Lemon Poppy Seed Scones (Printable)

Tender scones bursting with fresh lemon flavor and crunchy poppy seeds, perfect for any morning or afternoon treat.

# What You'll Need:

→ Dry Ingredients

01 - 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1 tablespoon poppy seeds
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about 2 lemons)
05 - 2 teaspoons baking powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
07 - 1/4 teaspoon salt

→ Wet Ingredients

08 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
09 - 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
10 - 1 large egg
11 - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
12 - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

→ Optional Glaze

13 - 1 cup powdered sugar
14 - 2 to 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

# Directions:

01 - Set the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, poppy seeds, lemon zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
03 - Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and cut it in using a pastry cutter or fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until combined.
05 - Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.
06 - Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick round disk. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Brush the tops of the wedges with a bit of extra heavy cream.
08 - Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown, then cool on a wire rack.
09 - Whisk together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth, then drizzle over cooled scones before serving.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • They come together in under an hour, transforming simple pantry staples into something that tastes like you've been baking all morning
  • The tender crumb with pops of lemon flavor feels fancy enough for guests, yet casual enough for your own quiet breakfast
  • That buttery richness paired with bright citrus keeps you reaching for just one more
02 -
  • Keep your butter cold right up until you use it; warm butter is the enemy of a tender scone
  • Don't be afraid of the poppy seeds; they add texture and a subtle nuttiness that makes all the difference
  • The transformation happens when you stop overmixing; a slightly shaggy dough is exactly what you want
03 -
  • Measure your flour by spooning it into your measuring cup and leveling it off rather than scooping directly from the bag; it makes a real difference in the final texture
  • If your kitchen is warm, chill your mixing bowls before starting; cold equipment helps keep that butter from softening too quickly
  • The lemon juice in the wet ingredients is doing double duty: brightening the flavor and helping the baking soda activate for lift

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