Indulge in the delightful world of baking with these Buttermilk Poppy Seed Citrus Scones that are sure to awaken your taste buds! With a perfect balance of zesty lemon and orange, combined with the nutty crunch of poppy seeds, these scones are not just a treat for the palate but also a feast for the eyes. Imagine the warm, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake to golden perfection. Whether you're hosting a brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy afternoon snack, these scones will elevate any occasion. Ready to impress your friends and family? Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises scrumptious results in just 35 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, poppy seeds, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Make sure to work quickly to keep the butter cold, as this will help create flaky scones.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lemon zest, and orange zest until well combined.
- Pour the buttermilk mixture into the flour mixture. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough just a couple of times to bring it together, then pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round cutter to cut out individual scones.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. If desired, brush the tops with a little extra buttermilk for a golden finish.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve the scones warm or at room temperature. They are delicious on their own or can be enjoyed with butter, jam, or clotted cream.
Tips
- Keep It Cold: Ensure your butter is cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. This is key to achieving those flaky layers that make scones irresistible.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so a few lumps are perfectly fine!
- Use Fresh Zest: For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon and orange zest. It enhances the citrusy notes and adds brightness to your scones.
- Brush for Shine: For a beautiful golden crust, brush the tops of the scones with a little extra buttermilk before baking.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add in your favorite ingredients, such as dried cranberries or chocolate chips, for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Serve Warm: Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Serve them warm with butter, jam, or clotted cream for a truly decadent experience!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
