In the quaint little town of Willowbrook, there exists a charming bakery that fills the air with the sweet aroma of baked goods every morning. It was there, on a sun-kissed Saturday, that I stumbled upon the most delightful honey lavender scones. The owner, a warm-hearted woman named Edith, shared her secret recipe with me, and I knew I had to bring this little piece of heaven into my own kitchen. With each bite, the delicate floral notes dance around the rich, buttery goodness, making them perfect for breakfast or an afternoon tea.

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon culinary lavender buds, plus extra for garnish
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, letting the scent of anticipation fill the kitchen.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together, letting the dry ingredients mingle happily. Then, add the cold cubed butter into the mix, using your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is where the magic begins, as the butter transforms the dough into something wonderfully flaky.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, honey, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gently fold in the lavender buds, allowing their fragrant essence to infuse the mixture. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients, folding carefully until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; we want tender scones, not tough ones!

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges like a pizza, and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space in between for expansion.

Before sliding them into the oven, brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle a few lavender buds on top for that picturesque touch. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and fragrant, filling your home with an irresistible aroma.

Once baked, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Serve warm, perhaps with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of honey, and watch as your loved ones are transported to the charming bakery of Willowbrook with every bite. Enjoy the delightful fusion of flavors and let these scones become a cherished part of your culinary repertoire!