Introduction
Indulge in the delightful taste of homemade blackberry scones, perfect for breakfast or as an afternoon treat. With their tender crumb and juicy bursts of berries, these scones offer a wonderful balance of sweet and tart flavors. Making scones from scratch may seem daunting, but this straightforward recipe ensures you can whip up a batch without any hassle.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– All-purpose flour – 2 cups
– Baking powder – 1 tablespoon
– Baking soda – 1/2 teaspoon
– Salt – 1/2 teaspoon
– Granulated sugar – 1/4 cup
– Unsalted butter – 1/2 cup (cold and cubed)
– Fresh blackberries – 1 cup (or frozen, if preferred)
– Heavy cream – 3/4 cup
– Vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: About 8 scones
Enjoy your delicious homemade blackberry scones with your favorite jam or a drizzle of honey! They are best served warm.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until well mixed.
Cut in Butter
Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Add the Blackberries
Gently fold in fresh blackberries. Be careful not to crush them too much.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream and vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a round cutter for individual scones.
Transfer to Baking Sheet
Place the cut scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
Apply Egg Wash
If desired, brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg or additional cream for a golden finish.
Bake the Scones
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.
Cool Before Serving
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
Notes
Choosing Blackberries
Use fresh blackberries for best results, but frozen can be used if necessary.
Storing Scones
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are delicious when served warm with jam, butter, or clotted cream.
Cook techniques
Mixing Dry Ingredients
It’s important to thoroughly mix the dry ingredients to ensure an even distribution of baking powder, sugar, and salt before adding in any wet ingredients.
Cutting in Butter
Cutting in cold butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers helps create a flaky texture by incorporating air pockets into the dough.
Gently Folding in Blackberries
When adding blackberries, be gentle to avoid crushing them, which can affect the texture and appearance of the scones.
Chilling the Dough
Chilling the dough for a short period can help to solidify the butter, resulting in flakier scones when baked.
Evenly Shaping the Dough
Shape the dough evenly before cutting into scones to ensure uniform baking and a better rise in the oven.
Checking for Doneness
The scones are done when they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
FAQ
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes, frozen blackberries can be used, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.
What can I substitute for butter?
You can substitute with cold margarine or a plant-based butter alternative for a dairy-free option.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I freeze scones?
Yes, scones can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, shape and cut the scones, then freeze them on a baking sheet before transferring to a container.
What adjustments do I need for high altitude baking?
At higher altitudes, you may need to reduce sugar slightly and increase liquid to prevent scones from becoming dry.
Conclusion
Blackberry scones are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of ripe blackberries with the buttery, flaky texture of traditional scones. They make for a perfect breakfast or afternoon snack, offering a balance of flavors that is both refreshing and satisfying. Enjoy them warm, fresh out of the oven, or store them for later to savor at your convenience.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Blueberry Scones
Try substituting blackberries for blueberries for a delicious twist on the classic scone, offering a slightly different flavor profile.
Lemon Drizzle Scones
Incorporate lemon zest into the dough and drizzle a sweet lemon glaze over the baked scones for a citrusy kick.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Mix dried cranberries and fresh orange zest for a festive and seasonal version that’s perfect for holiday gatherings.
Chocolate Chip Scones
Add semi-sweet chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent, sweet treat that pairs beautifully with coffee or tea.
Maple Pecan Scones
Combine maple syrup and chopped pecans for a nutty and sweet flavor, creating a comforting scone that feels like fall.
Savory Cheese and Chive Scones
Experiment with a savory style by adding shredded cheese and fresh chives to the dough for a unique, savory scone option.