As the sun peeks through the kitchen window, casting a warm glow across the countertop, it beckons me to create something special. The gentle aroma of lavender wafts through the air, reminding me of lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s garden. It was there that I first tasted the delicate flavor of lavender in a scone, perfectly paired with a refreshing hint of lemon. Inspired by those cherished moments, I decided to recreate this delightful treat, combining the floral notes of lavender with the zesty brightness of lemon. These Heavenly Lavender and Lemon Scones are perfect for a brunch gathering or a cozy afternoon tea, and they bring a piece of that garden magic right into your home.
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 tablespoon culinary lavender buds
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional: Extra lavender buds and sugar for topping
Instructions
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, so your scones don’t stick and can bake evenly. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. As the dry ingredients blend, imagine the scones rising like the sun on a new day.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step always reminds me of the importance of patience in baking. Slowly, the crumbly texture transforms into a promise of fluffy scones.
Stir in the culinary lavender buds and lemon zest, which infuse the mixture with their aromatic essence. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients, gently folding until just combined; resist the urge to overmix, as this ensures a tender scone.
On a lightly floured surface, turn out the dough 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 pastry cutter, slice the dough into wedges, like cutting a pie, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
If you desire, sprinkle a few extra lavender buds and a pinch of sugar on top of each scone for an added touch of elegance. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Once baked to perfection, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly. As you take your first bite, let the flavors transport you to that sun-drenched garden, where every crumb is a celebration of nostalgia and warmth. Serve these scones with clotted cream or a dollop of lemon curd for an unforgettable treat.
Enjoy the delightful fusion of lavender and lemon as you savor each bite, sharing them with friends or family, creating new memories that will last a lifetime.