Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe

“`html

If you’re craving a cozy treat that perfectly balances fragrant tea notes with fruity bursts, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe. These scones offer a tender, flaky crumb infused with the delicate bergamot essence of Earl Grey tea, studded with juicy blackberries, and finished with a tangy lemon glaze that brightens every bite. Whether for a leisurely weekend brunch or an elegant afternoon tea, this recipe is a delightful way to add a little sophistication and warmth to your baking repertoire.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples and fresh essentials that come together beautifully to create the distinct flavors and textures of the scones. Each element plays a vital role—from the Earl Grey tea leaves giving that aromatic flavor to the lemon zest adding a refreshing pop that complements the blackberries perfectly.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation for tender yet sturdy scones that hold their shape.
• Baking powder: Helps the scones rise light and fluffy without heaviness.
• Salt: Enhances flavor and balances sweetness.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to compliment the tart berries and lemon.
• Loose Earl Grey tea leaves: Infuses each bite with that unmistakable floral and citrus bergamot aroma.
• Cold, unsalted butter: Creates flaky, tender layers when cut into the dough.
• Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture for a soft crumb.
• Large egg: Binds ingredients and adds structure.
• Fresh blackberries: Provide juicy bursts of tartness and beautiful color.
• Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and warmth to the flavor profile.
• Lemon zest: Brightens the dough with a fresh, vibrant twist.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Perfectly sweet for the tangy lemon glaze.
• Fresh lemon juice (for glaze): Gives the glaze a zesty kick that ties the scones together beautifully.

How to Make Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper so your scones won’t stick and will bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. This blend creates the right balance of lift, seasoning, and sweetness that makes scones irresistible.

Step 3: Add Earl Grey Tea Leaves

Sprinkle in the loose Earl Grey tea leaves and give a good stir. These leaves are the secret star, imparting a gentle, fragrant bergamot flavor throughout the dough.

Step 4: Incorporate Butter

Cut the cold cubed butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until you see coarse crumbs with little butter “peas.” This step is crucial for flaky layers that melt in your mouth.

Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients

Pour in the heavy cream and crack in the egg. Then add your vanilla extract and lemon zest to infuse warm and bright notes, blending together moisture and flavor.

Step 6: Mix Dough Gently

Use a fork to gently stir everything until just combined, taking care not to overwork it so the scones stay tender. Overmixing can make them tough, and we want soft, flaky perfection.

Step 7: Fold in Blackberries

Carefully fold in the chopped fresh blackberries, trying not to break them up too much so you can still enjoy juicy whole bites in the final scones.

Step 8: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently just until it holds together. Form the dough into a disk about 1 inch thick for even baking.

Step 9: Cut into Wedges

Using a sharp knife, slice the dough disk into 8 equal wedges. This classic shape ensures even cooking and lovely presentation.

Step 10: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place your scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet with about an inch of space in between so they can rise nicely without sticking together.

Step 11: Bake Until Golden

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The oven’s warmth transforms the mixture into tender, flaky scones with an inviting aroma.

Step 12: Prepare the Lemon Glaze

While the scones are baking, whisk powdered sugar with fresh lemon juice until smooth to create a tangy glaze that perfectly complements the scones’ subtle sweetness and fruity berries.

Step 13: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the scones cool on the sheet for about 5 minutes. Then drizzle the lemon glaze over while they are still warm so the glaze sets beautifully, adding a shiny, zesty finish.

Step 14: Final Cooling

Transfer the glazed scones to a wire rack and let them cool completely before serving to ensure the glaze firms up and the scones reach the ideal texture.

How to Serve Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

Sprinkle a few fresh blackberries on top for a beautiful, natural garnish, or add a thin lemon twist to echo the glaze flavor. A tiny dusting of powdered sugar right before serving also adds a charming touch.

Side Dishes

Serve these scones alongside a pot of Earl Grey tea or a refreshing herbal blend to echo the tea-infused flavor in the scones. A dollop of clotted cream or even a smear of lemon curd makes a delightful companion as well.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange the scones on a pretty serving platter with lemon wedges and sprigs of fresh mint for color and aroma. For a brunch spread, pair them with fresh fruit salad or light whipped cream sweetened with a touch of honey to elevate the experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their crumb tender and glaze fresh without becoming soggy.

Freezing

Wrap scones individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag to freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw overnight at room temperature.

Reheating

Warm scones by placing them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5 to 8 minutes. This warms the scone through while reviving that fresh-baked texture and aroma. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy.

FAQs

Can I use dry blackberries instead of fresh?

While fresh blackberries offer juiciness and vibrant flavor, you can substitute dried blackberries but expect a chewier texture and less moisture in the scones. You might want to reduce the sugar slightly if using dried fruit.

How do I grind the Earl Grey tea leaves?

If your tea leaves are large, gently crush them with a mortar and pestle or pulse them briefly in a food processor to avoid large chunks that could be unpleasant in texture.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Yes! Use a dairy-free butter substitute for the butter and coconut cream or your favorite non-dairy milk for the heavy cream. The scones will still be lovely, though slightly different in flavor and texture.

Is it better to use loose or bagged Earl Grey tea?

Loose Earl Grey tea leaves provide a fresher, more potent flavor and texture, but you can open tea bags and use the contents if needed. Just make sure there are no paper bits.

How do I prevent blackberries from bleeding into the dough?

Gently fold the blackberries in at the end and avoid smashing them. Chopping them just before folding also helps keep their juices from coloring the entire dough excessively.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making and sharing these Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe. They are tender, fragrant, and bursting with fresh fruit and citrus brightness—a perfect pick-me-up for any occasion. So go ahead, pull on your apron, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a batch. I promise they’ll be a beloved favorite before long!

“`

Print