Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe
Nothing says spring mornings and cozy afternoons quite like a batch of homemade scones bursting with fresh fruit and a sweet glaze. That’s exactly what you get with this Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe, where tender, buttery dough meets juicy diced strawberries and a luscious vanilla glaze. These scones are the perfect balance of flaky and moist, making them a delightful treat whether you’re enjoying a quiet breakfast or serving a crowd at brunch. I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it feels like a warm hug in pastry form, and once you try it, you’ll see why it’s one of my all-time favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients come together in a simple yet magical way. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance of your strawberry shortcake scones. You’ll notice the cold butter gives the scones their flaky layers, while fresh strawberries add vibrant color and juicy sweetness. The glaze helps crown the scones with just the right touch of smooth, sugary goodness.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The sturdy base that provides structure yet keeps the scones tender.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for a golden crust.
- 1 tbsp baking powder: The rising agent that makes these scones light and fluffy.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Creates flaky layers and rich texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing): Adds moisture and richness, and the extra cream helps achieve a beautiful golden top.
- 1 large egg: Binds the dough and enriches flavor.
- 1 tsp vanilla extract: Gives a warm, aromatic touch to both dough and glaze.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced: Sweet bursts of fresh fruit in every bite.
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for topping, optional): Adds a satisfying crunch and sparkle.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: Forms the base of the delectable glaze.
- 2 tbsp heavy cream: Ensures the glaze is smooth and creamy.
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract: Enhances the glaze with subtle floral notes.
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional): A zingy twist that brightens the glaze perfectly.
How to Make Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This creates a hot, even environment for your scones and prevents sticking, ensuring they bake perfectly golden and crisp.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until fully mixed. This combination sets the foundation for your scones, allowing the rising agents and sweetness to be evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold, cubed butter into the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the texture looks like coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces. Those bits of butter are what create those magical flaky layers when baked!
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine
Whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Pour this wet mix gently into the dry ingredients and fold them together with a spatula just until combined. The key is to avoid overmixing to keep the tender crumb intact.
Step 5: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the dough. This part is exciting because you can already imagine juicy bursts of flavor, but be careful not to mash them to keep the dough from becoming too wet.
Step 6: Shape and Cut the Scones
Turn the sticky dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it out into a circle about one inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into eight wedges. This shape not only looks classic but ensures even baking.
Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place your scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little heavy cream for that beautiful sheen and sprinkle coarse sugar over the top if you want extra sparkle and crunch. Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the scones cool, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and optional lemon juice until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding cream to thin or powdered sugar to thicken. This glaze will add that irresistible glossy finish and sweet tang.
Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy
Once your scones are cool, drizzle the glaze generously over each one. Let the glaze set for a few minutes so it becomes slightly firm but still luscious. Then, dive into your warm, glazed strawberry shortcake scones!
How to Serve Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, consider adding a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh mint or a few whole strawberry slices on top of the glaze. Not only do these add visual appeal, but they complement the sweet strawberry flavor beautifully, making your scones look like a bakery masterpiece right on your kitchen table.
Side Dishes
These scones pair wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream alongside a cup of your favorite tea or coffee. For a more filling breakfast, serve them with a bowl of fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the sweetness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a couple of scones with a smear of strawberry jam and cream in between for a playful shortcake-style treat. You can also cut the scones into smaller bite-sized pieces, drizzle the glaze over, and serve them as elegant finger foods for brunch parties or afternoon gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your glorious batch of glazed strawberry shortcake scones, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To keep them fresh and prevent drying out, placing a folded paper towel inside the container helps maintain moisture balance.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep beautifully frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw them at room temperature or warm gently in the oven for a freshly-baked taste.
Reheating
Reheat scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior and soft interior. You can also microwave them briefly, but be mindful that the texture may become less flaky and more chewy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries give the best texture and flavor for this glazed strawberry shortcake scones recipe, you can use frozen if pressed for time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in your dough.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with milk?
Heavy cream adds crucial richness and tenderness here. You can substitute with whole milk, but your scones may turn out less tender and flaky. For the best results, stick to heavy cream if possible.
What is the purpose of brushing heavy cream on top?
Brushing scones with heavy cream before baking helps them develop a golden, glossy crust and encourages browning, resulting in that irresistible look and slight crispness.
How do I store scones with glaze?
The glaze can soften over time, so it’s best to store glazed scones in a single layer in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid stacking to preserve the glaze’s appearance and texture.
Can this recipe be made dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute dairy ingredients like butter and heavy cream with their plant-based alternatives such as vegan butter and coconut cream. The texture may change slightly, but you’ll still end up with delicious scones.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe truly is a little slice of happiness you can bake anytime you want a special treat. From the tender, flaky crumb to the fresh bursts of strawberry, finished off with that dreamy glaze, these scones feel like a charming weekend indulgence or a delightful surprise for guests. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a bit of sunshine to your kitchen with this incredible recipe. I promise, you’ll be glad you did!
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Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Glazed Strawberry Shortcake Scones, featuring a tender, buttery dough studded with fresh strawberries and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones combine classic shortcake flavors with a delightful sugary glaze for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scones
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, diced
- 1/4 cup coarse sugar (for topping, optional)
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and aid in easy cleanup.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining for flakiness.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk the heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract together until combined.
- Incorporate Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Fold in Strawberries: Gently fold the diced fresh strawberries into the dough, being careful not to break them up too much; the dough will be slightly sticky.
- Shape and Cut Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Transfer the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using for a crunchy topping.
- Bake the Scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and lemon juice if using, adjusting the consistency by adding more cream or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Scones: After the scones have cooled completely, drizzle the glaze generously over each one.
- Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes. Serve your glazed strawberry shortcake scones fresh and enjoy!
Notes
- Use cold butter to achieve flaky texture in scones.
- Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Fresh strawberries add the best flavor; dried or frozen may alter texture and taste.
- The lemon juice in the glaze is optional but adds a nice tangy contrast.
- Coarse sugar on top creates a delightful crunch but is optional.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
