These delightful lemon scones are the perfect blend of tangy and sweet, making them an ideal treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. With a tender crumb and a burst of citrus flavor, they are sure to brighten up your day.
While most of the ingredients for these lemon scones are common pantry staples, you might need to pick up heavy cream and fresh lemon zest. Heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the scones, while lemon zest provides a fresh, vibrant citrus flavor. Make sure to choose a fresh lemon for the best zest and juice.

Ingredients For Lemon Scones Recipe
Flour: The base of the scone, providing structure and texture.
Sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.
Baking powder: Helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
Butter: Adds richness and flakiness to the scones.
Heavy cream: Provides moisture and a tender crumb.
Lemon zest: Adds a burst of fresh citrus flavor.
Lemon juice: Enhances the lemon flavor and adds a bit of tang.
Technique Tip for Making Scones
When cutting in the cold butter, use a pastry cutter or two knives to ensure the butter is evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. This will create small pockets of butter that melt during baking, resulting in a flaky and tender scone.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
all-purpose flour - Substitute with whole wheat flour: Whole wheat flour adds a nutty flavor and more fiber, though it may make the scones denser.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and moisture, but you may need to reduce the liquid in the recipe slightly.
baking powder - Substitute with baking soda and cream of tartar: Use ¼ teaspoon baking soda and ½ teaspoon cream of tartar for each teaspoon of baking powder.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a slightly different mineral content and flavor profile.
cold butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used for a dairy-free option, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream is a good dairy-free alternative that provides similar richness and texture.
lemon zest - Substitute with orange zest: Orange zest offers a different citrus flavor that can still provide a fresh, zesty note.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and citrus flavor, though it will change the overall taste slightly.
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How To Store / Freeze Your Scones
Allow the lemon scones to cool completely on a wire rack before storing or freezing. This prevents condensation from forming, which can make them soggy.
For short-term storage, place the cooled scones in an airtight container. Line the container with parchment paper to absorb any excess moisture. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days.
To extend freshness, refrigerate the scones. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to a week.
For freezing, wrap each lemon scone tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no part of the scone is exposed to air. Place the wrapped scones in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen scones at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. For a freshly baked taste, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until warmed through.
If you prefer a quicker method, microwave the thawed scones on a microwave-safe plate for 20-30 seconds. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make them tough.
For added flavor, brush the scones with a light glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar before reheating. This will enhance the lemon zest and give them a delightful finish.
How To Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the leftover lemon scones on a baking sheet.
- Lightly cover the scones with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out.
- Heat for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
- Remove the foil for the last 2 minutes if you want a slightly crispier exterior.
Microwave Method:
- Place a lemon scone on a microwave-safe plate.
- Cover the scone with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
- Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds.
- Check if it's warm enough; if not, continue in 10-second intervals.
Toaster Oven Method:
- Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the lemon scones directly on the toaster oven rack or a small baking sheet.
- Heat for about 5-7 minutes, keeping an eye on them to avoid over-browning.
Stovetop Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over low heat.
- Place the lemon scones in the skillet.
- Cover with a lid to create a mini-oven effect.
- Heat for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until warmed through.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C).
- Place the lemon scones in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure they don't overcook.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) to bake the scones.
Mixing bowl: Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Pastry cutter: Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Measuring cups: Measure out the flour, sugar, and heavy cream accurately.
Measuring spoons: Measure the baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Zester: Obtain fresh lemon zest for the scones.
Juicer: Extract fresh lemon juice.
Spatula: Stir in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.
Floured surface: Turn the dough out and knead gently.
Rolling pin: Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
Knife: Cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Baking sheet: Place the wedges on it for baking.
Parchment paper: Line the baking sheet to prevent sticking.
Cooling rack: Allow the scones to cool after baking.
How to Save Time on Making Scones
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter before starting. This saves time during the mixing process.
Use a food processor: Quickly cut in the cold butter by pulsing it with the dry ingredients in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Chill the dough: Prepare the dough ahead of time and chill it in the fridge. This makes it easier to handle and shape.
Preheat the oven early: Start preheating your oven as soon as you begin gathering ingredients to ensure it's ready when you are.
Use parchment paper: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

Lemon Scones Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups All-purpose flour
- ¼ cup Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Baking powder
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ½ cup Cold butter, cubed
- 1 cup Heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the wedges on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, until golden brown.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses
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