There’s something magical about pulling a tray of freshly baked blueberry scones from the oven. Golden brown on the outside, soft and buttery on the inside, and studded with juicy bursts of blueberry, these scones are a bakery-worthy treat you can easily make at home. Pair them with clotted cream, butter, or jam, and you’ve got the perfect companion for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
In this article, we’ll dive into how to make these blueberry scones with cream, tips for keeping them light and fluffy, variations to try, and serving ideas to make them extra special.
Why Blueberry Scones are So Popular
Blueberry scones are a timeless pastry, loved for their tender crumb and balance of sweetness. Unlike muffins, which are softer and cakier, scones strike a perfect middle ground between a biscuit and cake. The addition of cream enriches the dough, giving these scones a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Blueberries add bursts of fruity flavor that keep each bite exciting.
They’re also incredibly versatile: perfect for breakfast on the go, an elegant brunch centerpiece, or a cozy afternoon tea treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into the best blueberry scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for structure.
- ¼ cup sugar – adds sweetness (plus extra for sprinkling on top).
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – the leavening agent that gives scones their rise.
- ½ teaspoon salt – balances the sweetness.
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed – the key to flakiness.
- ¾ cup heavy cream – provides richness and moisture.
- 1 large egg – binds the dough and adds tenderness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – for warmth and flavor.
- 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) – the star ingredient.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (optional) – brightens and complements the blueberries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
🔹 Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Heat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
🔹 Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
🔹 Step 3: Cut in the Butter
- Add cold cubed butter into the dry mixture.
- Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
(Cold butter is essential—it creates steam pockets while baking, resulting in light, flaky scones.)
🔹 Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing, as this makes scones tough.
🔹 Step 5: Add the Blueberries
- Gently fold in the blueberries (and lemon zest, if using).
- If using frozen blueberries, add them straight from the freezer to prevent the dough from turning blue.
🔹 Step 6: Shape the Dough
- Lightly flour your surface and turn out the dough.
- Pat it into a 1-inch thick round.
- Cut into 8 wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round scones.
🔹 Step 7: Bake the Scones
- Transfer to the baking sheet.
- Brush tops with cream and sprinkle with sugar for a golden, slightly crunchy finish.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, until golden brown.
🔹 Step 8: Serve
- Let scones cool slightly before serving.
- Enjoy warm with clotted cream, butter, or jam.
Tips for Perfect Blueberry Scones
- Use Cold Ingredients – Cold butter and cream are crucial for flakiness.
- Don’t Overmix – Handle the dough as little as possible.
- Frozen Blueberries Work Well – They’re less likely to burst while mixing.
- Chill Before Baking (Optional) – Place shaped scones in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.
- Add a Glaze (Optional) – A simple lemon glaze (powdered sugar + lemon juice) can be drizzled on top after baking.
Variations to Try
- Lemon Blueberry Scones – Add extra lemon zest and a lemon glaze.
- Almond Blueberry Scones – Add ½ teaspoon almond extract to the dough.
- Cinnamon Sugar Blueberry Scones – Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the tops before baking.
- Mixed Berry Scones – Use a combination of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries.
What to Serve with Blueberry Scones
- Clotted Cream & Jam – The classic pairing, especially for afternoon tea.
- Whipped Butter or Honey Butter – Adds richness and sweetness.
- Lemon Curd – Bright and tangy, a perfect match for blueberries.
- Coffee or Tea – Complements the buttery flavor of the scones.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate – Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freeze (Unbaked) – Freeze shaped scones before baking. Bake straight from frozen, adding 3–5 minutes to the bake time.
- Freeze (Baked) – Wrap cooled scones and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat in the oven.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but cream gives a richer, more tender texture.
Q: How do I keep scones from spreading too much?
Chill the dough before baking—it helps them keep their shape.
Q: Do I need to use parchment paper?
Yes, it prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
Q: Can I make mini scones?
Absolutely! Cut the dough into smaller wedges and reduce baking time by 5 minutes.
Q: Should I serve them warm or cold?
They’re best warm, but they’re still delicious at room temperature.
Conclusion
These blueberry scones with cream are the perfect balance of tender, flaky, and fruity. They’re simple to make, yet they feel indulgent and special—ideal for everything from a casual breakfast to a formal tea. With just a few pantry staples, fresh (or frozen) blueberries, and cream, you can whip up a batch of scones that rival your favorite bakery.
Whether you enjoy them plain, with butter, or topped with clotted cream and jam, they’re guaranteed to become a family favorite. So next time you want a treat that’s both cozy and elegant, bake a batch of these delightful scones and savor every bite.