Indulge in a delightful British tradition with these Earl Grey Scones, perfectly paired with a luscious vanilla bean glaze that will elevate your afternoon tea experience! Imagine the warm, buttery goodness of freshly baked scones infused with the aromatic essence of Earl Grey tea, all drizzled with a creamy vanilla glaze that melts in your mouth. Whether you're hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, these scones are sure to impress. Ready to elevate your baking game? Let’s dive into this easy yet irresistible recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: British
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Earl Grey tea leaves
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 vanilla bean, scraped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
- Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, Earl Grey tea leaves, and vanilla extract. Stir gently to infuse the flavors.
- Pour the cream mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold the mixture together with a spatula or your hands until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly crumbly but hold together when pressed.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to cut out scones.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to avoid overbaking.
- While the scones are baking, prepare the vanilla bean glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, scraped vanilla bean, and a tablespoon of heavy cream. Add more cream as needed to reach your desired consistency.
- Once the scones are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the scones are cool, drizzle the vanilla bean glaze over the top of each scone. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
- Enjoy your freshly baked Earl Grey scones with a cup of tea or coffee!
Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are cold to achieve the perfect flaky texture. This helps create steam during baking, resulting in beautifully risen scones.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, so keep it gentle!
- Cut Evenly: For uniform baking, make sure to cut your scones into equal-sized wedges or rounds. This ensures they bake evenly and look appealing.
- Brush for Shine: Brushing the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking gives them a lovely golden finish and enhances their flavor.
- Glaze to Taste: Adjust the consistency of your vanilla bean glaze by adding more or less cream. A thicker glaze is great for drizzling, while a thinner one can be used for a more delicate touch.
- Serve Fresh: Scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for a couple of days. Reheat briefly in the oven for a fresh-baked taste!
- Pair Perfectly: Serve these scones with your favorite tea or coffee to complement their flavors, and don’t forget to enjoy them with clotted cream or jam for an authentic touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 38g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
