I’ve never been a fan of scones until I met Kathy, the owner of a cooking school that I used to teach at. One afternoon, I walked in with my arms full of ingredients to prepare for a cooking class that I was teaching later that evening. Just as I was putting ingredients in the refrigerator, Kathy handed me a blueberry scone that just came out of the oven. I almost didn’t try it, because the scones I knew were dry, dense, flavor-less and so hard you could use it as pumice stone. And I’m so not kidding.
I stood there in the studio kitchen, wondering where I could hide this scone without Kathy noticing, and then she looked at me and hollered, “Try it! The blueberry scone is still warm from the oven!”
Well, dang it. If I threw the scone out at that moment, she’d notice for sure. In fact, even if I was sly and just dropped the blueberry scone in the trash can, it would probably have clunked so loudly like a rock that she’s sure to hear. I grabbed a big glass of water as my chaser and broke into it with my hands.
Soft. Moist. Warm. Blueberry Scone.
Then I took a bit. Ohhhhhh….moist, rich, delicate.
The moist, rich and delicate qualities has everything to do with mixing the scones by hand with a wooden spoon, which prevents you from over working the dough. Oh, yeah, and maybe a little teeny tiny bit to do with the butter and sour cream in the recipe too.
One more thing, I’m going to confess that the original name for the lemon glaze is really lemon curd. But I have an unnatural phobia to the word “curd.” It just doesn’t sound appealing and if you try to feed my kids anything with the word “CURD” in it, there’s a 99% chance that they’ll fling it back in your face.
Betty Crocker Test Kitchens made my recipe and created a how-to video.
Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
These blueberry scones are made specifically with very little sugar, because the accompanying glaze provides all the sugar you need! If you’re making these scones and do not plan on either a glaze or jam, you can increase the amount of sugar if you’d like.
makes 12 blueberry scones
3 cups all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened (1 stick)
2 cups light sour cream
1/4 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup fresh blueberries
Preheat the oven to 350F
Mix all the dry ingredients together. Cut in softened butter. Gently fold in the sour cream and vanilla. Fold in blueberries. Try not to over work the dough to keep the scones light and delicate. Scoop dough (about 1/2 cup) onto lightly greased cookie sheet and bake 30 minutes (depending on size) or until the tops are golden brown. Serve with the Lemon Glaze.
Lemon Glaze (or Lemon Curd) Recipe
3 lemons
2 eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
4 tablespoons butter
Zest the lemon with a microplane grater. Cut each lemon in half and juice the lemons. In a medium sauce pan over medium heat, whisk together the lemon zest, lemon juice, eggs and sugar. Whisk constantly and make sure the mixture does not come to a boil (or the eggs will curdle). When the mixture is hot, turn the heat to low and whisk in the butter, 1 tablespoon at a time. Continue cooking on low for 6 minutes until the lemon glaze has thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
This lemon glaze recipe makes a fantastic gift when canned.
How much baking powder do you put in this recipe? Is it really 2 tablespoons?
Hi Berkeley – yes, it is 2 tablespoons. We just baked them again 2 weeks ago.
I was looking for a long time for this recipe. I baked the scones and they were INCREDIBLE. If you lik sweeter, you can add 2 tablespoons. Really recommended!!
Thanks so much! I just made a batch a couple of weeks ago – everyone loved it 🙂
I was wondering how much baking powder to put in this recipe? Is it really 2 tablespoons?
Hi Jaden,
If I want to omit the glaze, how much sugar should I put in the scones to compensate? I made the scones a few days ago and they came out moist and tender just as you promised, but I omitted the glaze which left the scones somewhat lacking in sweetness.
Hi Allan, Scones are generally not too sweet, I’d add 1/4 cup sugar and also brush a simple glaze on top (powdered sugar + hot water, mix until you get a thickened glaze)
Hi,
I was wondering if I could use frozen berries instead of fresh for these scones and also could I leave out the sugar in the scone dough as one of my friend’s is not supposed to have sugar due to dietary restictions.
I’m a little confused; this recipe says 2 tablespoons of baking powder, but the Betty Crocker site says 1 tablespoon?
lol about ‘curd’, makes sense now that I think about it! I love this recipe and will use some of your ‘lemon glaze’ on my blueberry scones!
http://www.cookeatdelicious.com/fruit-recipes/lemons-recipes/double-blueberry-scones-lemon-glaze-recipe.html
Thanks!
I made these last night and they have a very bitter taste. I’m thinking there is too much baking powder in them. I didn’t read the comments before I made them so it is my fault. I think they would be good if they were not bitter. I am bummed that I wasted all my blueberries and sour cream though.
Hi Jaden, I’m new @ baking and would like to try this recipe. Do I use tablespoon or teaspoon for the baking powder?
Thanks!
Hi Jaden, just wanty to clarify for the Baking Powder is TBSP or TSP?
I’m making these for a sunday birthday party. If I’m not making any of the lemon glaze, how much sugar do I use? I’m making a different batch with just the scones and making it bite sized for all the little kiddies(about twenty six of them). I just thought lemon glaze= very messy. Instead of blueberries, can I mix chocolate chips in them? Or what else can I use besides bluberries, just to make a variety in case one child does not like something.
You might want to just make chocolate chip muffins instead! Or look up chocolate chip scones – there are a ton of great recipes out there
Oh how I wish blueberries weren’t so expensive right now!
They’re running $5 for a little tiny bin around here.
However, you can be sure that as soon as I get some, these will be in my oven! I don’t love making scones, but these seem more than worth it!
I’ve also used strawberries too, which are pretty cheap right now, at least here in FL.
I used frozen berries
can i roll into a cirlce and cut in wedges like regular scones or do i have to drop in mounds??
yes you may, however the dough is pretty sticky, so you should flour your surface well.
These look absolutely delectable… can’t wait to try out the recipe!
Looks sooo good! Can’t wait to try out this recipe 🙂
I made these with Greek yogurt. The flavor was great but the texture was very “cake-y”. Not very light either. I was wondering if the butter should be cold and not softened. Most other scone recipes call for cold butter.
Thanks for any feedback.
I like this scone a lot. Before I bump into this recipe, I have never came across scone made from sour cream before… the scone is awesome.
It is not just delicious and all the ingredients are accessible locally. Usually I would bake a fairly large batch to share with my family. It is well kept in the freezer for one month.
Here is my favourite
Scone cutter. Next time I will try the scone with lemon curd, hopefully the tangy lemon taste won’t be overwhelming.
I just made these scones this week, but they didn’t turn out too well- was wondering if it is really 2 tablespoons of baking soda, or 2 teaspoons?
I love your website, thanks for all the effort that goes into it!
2 tablespoons is correct – Betty Crocker Test Kitchens made it – you can take a look at their how-to video of my recipe.
Hey there Margie! Nice to meet you. You’re welcome to use the photo, but please (pretty please) link to this page for the actual recipe. Thanks! Jaden
Jaden!!!! This recipe sounds awesome. I can’t wait to try it!! I have a special request. LOVE your site …. LOVE your recipes!!!! Actually TRYING “Mom’s Famous Chinese Crispy Egg Rolls Recipe” tonight. My friends have a pick-your-own blueberry farm here in the piney forests of East Texas. We have a small web page including Blueberry Recipes. I would love to post this recipe on our site – after I try it of course – with a link (and gushy comments) to your site. Would this be allowed???
Again, love your site – can’t wait to try more of your dishes!
Thanks!!
Oh, these were fantastic. Light, moist, and fluffy, and the lemon curd was the perfect accompaniment. I made them for Christmas breakfast, and they were just the thing. I actually ended up with 14 scones, and they were still excessively large (not that that’s a bad thing!).
Hello! I came across your recipe and wanted to try this scone out. My husband is like you and hates scones because they are too dry and hard. I want to make this but probably without the curd. Kinda hard with a 22month old running around. How much sugar do you recommend to increase it to? I don’t want it tooth achy sweet but just enough. Thanks
It’s 9:30 in the morning here in Boston and I’m sitting down and enjoying my first scone that is still a bit warm from the oven and I’m one happy camper. I love the taste the sour cream gives the scone. I added another 2 Tablespoons of sugar and some lemon zest into the dough. Then I sprinkled some turbinado sugar on top before baking. It tastes wonderful. I had a jar of lemon curd on hand and while it tasted great, I think I like the scone best by itself. Thanks for the recipe. It’s a keeper!
Since I LOVE LOVE LOVE baking, tried this out and LOVE LOVE LOVE this recipe. Surprised my parents this morning after a really late night of packing :)! Totally coming to see you when you get to Seattle!
Marcella-
Thanks for trying the recipe! I’ll be in Seattle in early November – Keren Brown is planning an event for Nov 11th. See you then!
xo jaden
I used this basic scone recipe this morning but added beautiful fall raspberries and dark chocolate chips instead. There weren’t very sweet so I added a simple glaze made from powdered sugar, milk and a few drops of vanilla extract and it did the trick. They are simply perfect. The texture of the scones is amazing. I will definitely be using this recipe again. Thanks! I will definitely try w/ blueberries and lemon curd also.
Thanks Joyce! Yes, the recipe is purposely not-so-sweet – which is why it’s perfect to pair with a glaze or jam! jaden
My friend recently came to visit me when she was still severely jetlagged, but after being handed a fat scone and bowl of lemon “curd” – she soon livened up! Its just a perfect combination and with blueberries in yours as well….delicious!
No one has mentioned the dreaded “bean curd.” How is it that these curds are some of my favorite foods? As for the white flour thing, we can always play with these recipes. At the source there are lots of whole grain baked goods. Now my problem is to make it gluten free…
Hi Jaden,
I’m from Australia & I’m not sure how much 1 stick or butter is in grams?
1 stick = 4 ounces!
These sound delish! I have no qualms using the “C” (curd) word, LOL! Ever since the first time I tasted lemon curd, it’s been a staple in my kitchen. And I love scones, but I know what you mean about the sawdust variety (a Starbuck’s scone I had recently comes to mind, yuck!). I make fabulous cranberry orange scones.
You reminded me I’ve been planning to make some raspberry curd….thanks!
Love the combo of blueberries and lemon. Almonds are also good addition to the party. Love love LOVE citrus curds. I’ve made it with lemon, lime, key lime, orange and pink grapefruit. Have a load of key limes just fallling off my tree. But lemon works best with the blueberries.
I totally hear you on the curd thing. I think it’s because I associate “curd” with that nursery rhyme “Little Miss Muffet” and therefore curds bring spiders! Or something like that. Anyway, love soft delicious scones and will have to give these a try. I really like your new site design, it feels more personal and does show off your photos.
Never that they are blob drop scones as you mentioned on my blog comment, yours look YUMMMMEY! and melt-in-the-mouth kind of scones!
Oh wow! These look fabulous. That lemon “curd” is right up my alley. Give me a little clotted cream with that as well and I’d be so happy.
Looks so yummy. I’m drooling all over my keyboard here. Will definitely try them.
I love the new design 😉
Now that’s a scone I wouldn’t be able to resist! Especially, since it has 2 amazing flavors packed into it!
My family are great fan for scones. Since I started to make my own scones, we never buy the ones from the bakery. Looking at your beautiful scones, I am craving for one now esp with the fresh blueberries…… Btw, I love your new blog layout. So bright and organised!
I really love scones. Blueberry and lemon glaze look beautiful!!!
I used sour cream once too when making almond scones and was amazed at how light and airy it made them. Great recipe and, as always, beautiful pics.
YOur new template looks great, I like the clear white background. Hey you got a lovely scone recipe there, a sure winner!
I love Lemon Curd. Even though I have taught all my friends’ kids to call it “Lemon Crud” 🙂
Thanks, I am new to your website, but having an amazing time poking around!
Thanks! Nice to meet you too…
Oh man, these look good. I love me some blueberry scones.
I’ve had the same experience with scones in the past, but these look great! Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t been to your website in a long time because it was slow to load, clunky, etc.
This new design is beautiful and I am happy to revisit your always good recipes and entertaining chatter.
Thanks Nancy! I agree – this site design is much better.
Hmmm, only a half cup of fresh blueberries for 12 scones? Jaden, were you using the smaller wild blueberries? We picked blueberries from a local U-Pick farm and they are huge! I am afraid one half cup would yield only three blueberries per scone. That would be a bummer, eh? The recipe looks absolutely scrumptious and I am going to try them soon but with a few more blueberries. 🙂
Use as many blueberries as you can then! I also vote for the more the better philosophy when it comes to fresh fruit! 😉
Actually – I think there was a typo – it should be 1 cup.
Mmmm, I love scones that are actually moist like that! These sound wonderful. I’m going to have to add the recipe to the recipe queue. Currently, my personal favorite scone recipe is one for pumpkin scones that a reader made me aware of. It is the recipe of the previous First Lady of Australia (I think I’m remembering that right). I made them for the first time last Fall for a week of pumpkin recipes on my blog and have been making them about once a month since! Good scones are addicting!
We made these amazing scones yesterday along with the glaze… We ate them with Berryblossom fogs (Berryblossom tea with steamed milk and vanilla syrup). Lets just say that if they serve breakfast in heaven, this would be it!
OK, Jaden ~ so why do you have to post a(nother) fabulous scone recipe when I’m just beginning to think about cutting out processed/white foods from my diet…again!? :)P
Well, I’ll tell you who first turned me on to the first “dream scone” that I made: Deb in her <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2006/11/dream-a-little-dream-of-scone/"dreamy cream scones post 🙂 And I think lemon curd is the perfect compliment to blueberry scones!
Good scones can be REALLY good. It’s sad that all most people know are those hockey pucks they sell at Starbucks.
Yours look great and I love that blueberry lemon combo!
What a coincidence! I just made lemon glazed cupcakes 🙂 Love your ensemble!
Lemon curd (home made of course) is a favourite in this house, smeared lovingly over toast.
Loving the new design, by the way; clear and concise.
Mmmmmm! I’m SO trying these this week! I make my own yogurt and I always strain it so it tastes just like the expensive Greek yogurt – I”ll just use that! 🙂
I’m with you on the “curd” – but I’m sure I’ll love this “glaze”. The new site looks great – the “fresh and simple” theme comes through really well!
I have the same reaction to curd – too close to “curdled” as in “gone bad.” So when I tried lemon curd I renamed it sauce of lemon deliciousness. These scones look totally worthy of sauce of lemon deliciousness.
I had just the same reaction to lemon curd. It sounds too close to curdled, which means “gone bad.” I almost didn’t try it, then renamed it sauce of lemon deliciousness. These scones look totally worthy of sauce of lemon deliciousness.
Yummy, yummy, yummy
I love the new website…and the scones and lemony glaze look yuUUUumy!
I would like to put in a request though….I like to print out the recipes when I cook (my kitchen is too tiny for a laptop) and then I stash them in one of my many piles around the house for later….I just like to print the recipe and photo and not all the comments….Is there a way for me to do this? Thanks.
You can just copy and paste into a Word document and print from there. I’m about to do that.
Or you can select just the recipe as if copy/pasting and then choose to just print the selection.
I love the new design, looks wonderful! I hope I’ll be here tomorrow to see your ABC spot, not sure if I will or not though 🙁 Good luck, err break a leg! 😀
Oh and thank you for the lemon curd, I need to make some this week and you saved me from looking up the recipe!
I am so tempted to make these in the morning for two hungry little boys and one big guy.I wonder what would happen if I used greek yogurt?
I’m sure it will be JUST as good. I always sub greek yogurt for sourcream.
Mmm, these look good. Note to self to try these.
Mmm these look good! Note to self to try these.
I’m with you–I’ve never been a fan of scones. But yours look delicious!
Are you and my mom related? That’s how she felt about scones, until I began making her different recipes. I have to say that Alice at Savory Sweet Life has a pretty good scone recipe. My grandmother has a family recipe that her friend from Europe gave her. It is by far the best scone recipe I’ve ever made, but grandmother made me promise to keep the recipe a secret. So, I guess I have to keep my mouth shut.
Ohhhh, I’m with ya on the “curd” word. Too close to “curdle” and it just makes me think of something lumpy. No one likes lumpy.
Blueberry and lemon together are fantastic. Lemon blueberry bread comes to mind. I’ve gotta try these. Just to see if they are indeed soft and moist, as you say. Not for any other reason. I don’t have a baked goods problem.
Love the new site. And love the large pics. Really pretty.
Hoo-boy! That looks beautiful. And I adore lemon curd.