Name: Earl Grey Scones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; 4 sachets Earl Grey tea (content only, about 2 teaspoons); 1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter, cold and cubed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 1/4 cups buttermilk; heavy cream (for brushing, as needed); coarse sugar (for sprinkling, as needed); 1 cup (113 grams) powdered sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; heavy cream (or milk), as needed to thin the glaze

Print Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

If you have a soft spot for comforting baked goods with a fragrant twist, this Earl Grey Scones Recipe is about to become your new favorite treat. Imagine tender, flaky scones infused with the subtle citrusy bergamot notes of Earl Grey tea, finished with a delicate lemon glaze that dances on your taste buds. Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or an anytime indulgence, these scones are deceptively simple to make yet endlessly satisfying. Once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why Earl Grey scones hold a special place in so many hearts.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white marbled surface with several clear glass bowls arranged neatly. In the top center, a large bowl holds white flour with a slightly rough texture. To its right is a smaller bowl filled with fine white sugar. Below the flour bowl to the left is a bowl containing smooth off-white buttermilk. Below the buttermilk is a bowl with several small, pale yellow cubes of butter. In the middle, slightly below the flour bowl, is a small bowl with dark brown vanilla extract. On the right side are three small bowls arranged vertically: pale pink salt at the top, white fine baking soda in the middle, and a lemon placed next to them. Below, a small clear bowl contains coarse dark Earl Grey tea leaves. Next to that is a bowl filled with white powdered sugar, and a small bowl with white baking powder is near the lemon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward but each plays a key role in making your Earl Grey scones tender, flavorful, and beautifully textured. From the aromatic tea leaves to the cold butter that creates those perfect flakes, every component adds up to an irresistible bite.

3 cups (360 grams) all-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and fluffiness in your scones.
1/3 cup (66 grams) granulated sugar: Balances the flavors with a touch of sweetness.
1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Helps with subtle lift and browning.
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for that classic scone rise.
3/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
4 sachets Earl Grey tea: The star ingredient, infusing every bite with citrusy bergamot.
1 1/2 sticks (170 grams) unsalted butter (cold and cubed): Creates the tender, flaky layers when worked into the dough.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth to complement the tea’s aroma.
1 1/4 cup buttermilk: Provides moisture and a slight tang for moist scones.
Heavy cream (as needed): For brushing and a golden, glossy finish.
Coarse sugar (as needed): Adds a delightful crunch on top.
1 cup (113 grams) powdered sugar: For the sweet, smooth lemon glaze.
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brings a fresh zing to the glaze.

How to Make Earl Grey Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. While it warms, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to ensure your scones don’t stick and bake evenly. Having your baking surface ready sets the stage for success.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and the contents of the Earl Grey tea sachets. This combination blends the dry elements and distributes the fragrant tea leaves so their flavor comes through beautifully in every bite.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Using clean, dry hands, work the cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. The goal here is to break the butter down until you have pea-sized bits and a few slightly larger chunks remaining. This creates those signature flaky layers as the scones bake.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

Create a well in the center of the dry mixture and add the vanilla extract along with 1 cup of the buttermilk to start. Begin gently stirring and gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of buttermilk, only as much as needed to bring the dough together without it becoming too wet. This ensures a tender but manageable dough.

Step 5: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently bring it all together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into evenly sized triangles, which will become your scones. Place each triangle onto the prepared baking sheet with a little space between.

Step 6: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the tops of each scone with heavy cream, which encourages a gorgeous golden color as they bake. Optionally, sprinkle coarse sugar on top for a satisfying crunch and sparkle.

Step 7: Baking Time

Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 17 to 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and smell absolutely amazing. Once baked, let them cool slightly before adding the finishing glaze.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Lemon Glaze

Mix powdered sugar with freshly squeezed lemon juice in a small bowl. Add heavy cream or milk one teaspoon at a time, whisking to achieve a smooth, runny glaze. Drizzle it generously over the warm scones, letting it cascade down their sides. This sweet-tart glaze perfectly complements the bergamot notes in the Earl Grey scones.

How to Serve Earl Grey Scones Recipe

Eight triangular pieces of dough are arranged in a circle on a light brown paper, resembling a flower shape with space in the middle. Each piece has a rough texture with small cracks and specks of flour on the surface. The dough is pale beige with visible tiny dark grains or seeds. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Feel free to top your scones with a dusting of edible flowers like lavender or dried rose petals for a charming visual and subtle aroma that pairs well with the tea. A light brush of clotted cream or a dollop of lemon curd can elevate your serving to tea party fabulous.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea to echo the scones’ flavor or complement with fresh berries and a vibrant fruit salad for a refreshing balance. A platter of tangy cream cheese spread or mascarpone can also be delightful companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, assemble the scones on a tiered cake stand with small bowls of jams, honey, and lemon curd to create a charming spread. You can even sandwich some lemon glaze and whipped cream between two scone halves for an unexpected yet decadent treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once completely cooled, store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender and flavorful, though fresh is always best with scones.

Freezing

Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. The scones can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-baked appeal, reheat scones in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This refreshes their flaky texture and warms the lemon glaze delightfully.

FAQs

Can I use loose leaf Earl Grey tea instead of sachets?

Absolutely! Use about 2 tablespoons of loose leaf Earl Grey tea and make sure to finely crush the leaves or steep the tea in the buttermilk before combining. This ensures the flavor infuses evenly throughout the dough without large leaves disrupting the texture.

Is it necessary to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a delicate tang and tenderizes the gluten, yielding softer scones. You can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand. Let it sit for a few minutes before using.

Can I make these scones vegan or dairy-free?

Definitely! Replace butter with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative, and use any plant-based milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice as your buttermilk substitute. Use a suitable plant-based cream for brushing and glazing too.

How do I prevent the scones from being dry?

A key to moist, tender scones is not overworking the dough and ensuring you add enough buttermilk to bring it together without making it wet. Using cold butter and keeping the dough chilled also helps achieve the perfect texture.

Can I add mix-ins like berries or chocolate chips?

Of course! Blueberries, chopped dark chocolate, or even candied citrus peel can be folded into the dough before shaping. Just be mindful of extra moisture from fruit, which may require a slight adjustment in flour or baking time.

Final Thoughts

Making these Earl Grey scones is like inviting a little bit of calm sophistication to your kitchen, complete with comforting warmth and subtle elegance. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you’ll love how the fragrant tea and tangy citrus glaze come together in soft, flaky scones that are perfect for any moment worth savoring. Once you taste them fresh from the oven, I promise they’ll become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.