Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Made with earl grey tea and fresh blackberries, these Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are an awesome treat for any earl grey tea lover! The combination of rich bergamot flavor and fresh fruit creates a delightful experience. These lemon glazed scones are incredibly soft, flaky, and moist. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a casual get-together or a quiet moment with your favorite book.

Why You’ll Love This Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

These scones offer a unique twist on a classic recipe that you won’t want to miss!

• Delicious Flavor: The infusion of earl grey tea and fresh blackberries creates a harmonious blend of flavors.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and readily available ingredients, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for breakfast, afternoon tea, or even dessert!
• Elegant Appearance: The lemon glaze adds a stunning finish that impresses guests.
• Perfectly Moist Texture: Each bite is soft and flaky, ensuring satisfaction in every scone.

Tools and Preparation

To make your baking process smooth, gather these essential tools before starting.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Baking sheet
• Whisk
• Pastry cutter (or fork)
• Rolling pin
• Parchment paper

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to combine ingredients easily without spills.
• Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even cooking and browning of the scones.
• Whisk: Helps incorporate air into the batter for fluffier scones.
• Pastry cutter: Makes cutting butter into the flour mixture simple and efficient.

Ingredients

For the Scone Dough

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour — plus extra for kneading
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 4 bags of Earl Grey tea (divided)
• 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 Tablespoons cold unsalted butter (grated)
• 2 large eggs (lightly beaten)
• 2/3 cup cold heavy cream (extra for brushing)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blackberries

For the Lemon Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 1 1/2 Tablespoons lemon juice (fresh)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• Zest of 1 lemon

How to Make Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Infuse the Flour Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and three bags of Earl Grey tea. Whisk together until well mixed.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Add the grated butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Gradually add this mixture to the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined.

Step 5: Fold in Blackberries

Carefully fold in the fresh blackberries to avoid crushing them while mixing.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently for about 30 seconds until smooth. Pat into a circle about an inch thick.

Step 7: Cut into Scones

Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 8: Brush and Bake

Brush each scone with extra heavy cream. Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Step 9: Prepare Lemon Glaze

While scones are baking, mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and lemon zest in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 10: Glaze Your Scones

Once baked, let scones cool slightly before drizzling with lemon glaze. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy!

How to Serve Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are delightful treats that can elevate any gathering. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or enjoying a quiet afternoon, here are some serving suggestions to make the most of these scones.

With Tea

• Classic Earl Grey: Pair your scones with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a harmonious flavor experience.
• Herbal Infusion: Enjoy with a soothing herbal tea like chamomile for a relaxing afternoon.

With Coffee

• Rich Espresso: The bold flavors of espresso complement the fruity notes of the blackberry scones perfectly.
• Iced Coffee: For a refreshing twist, serve scones alongside chilled iced coffee on warm days.

As Part of Brunch

• Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad adds freshness and balances the richness of the scones.
• Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side that pairs well.

How to Perfect Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Making perfect Earl Grey Blackberry Scones requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out delicious every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Start with cold butter and cream to create flaky layers in your scones.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently combine ingredients until just mixed to keep your scones tender.
• Chill Before Baking: Let the dough chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before baking for better texture.
• Brush with Cream: Before baking, brush the tops with extra cream for a golden finish.

Best Side Dishes for Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze

Pairing side dishes with your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones can enhance your dining experience. Here are some delightful options to consider.

1. Clotted Cream: A rich and creamy topping that complements the lemon glaze beautifully.
2. Jam Selection: Offer various jams like raspberry or apricot for an added fruity layer.
3. Fresh Berries: Serve a mix of fresh berries to emphasize the berry flavor in the scones.
4. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory contrast.
5. Savory Quiche: A slice of quiche provides a nice balance between sweet and savory flavors.
6. Cucumber Sandwiches: Light and refreshing, these sandwiches pair well and add variety to your spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out perfectly.

• Using stale ingredients: Fresh ingredients make a big difference. Always check your baking powder and flour for freshness before use.
• Overmixing the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until combined for a light, flaky texture.
• Skipping the chilling step: Chilling the dough helps the butter firm up, leading to flakier scones. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Not measuring flour correctly: Too much flour can make your scones dry. Use a kitchen scale or spoon and level method for accuracy.
• Using warm butter instead of cold: Cold butter is essential for creating layers in your scones. Grate or cut it into small cubes straight from the fridge.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover scones in an airtight container.
• They will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing Instructions

• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can last for up to 3 months.

Reheating Instructions

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual scones on a microwave-safe plate for about 15-20 seconds. Check frequently to avoid overheating.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze.

Can I substitute Earl Grey tea?

Yes, you can use any flavored tea, but Earl Grey adds a distinctive bergamot flavor that enhances the scones.

How do I know when my scones are done?

Scones are done when they are lightly golden on top and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.

Can I add other fruits?

Absolutely! You can replace blackberries with raspberries, blueberries, or even dried fruits like cranberries for different flavors.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can substitute lemon juice with milk or omit it entirely. However, lemon juice adds a nice tartness that complements the sweetness.

Final Thoughts

Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze are an elegant treat perfect for any occasion. Their soft and flaky texture makes them irresistible, while the unique combination of flavors offers versatility for customization. Feel free to experiment with different fruits or glazes to make this delightful recipe your own!