Name: Strawberries and Cream Scones Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/3 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons sugar, for sprinkling; 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar; 1 stick (4 ounces) unsalted butter, VERY cold and cut into tiny pieces; 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for dough); 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for glaze); 1 large egg (for dough); 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash); 1 teaspoon water (for egg wash); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered; Tiny pinch of salt (1/8 teaspoon or less, for glaze)

Jump to Recipe·5.2 from 24 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic teatime treats that bring a smile to your face and a burst of flavor in every bite, these Strawberries and Cream Scones are here to win your heart. Imagine tender, buttery scones studded with juicy, sweet strawberries, all crowned with a luscious vanilla cream glaze that transforms this simple delight into something truly special. Whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a charming addition to your brunch table, these scones deliver that perfect balance of crumbly texture and fresh fruity brightness every time.

Strawberries and Cream Scones Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting these Strawberries and Cream Scones just right is all about using a handful of straightforward, everyday ingredients that come together with magic. Each one plays a crucial role—from the flour giving structure to the fresh strawberries lending juicy bursts of color and flavor. Let’s dive into what you’ll need:

All-purpose flour (2 and 3/4 cups): The foundation for the soft, crumbly texture scones are famous for.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Helps the scones rise light and fluffy.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle lift and helps with browning.
Granulated sugar (1/3 cup): Sweetens the dough just enough without overpowering the strawberries.
Unsalted butter (1 stick, very cold and cut into pieces): Key to tender layers and that irresistible buttery flavor.
Large egg (1): Binds the ingredients and adds richness.
Whole milk (1/2 cup): Moistens the dough keeping it soft and tender.
Heavy cream (2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons for glaze): Adds richness and helps create that golden crust and silky glaze.
Fresh strawberries (1 cup, hulled and quartered): Bursting with natural sweetness and a pop of fresh color throughout the scones.
Egg wash (1 large egg beaten with 1 teaspoon water): Gives the scones a shiny, golden finish.
Sugar for sprinkling (2 tablespoons): Adds a subtle crunch and sparkle on top.
Confectioners’ sugar (3/4 cup): Essential for the smooth, sweet vanilla glaze.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm, aromatic note to the glaze.
Salt (tiny pinch, 1/8 teaspoon or less): Balances the sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Strawberries and Cream Scones

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep step will ensure your scones bake evenly and come off the tray without any sticking mishaps.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and sugar. Mixing these dry components evenly is crucial to achieving consistent texture and rise throughout your scones.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Next, incorporate the cold butter by cutting it into tiny cubes and working it into the flour mixture with your fingers, forks, or a pastry cutter until the texture resembles coarse meal. The visible butter bits will melt during baking, creating tender, flaky pockets in the scones.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients and Combine

In a small bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and heavy cream together, then pour this into the flour and butter mixture. Using a fork, gently stir until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing here—the goal is tender, not tough.

Step 5: Fold in Fresh Strawberries

Carefully fold in the hulled, quartered strawberries using a rubber spatula. It’s perfectly fine if some berries break down slightly; this will add extra moisture and sweet pockets throughout your scones.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn your loose dough out onto a floured surface and gently press it into an 8-inch circle. You might need to knead it a few times so it holds together well, but keep it light-handed to preserve the crumbly texture.

Step 7: Cut Into Wedges

Slice the dough circle into 8 equal wedges, like cutting a pizza. Carefully transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet spaced about 2 inches apart to allow room for rising.

Step 8: Egg Wash and Sugar Topping

Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash for that beautiful golden shine, then sprinkle each one with the granulated sugar to add a delightful sparkle and crunch once baked.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake your Strawberries and Cream Scones in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes or until they’re lightly golden. The aroma filling your kitchen is a joyful sign that something special is happening.

Step 10: Cool and Glaze

Let the scones cool for 10 minutes on the baking sheet, giving them time to set up while you whip together the glaze by stirring heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle generously over warm scones for that irresistible finishing touch.

How to Serve Strawberries and Cream Scones

Garnishes

These scones shine beautifully on their own with the vanilla cream glaze, but topping them with extra fresh strawberries or a light dusting of powdered sugar can add visual appeal and amplify the lovely freshness. For an elegant twist, consider a few mint leaves for a pop of green and refreshing aroma.

Side Dishes

Strawberries and Cream Scones pair wonderfully with a steaming cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea. For something a little extra, serve alongside a bowl of fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla yogurt for dipping or spreading.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make these scones the star of a beautiful brunch spread by placing them on a wooden board surrounded by bowls of fresh berries, jams, and clotted cream. Alternatively, slice a scone in half horizontally and layer with cream cheese and jam for a handheld treat that’s both nostalgic and irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers—which might be rare—they’ll keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This short storage time ensures the scones stay soft and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

To enjoy these scones later, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, simply thaw at room temperature and refresh with a quick warm-up in the oven.

Reheating

Reheat scones in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to recapture that just-baked warmth and keep the crumb tender. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the scones rubbery instead of soft and flaky.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?

While fresh strawberries offer the best texture and flavor for Strawberries and Cream Scones, you can use frozen berries if needed. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make your dough too wet.

What’s the difference between heavy cream and whipping cream in this recipe?

Heavy cream has a higher fat content than whipping cream, which gives the scones a richer texture and helps the glaze set beautifully. If you can only find whipping cream, it will still work but the results might be slightly lighter.

How do I prevent scones from becoming tough?

The key is to mix the dough gently and only until just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make scones dense. Also, using cold butter and handling the dough lightly helps keep them tender and flaky.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough, shape it into a circle, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before slicing and baking. This allows the flavors to meld and can make your morning prep quicker.

Is there a vegan alternative for these scones?

For a vegan version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, use a flax or chia egg in place of the egg, and swap dairy milk and cream with coconut or almond milk and vegan cream. Keep in mind that texture and flavor may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough giving these Strawberries and Cream Scones a try—you truly can’t beat the way fresh berries, buttery dough, and a sweet vanilla glaze come together in one delightful bite. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or a simple everyday treat, these scones promise to bring joy to your table and warmth to your heart. So grab your mixing bowl, fresh strawberries, and dive in—you’re about to create something wonderfully delicious!