As the sun began to set on a warm summer evening, I found myself wandering through a charming little farmer’s market, where the sweet scent of blooming lavender filled the air. It was there that I stumbled upon a small stall selling jars of golden honey infused with delicate lavender. Inspired by this serendipitous encounter, I decided to create a recipe that would capture the essence of that enchanting moment. Thus, the Lavender Honey Scones with Lemon Glaze were born, perfect for a delightful afternoon tea or a special brunch with friends.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/4 cup dried culinary lavender
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/3 cup lavender-infused honey
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Lemon Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing a canvas for the scones to rise and bake evenly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This mixture will serve as the foundation of your scones, creating that perfect crumbly texture.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is essential as it ensures that the scones will be light and flaky, just like the ones you would find in a quaint tea shop.
Stir in the dried lavender, infusing the scone mixture with a floral aroma that will transport you to that lovely market. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, lavender-infused honey, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter for a more traditional look. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for rising.
Bake the scones for about 15-20 minutes or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting from your oven will be intoxicating, filling your kitchen with the delightful blend of lavender and honey.
While the scones cool, prepare the lemon glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest in a small bowl. Once the scones are fully cooled, drizzle the lemon glaze over each one, adding a tangy sweetness that perfectly complements the floral notes of the scones.
Serve these lovely Lavender Honey Scones warm or at room temperature, and watch as your friends and family marvel at the unique flavors and beautiful presentation. These scones are not just a treat for the taste buds; they are a reminder of that magical summer evening, where the simple beauty of nature inspired a delightful culinary creation.