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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup fresh blackberries, halved - Zest of 1 lime - 1/4 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Juice of 1 lime - Extra cream for brushing - Coarse sugar for sprinkling When measuring flour, use the spoon and level method. This helps avoid packed flour. Spoon the flour into a measuring cup, then level it off. For sugar, make sure to pack it lightly in the cup. The butter should be cold to help create flaky layers in the scones. I recommend using fresh, ripe blackberries for the best flavor. Look for plump, firm berries. For butter, choose high-quality unsalted butter for better control over the salt in your scones. For heavy cream, use a brand that you trust. It makes a difference in richness. You can find coarse sugar at most grocery stores; it's great for that crunchy top. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat makes the scones rise nicely. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick while baking. In a large bowl, add 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Use a whisk to mix these together well. This step ensures even flavor in every bite. Now, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter and add it to the flour mix. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to blend the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, gently fold in the zest of 1 lime and 1/2 cup of halved blackberries. Be gentle here to keep the berries whole. In another bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and the juice of 1 lime. Mix until smooth. This combination adds moisture and flavor to the scones. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Don’t overmix; the dough should feel slightly sticky. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter for nice shapes. Transfer the scones to your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with extra cream and sprinkle coarse sugar on them. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on them, looking for a golden-brown color. Once done, let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving them to a wire rack. Enjoy your warm, flavorful scones! To make great scones, use cold butter. Cold butter helps create a flaky texture. Cut the butter quickly into the flour. You want small crumbs. Mix gently to keep the blackberries whole. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Shape the dough carefully, too. A gentle touch keeps the scones light. Brush with cream for a golden top. Sprinkle sugar to add a sweet crunch. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This can make your scones hard. Another is using warm butter. Always ensure your butter is cold. Also, don’t skip the baking powder. It helps the scones rise. Finally, watch the baking time closely. Every oven is different. You want the scones golden but not burnt. Pair your scones with tea or coffee. A light herbal tea works well with the lime flavor. Try serving them with lemonade for a refreshing twist. If you like something stronger, a light sparkling wine can be nice. These drinks enhance the scone's fruity taste. Enjoy your scones warm for the best experience! Pro Tips Chill Your Ingredients: For the best texture, make sure your butter and cream are cold. This helps create flaky layers in your scones. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense scones rather than light and fluffy ones. Use Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen, do not thaw them before adding to the dough. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to substitute the lime with lemon or experiment with other berries for a unique twist on this classic recipe. {{image_2}} You can swap blackberries for other fruits. Raspberries bring a nice tart flavor. Strawberries add sweetness and color. Blueberries provide a juicy burst. Each fruit gives a unique taste to your scones. Try adding spices for extra flavor. A pinch of cinnamon can give warmth. Nutmeg adds a cozy touch. You can also mix in chopped nuts for crunch. Lemon zest brightens the flavors, too. To make gluten-free scones, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum for texture. You might need to add a bit more liquid. Always check the blend's instructions for best results. These adaptations keep your scones soft and tasty. After baking, let the scones cool on a wire rack. Once cool, place them in an airtight container. Store them at room temperature for up to three days. If you want them to last longer, you can refrigerate them, but this may change their texture. To enjoy leftover scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This helps restore their fresh texture. You can also microwave them for about 15 seconds, but they may not be as crisp. If you want to freeze scones, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can stay frozen for up to two months. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above for the best results. Yes, you can use frozen blackberries. They work well in scones. Just do not thaw them. Add them straight to the dough. This way, they keep their shape, and your scones stay light and fluffy. To make scones less crumbly, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined. Also, ensure your butter is cold. This helps create a nice texture. Adding a bit more cream can help, too. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try using whole milk mixed with butter. Mix 1/4 cup of butter with 3/4 cup of whole milk. For a lighter option, use half and half. This gives a nice texture without heavy cream. To know if your scones are done, look for a golden-brown color. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready. They should also feel firm but spring back slightly when touched. This article covers how to make great scones step by step. We discussed key ingredients, measurements, and product tips. I shared easy methods to prepare the oven, mix ingredients, and check for doneness. Remember these tips to avoid common mistakes. Explore variations for added flavor, and learn storage and reheating methods. Baking scones can be fun and rewarding. With practice, you’ll master them in no time. Enjoy your baking journey!

Blackberry Lime Scones

Delicious scones infused with fresh blackberries and lime zest, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.25 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cups cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 0.5 cups fresh blackberries, halved
  • 1 unit zest of lime
  • 0.25 cups heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 unit juice of lime
  • as needed unit extra cream for brushing
  • as needed unit coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gently fold in the lime zest and halved blackberries, being careful not to crush the fruit.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and lime juice until smooth.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir until just combined. Do not overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter for individual scones.
  • Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with extra cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
  • Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them to prevent overbaking.
  • Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Serve the scones on a beautiful platter with a few fresh blackberries scattered around and a lime wedge for color. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an elegant touch.
Keyword baking, blackberries, lime, scones