If you’ve been searching for a scone recipe that’s bursting with personality and a delightful twist on tradition, look no further than the Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe. These scones bring together the aromatic charm of Earl Grey tea, the juicy sweetness of fresh blackberries, and a bright, tangy lemon glaze for a wonderful combination that feels both classic and refreshingly new. Each bite offers tender, flaky crumb with subtle citrus notes that perfectly complement the warm bergamot flavor from the tea, making this recipe a definite crowd-pleaser for teatime or brunch gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for the Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe is simpler than you might imagine. Every component plays a key role—flour and baking powder create the perfect rise and texture, while the Earl Grey tea leaves add that signature fragrant note. Fresh blackberries add juicy bursts of flavor and beautiful pops of color, and the lemon elements tie everything together with a refreshing zing.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy yet tender base for the scones.
- Baking powder: Ensures your scones rise just right and stay fluffy.
- Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the citrus and tea.
- Cold unsalted butter: Cubed to create flaky layers within the dough.
- Earl Grey tea leaves: Infuses the dough with the signature bergamot aroma.
- Fresh blackberries: Folded gently to provide juicy bursts in every bite.
- Whole milk: Moistens the dough while adding richness.
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness and acidity to balance sweetness.
- Lemon zest: Adds fragrant oils that elevate the glaze and dough flavors.
How to Make Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets you up for an even bake and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, sugar, and the finely crumbled Earl Grey tea leaves. This ensures the tea is evenly dispersed and begins layering that distinct bergamot flavor throughout your scone dough.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Now, toss in the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the dry mix until crumbs form—this is what creates the scones’ flaky, tender texture.
Step 4: Fold in Blackberries
Gently fold in the fresh blackberries, being careful not to crush them. These juicy gems add natural sweetness and stunning purple specks inside your scones.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until everything comes together. Over-mixing here could make the scones tough, so a gentle touch is key.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Flour your work surface and turn the dough out onto it. Pat or roll the dough into a circle about one inch thick. Then slice it into wedges or your preferred shapes, spreading them out evenly on the parchment-lined sheet.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your scones for about 15 to 20 minutes until they’re a beautiful golden brown on top. The scent wafting from your oven is something you won’t want to miss—it’s a fragrant hint of the deliciousness to come.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Let the scones cool just a bit before drizzling on the lemon glaze. This final touch gives a lovely shine and adds a zesty finish to your baking masterpiece.
How to Serve Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a few fresh blackberries or finely grated lemon zest on top of the glazed scones to amp up the visual appeal and flavor profile. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a delicate sweetness and make these scones party-ready.
Side Dishes
Pair your scones with clotted cream or whipped mascarpone for a luscious, creamy contrast. For drinks, a hot cup of Earl Grey tea or a crisp glass of sparkling lemonade pairs beautifully, enhancing the citrus and tea notes in every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these scones on a pretty tiered cake stand at brunch or teatime to create an inviting centerpiece. For a fun twist, cut the scones into bite-sized shapes and serve with small bowls of lemon glaze or berry jam as dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them fresh and tender.
Freezing
You can freeze unbaked shaped scones by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for fresh-from-the-oven taste any day.
Reheating
Warm your scones gently in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes or until heated through. This helps retain their delicious texture better than microwaving.
FAQs
Can I use tea bags for the Earl Grey tea leaves?
Absolutely! Simply open a couple of Earl Grey tea bags and crumble the leaves for use in the dough. Just be sure to avoid the paper or string.
What can I substitute for blackberries if they’re out of season?
Fresh blueberries, raspberries, or even chopped dried fruit work well to provide a similar burst of sweetness and color.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk instead of whole milk?
While whole milk gives the best richness and tenderness, you can use low-fat milk if needed. The scones may be slightly less moist but still delicious.
How long do the scones stay fresh?
Best enjoyed within two days at room temperature, after that they begin to dry out. Storing them properly helps maintain their soft crumb.
Can I make the dough in advance?
You can prepare the dough up to shaping the scones, then wrap and refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it back to room temperature before baking.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the warm, inviting aroma and delicious flavor combination in the Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe. Whether you’re treating yourself on a lazy weekend morning or hosting friends for afternoon tea, these scones will quickly become a cherished, go-to recipe. Give them a try—you’re bound to fall in love with their cozy, citrusy magic.
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Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these fluffy Earl Grey Blackberry Scones infused with fragrant tea leaves and fresh blackberries, finished with a tangy lemon glaze for a perfect balance of sweet and citrusy flavors. Ideal for breakfast or a teatime treat, these scones bake to golden perfection with a tender crumb inside.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 2 tsp Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and Earl Grey tea leaves, ensuring they are well combined for even flavor distribution.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut the cold, cubed unsalted butter into the dry mix using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, which will create a flaky texture.
- Add Blackberries: Gently fold in the fresh blackberries to the crumbly mixture, taking care not to crush them and release too much juice.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine whole milk, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined to form a soft dough without overmixing.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it into a roughly 1-inch thick circle. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or your desired shapes for scones.
- Bake: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring some space between each, then bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Let the scones cool slightly on a wire rack before drizzling with a lemon glaze made from lemon juice and sugar as desired, enhancing their zesty flavor.
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve a flaky texture in the scones.
- Handle blackberries gently to prevent excessive bleeding of juice into the dough.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones light and tender.
- The lemon glaze can be adjusted in sweetness according to preference by adding powdered sugar mixed with lemon juice.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
