Lemon Scones Recipe

If you’re in search of an egg-free scone recipe, you’re going to adore my homemade lemon scones recipe topped with lemon glaze. These scones are soft, bursting with lemon flavor, large, and incredibly fluffy. You just need a few ingredients and about 10 minutes of hands-on preparation time — even less if you use a food processor!

This British classic completes your afternoon tea perfectly. Discover how to whip it up with my straightforward, step-by-step guide.

Simple lemon scones recipe ideal for beginners

Have you ever thought about making traditional British scones from scratch? You absolutely can, and it’s quite simple. It’s practically foolproof, and even kids can do it. By incorporating fresh lemon juice and zest into the basic scone mix, you’ll elevate the flavor to the next level. Enjoy them as is, drizzled with a light lemon glaze, or served with clotted cream and jam. After all, what would classic British scones be without jam, cream, or butter?

I personally prefer my scones on the larger side, but if you’re not a fan of hefty scones, feel free to halve the recipe. Just keep in mind that halving it might affect the height I achieved as shown in the pictures.

If you’re like me, you’ll want to enjoy your lemon scones alongside one of these chilled drinks: iced coffee, iced tea, matcha green latte, cold brew tea, or coffee with condensed milk. Prefer hot beverages? You’ll love my affogato, Irish coffee, or turmeric milk as well as warm milk.

Reasons to adore this recipe

• It’s egg-free yet still boasts great texture and flavor

• These scones are large, airy, and utterly delicious

• This quick bread recipe is a hit with the entire family. Did you know that British scones and American biscuits are essentially the same thing, just enjoyed differently?

Essential kitchen tools for this recipe

A mixing bowl

Box grater for butter

Spatula, bread knife, or pastry cutter

Pastry scraper or a sharp knife

A round cutter if you prefer round scones over triangular ones

Baking tray

Kitchen scales

Measuring cups

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delightful recipe at home.

self-raising flour

cold butter

double cream

lemon juice and lemon zest

sugar

salt

For the glaze: powdered sugar (icing sugar) and lemon juice

Steps to make the lemon scones

Begin by preheating your oven to 200C/400F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside. Grate the cold butter and refrigerate until needed.

In a large mixing bowl, blend the all-purpose flour, salt, and sugar together, then create a well in the center of the flour mixture.

Incorporate the grated butter into the dry ingredients and rub them together with your hands until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.

Next, add the double cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing gently with your hands or a bread knife until everything comes together.

Turn the mixture out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead to form a dough (be careful not to overwork it). Shape the dough into a disc, and if desired, even the top with a rolling pin (this is optional, you can simply use your hands).

Using a sharp knife or a dough scraper, cut the dough into 8 triangles. Transfer them to the lined baking tray, ensuring they don’t touch, and brush the tops with heavy cream.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown. Once baked, let them cool and prepare the lemon drizzle.

Lemon glaze for scones: In a mixing bowl, combine powdered sugar (icing sugar), lemon juice, and a splash of vanilla extract and whisk until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the scones and serve as you wish.

Variations

• You can include about a cup of fresh or frozen fruits like blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, dried sultanas, and more. If using larger fruits, chop them into smaller pieces.

• If you prefer sweeter scones, add extra sugar or your favorite chocolate chips. For a savory twist, mix in cheese and chopped jalapeños.

• After brushing the tops with milk, consider sprinkling demerara sugar on them before baking for an extra touch.

• Make the recipe vegan by opting for plant-based milk or double cream. In the UK, Elmea offers a great option (not sponsored).

Storage tips

Scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but if you need to store them, keep them in an airtight container on the countertop for up to 3 days. If you’ve added fresh fruits, store them in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for about 5 days.

For freezing: Allow the scones to cool completely, then store them in a Ziploc freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating: You can reheat the scones in the microwave for a few seconds or in an air fryer if you have one.

Tips for perfect scones

• Always use cold butter and chill the dough before baking if it has warmed up while handling. Cold butter is key for a good rise and flaky texture.

• Avoid overworking or mixing the dough too much; just knead lightly until it holds together. If using a food processor, only pulse until combined.

• To keep lemon scones fresh for up to 3 days, store them in an airtight container and consume within that time.

• You can swap heavy cream for whole milk or half and half.

More simple baking recipes for beginners

Vanilla sponge cake

Coffee cake (the UK version)

Fresh strawberry cake

Orange cake

Chocolate cake

Irish soda bread

Apple crumble

Blueberry galette

FAQs

Can I use plain flour or all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can, but you’ll need to add about 1 tablespoon of baking powder to help the scones rise properly.

Can I substitute buttermilk?

Absolutely! You can use buttermilk instead of double cream. Just reduce the amount of lemon juice specified in the recipe, as buttermilk often contains a hint of lemon.

If you try this easy lemon scones recipe, please share your feedback and give it a 5-star rating. Tag me @thedinnerbite on Instagram and save it to your Pinterest. Don’t forget to subscribe to my blog for free new recipes delivered to your inbox.