In the heart of a sunlit kitchen, the aroma of freshly baked scones wafts through the air, reminiscent of a serene afternoon spent in a quaint English tearoom. It was during one such afternoon, while flipping through an old cookbook, that I stumbled upon a recipe for traditional scones. Inspired by the delicate flavors of lavender and the sweetness of honey, I decided to create a unique version that would transport anyone who tastes them to a blooming lavender field. These Lavender Honey Scones, topped with a zesty lemon glaze, are perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or simply as a delightful treat with your morning coffee.
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon dried culinary lavender
1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
For the Lemon Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. The anticipation of the warm scones baking will fill your kitchen with an invigorating energy. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend forms the foundation of your scones, creating a light and fluffy texture.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial, as the tiny bits of butter create the flaky layers that we all adore in scones.
In a separate bowl, combine the heavy cream, honey, and dried lavender. Stir gently, allowing the lavender to infuse its fragrant essence into the mixture. Slowly pour this wet mixture into the flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Take care not to overwork the dough; it should be slightly sticky but manageable.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges and transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with the beaten egg for a lovely golden finish.
Pop the scones into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The sight of these golden beauties rising in the oven will surely brighten your day.
While the scones cool, prepare the lemon glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest until smooth. The bright, zesty flavor will complement the lavender beautifully, creating a perfect balance.
Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the lemon glaze over the tops, allowing it to cascade down the sides, creating a stunning presentation. Serve these delightful Lavender Honey Scones warm or at room temperature, and watch as everyone savors each bite.
With every crumb, you’ll be reminded of that peaceful afternoon where creativity blossomed in the kitchen, and you’ll be eager to share this recipe with friends and family. Enjoy your culinary creation!