Nestled in the rolling hills of the countryside, where the air is thick with the scent of wildflowers and the sound of rustling leaves creates a symphony of nature, I often find myself reminiscing about warm, sun-drenched afternoons spent with family. It was during these idyllic moments that my grandmother would whip up her famous drop scones—delightful, fluffy morsels that were a staple at our gatherings. This modern twist on her classic recipe includes fresh seasonal berries and a hint of floral sweetness from honey and lavender, making them a comforting treat perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup buttermilk, at room temperature
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, or chopped strawberries)
For the Honey-Lavender Drizzle
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon dried culinary lavender
- 1 tablespoon water
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, allowing the anticipation of warm scones to fill the kitchen.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. This blend of dry ingredients will create the light and fluffy texture that is the hallmark of a perfect drop scone.
In another bowl, cream the softened butter until it’s light and fluffy. Add the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined. The rich butter will add depth, while the buttermilk ensures a tender crumb.
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, being careful not to overmix. The key to scones is to keep the batter slightly lumpy, which contributes to their delightful texture. Once combined, fold in the mixed berries, allowing their juice to mingle with the batter, creating a beautiful marbled effect.
Using a generous spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart. These scones will spread slightly as they bake, creating a lovely golden crust.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While they bake, the aroma of berries and warm butter will fill your home, making it impossible to resist peeking into the oven.
While the scones cool, prepare the honey-lavender drizzle. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey, dried lavender, and water. Stir until warmed and thoroughly mixed, allowing the lavender’s delicate fragrance to infuse the honey. Set aside to cool slightly.
Once the scones have cooled for a few minutes, drizzle the honey-lavender mixture over the top of each scone, allowing it to soak into the warm, fluffy centers.
Serve these delightful drop scones warm, perhaps accompanied by a cup of tea or coffee, and let the sweet, floral notes transport you to those cherished afternoons of laughter and love in the countryside. Each bite is a reminder that comfort can be found in the simplest of pleasures. Enjoy!