As the sun began to rise over the rolling hills of the countryside, the air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming lavender. I recalled lazy summer mornings spent with my grandmother, who taught me the art of scone-making. We would gather fresh flowers from the garden and infuse them into our batter, creating delicate treats that paired perfectly with tea. Inspired by those cherished memories, I present to you these Lavender Honey Scones, drizzled with a zesty lemon glaze that adds a refreshing twist to this classic recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup dried culinary lavender (make sure it’s food-grade)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
For the Lemon Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. The aroma of the flour and sugar combined will transport you straight to a charming tea room in the countryside.
Next, add the chilled, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for creating flaky scones, so take your time and enjoy the process.
Gently fold in the dried lavender, allowing its fragrant essence to permeate the mixture. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The dough should be moist but not sticky.
Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them for expansion. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the scones are baking, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice or powdered sugar as needed.
Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm scones, allowing it to soak into the nooks and crannies.
Serve these delightful Lavender Honey Scones with a steaming cup of tea, and enjoy the taste of summer in every bite. They are perfect for a leisurely brunch or a sweet afternoon snack, bringing a touch of elegance and nostalgia to your table.
Embrace the beauty of seasonal ingredients and let the flavors of the countryside inspire your baking adventures!