On a bright, sunlit morning, I found myself wandering through a quaint farmer’s market, the air infused with the scent of fresh herbs and citrus. It was there, amidst the colorful stalls, that I stumbled upon a fragrant bunch of lemon thyme. As I inhaled its refreshing aroma, an idea sparked in my mind—a delightful twist on the classic scone. The combination of zesty lemon and earthy thyme would create a scone that was not only unique but also bursting with flavor.
These Zesty Lemon Thyme Scones are perfect for a leisurely brunch or an afternoon tea. Topped with a luscious honey drizzle, they bring a touch of elegance to any table. Let’s dive into this simple yet extraordinary recipe!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh lemon thyme leaves, chopped
½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1 large egg
½ cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons honey (for drizzling)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, giving your scones a perfect surface to bake on. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. As you mix, the sweet aroma of sugar mingles with the earthy scent of thyme, transporting you back to that sunlit market.
Next, add the lemon zest and chopped thyme to the dry ingredients. This will infuse your scones with a refreshing brightness. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, creating flaky layers in your scones.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and gently combine until just combined. Avoid overmixing; we want tender scones, not dense bricks.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, cut the dough into wedges, like slicing a pie. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them to allow for expansion.
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As they bake, the sweet aroma of lemon and thyme fills your kitchen, promising a delightful treat.
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly. While they are still warm, drizzle with honey for a touch of sweetness that complements the zesty flavors beautifully. Serve them warm, perhaps with a dollop of clotted cream or a pat of butter, and let each bite transport you back to that charming farmer’s market.
These Zesty Lemon Thyme Scones will not only please your palate but also ignite delightful conversations around the table. Enjoy!