.
- Zest of two oranges (optional): Adds a subtle citrus brightness that complements the lilac beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean: Enhances all other flavors with its warm sweetness.
- 1/4 cup softened butter: For the icing, lending a creamy, rich base.
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened): The heart of the icing, providing tang and silkiness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Infuses the icing with delicate fragrance and sweetness.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances flavors and elevates the cream cheese icing overall.
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar: Sweetens the icing to the perfect consistency and taste.
How to Make Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Step 1: Preparing Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This setup ensures your scones bake evenly without sticking, which is a big help. Next, mix the flour and baking powder in a large bowl, setting the stage for the light texture you’re aiming for.
Step 2: Creating the Lilac Sugar
This step is where flavor magic begins! Blend the sugar, fresh lilac flowers, orange zest if using, and vanilla extract together until fragrant and combined. This lilac sugar will infuse the dough with those lovely floral and citrus notes that make this recipe so special.
Step 3: Mixing Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk your egg and yogurt until smooth. This blend keeps the scones tender and adds just the right richness.
Step 4: Combining Butter and Flour
Grate the frozen butter into your flour mixture. Then, using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work it into pea-sized crumbs. This technique ensures your scones will be flaky and light once baked.
Step 5: Bringing the Dough Together
Make a well in the middle of your flour mixture and pour in the egg-yogurt mix along with your lilac sugar. Gently combine everything just until a thick dough forms; overmixing can make scones tough, so keep it light and loving.
Step 6: Shaping and Baking
Transfer the dough onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and pat it into an 8-inch circle. Cut this into 8 wedges with a sharp knife. Brush the tops with a splash of buttermilk or any milk you have on hand. Give the scones space by arranging them with room to rise, then pop them in the oven for 20 minutes until beautifully golden. Let them cool on a wire rack before icing.
Step 7: Whipping Up the Cream Cheese Icing
While the scones bake, whip together softened butter and cream cheese in a mixer until silky smooth. Add vanilla extract and salt, mixing well before gradually incorporating powdered sugar on low speed. You want this icing creamy and spreadable, perfect for slathering over your cooled scones.
How to Serve Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few lilac flowers or edible petals on top of the iced scones for an elegant touch that enhances the floral theme and simply looks irresistible.
Side Dishes
Serve your scones alongside fresh fruit, like sliced strawberries or blueberries, for a fresh contrast. A pot of fragrant herbal tea or a cup of rich coffee also makes an ideal pairing for afternoon savoring.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange these scones on a pretty floral-patterned plate or rustic wooden board alongside small jars of honey, jam, or clotted cream. This spreads out flavors and adds options for guests to customize their experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and iced, keep any leftover Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness and softness.
Freezing
You can freeze uniced scones by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container for up to three months. Freeze the cream cheese icing separately to keep it fresh.
Reheating
Gently warm scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes before serving. Add icing after reheating to keep that perfect texture and flavor contrast.
FAQs
Can I use dried lilac flowers for this Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe?
Fresh lilac flowers are preferred for their vibrant flavor and fragrance, but if you only have dried lilacs, use a smaller amount since their flavor can be more concentrated or woody. Fresh is best to capture that delicate springtime scent.
Is there a substitute for yogurt in the scone dough?
Yes, sour cream or buttermilk can be wonderful substitutes, offering similar acidity and moisture that keep the scones tender and fluffy.
Can I make these scones vegan?
You can try substituting plant-based butter and yogurt, and using a flax egg or other egg replacer. Keep in mind that texture will vary slightly, but with good ingredients, you can still enjoy delicious scones.
How do I know when scones are perfectly baked?
You’ll want golden brown tops and slightly firm edges while maintaining a soft, moist interior. The baking time given is a good guideline, but ovens vary, so check the color and firmness to avoid overbaking.
Why is the icing not spreading smoothly?
If your cream cheese icing is too stiff, it might need a little extra mixing or a splash of milk to loosen it up. Also, make sure your scones are completely cooled before frosting, to prevent melting and sliding.
Final Thoughts
Nothing quite compares to the joy of biting into a warm, fragrant scone topped with velvety cream cheese icing made from scratch. The Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe is a charming treat to share with loved ones or to indulge in on your own. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and let the floral elegance brighten your baking adventures and your table. Happy baking!
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Lilac Scones with Cream Cheese Icing Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Delight in these fragrant Lilac Scones, a unique twist on a classic treat featuring fresh lilac flowers blended into a sweet sugar mixture, combined with a tender dough infused with yogurt and orange zest. Topped with a creamy, smooth cream cheese icing, these scones are perfect for a special breakfast or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 1/4 cups all purpose flour (250 grams)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup butter (1 stick, frozen and grated, 113 grams)
- 1/2 cup sugar (90 grams)
- 1/3 cup yogurt (100 grams)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup fresh lilac flowers (flowers only, removed from stem)
- Zest of two oranges (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract or fresh vanilla bean
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or any milk, for brushing)
Cream Cheese Icing
- 1/4 cup butter (softened, 1/2 stick or 56 grams)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened, brick-style, 113 grams)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean pod)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar (250 grams)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the scones.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and baking powder; set this mixture aside.
- Prepare Lilac Sugar: Using a blender, food processor, or mortar and pestle, grind together the sugar, fresh lilac flowers, optional orange zest, and vanilla extract until well combined to make a fragrant lilac sugar. Set aside.
- Whisk Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the large egg and yogurt until smooth.
- Combine Butter and Flour: Grate your frozen butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, blend until the mixture resembles crumbly, pea-sized pieces.
- Form Dough: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the whisked egg and yogurt, along with the lilac sugar. Mix gently until a thick dough forms.
- Shape and Cut: Transfer the dough onto the lined baking sheet and pat it into an 8-inch circle. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Brush the tops with buttermilk and space the wedges around the baking sheet to allow for rising during baking.
- Bake Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Cream Cheese Icing: While the scones bake, combine softened butter and cream cheese in a stand mixer bowl or a large bowl if using an electric mixer. Beat until creamy and smooth.
- Add Flavoring: Incorporate vanilla extract and salt into the creamy mixture and mix thoroughly.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar while mixing on low speed until fully incorporated and the icing is smooth.
- Frost Scones: Once the scones are completely cool, use an icing spatula to generously spread the cream cheese icing on top. Avoid icing while warm to prevent melting.
Notes
- Use fresh lilac flowers that have not been treated with pesticides or chemicals.
- Frozen grated butter helps achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- The orange zest is optional but adds a lovely citrus note enhancing the floral flavor.
- Make sure scones are fully cooled before icing to prevent the cream cheese frosting from melting.
- You can substitute yogurt with sour cream for a slightly tangier flavor.
- Buttermilk or any milk can be used for brushing the tops before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
