Fresh Strawberry Scones with Glaze: A Beginner’s Guide to Baking Success

Baking can seem intimidating to beginners, but it doesn’t have to be. When I first started baking, scones were one of the first recipes I dared to try. The result? Deliciously soft and buttery scones that melted in my mouth and had my family asking for more. Scones are the perfect recipe for anyone just starting out in the kitchen: they’re simple, don’t require complex techniques, and can be easily personalized. The Fresh Strawberry Scones with Glaze recipe I’m sharing today is both beginner-friendly and a great introduction to making baked goods from scratch.

Print

These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack. The fresh strawberries add a burst of natural sweetness, while the glaze gives them an irresistible finish. This recipe takes only 45 minutes, which is perfect for busy mornings or for when you have company coming over. By the end, you’ll have scones that are light, flaky, and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to baking or an experienced cook, these scones are sure to impress.

Ingredients and Preparation

To make these Fresh Strawberry Scones with Glaze, you don’t need a long list of ingredients. However, the quality of the ingredients you use will make a difference in the final product. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ⅓ cup sugar
• 8 tablespoons unsalted butter (frozen)
• ½ cup plain yogurt, sour cream, or buttermilk (choose based on what you have on hand)
• 1 heaping cup fresh strawberries (hulled and diced)
• 1 large egg

For the Glaze:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 cup confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract or 1 drop of lemon oil (for a fresh citrus twist)

Preparation:

Before you begin, it’s helpful to gather and measure all your ingredients. This step will ensure you don’t have to pause mid-recipe to look for something. The process is simple and quick, but being organized will make it even easier. You’ll also need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking equipment.

If you’re using a scone pan, lightly grease it. If you don’t have a scone pan, don’t worry—simply line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This recipe can be made with or without a scone pan, depending on what you have at home.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s where the magic happens. While the process is easy to follow, each step helps build the perfect scone. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare your baking equipment.
   Set the oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s at the right temperature when the scones are ready to bake. If you’re using a scone pan, lightly grease it. For a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
2. Mix the dry ingredients.
   In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar. These dry ingredients will provide the base for your scones, giving them structure and flavor.
3. Grate the frozen butter and incorporate it into the dry ingredients.
   Take the cold butter and grate it using the large holes of a box grater. The frozen butter helps create flaky layers in the scones. Once grated, use your fingers to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with pea-sized butter chunks. This step is key to achieving the perfect scone texture.
4. Gently mix in the fresh strawberries.
   Add the diced strawberries into the flour mixture and gently stir them in. Be careful not to overmix—it’s important to preserve the integrity of the strawberries. You don’t want the dough to turn pink, so mix just enough for the berries to be evenly distributed.
5. Prepare the wet ingredients.
   In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt (or sour cream or buttermilk) and the egg. These ingredients will help bring the dough together and add moisture to the scones.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients to form the dough.
   Slowly stir the yogurt-egg mixture into the dry ingredients using a wooden spoon or spatula. Stir gently until large clumps of dough start to form. Be careful not to crush the strawberries as you mix. If the dough seems too dry, add up to 2 tablespoons of milk, one teaspoon at a time, until the dough comes together into a ball.
7. Shape the dough and cut the scones.
   If you’re not using a scone pan, lightly flour a surface and transfer the dough onto it. Pat the dough into a 7-inch circle that’s about ¾-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges. If you are using a scone pan, gently press the dough into the pan and smooth the top with your fingers.
8. Bake the scones.
   Place the dough triangles or scone pan on the prepared baking sheet or pan. Bake the scones for about 15 minutes, or until they are golden on top. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You’ll know they’re done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool the scones and prepare the glaze.
   Let the scones cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes. While they cool, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sifted confectioners’ sugar, and vanilla extract (or lemon oil if you want a citrusy twist). Whisk until smooth.
10. Glaze the scones and enjoy!
    Once the scones have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the top. The glaze will add a sweet, creamy finish to the scones that perfectly complements the fresh strawberries. Serve them while they’re still slightly warm for the best texture and flavor.

Beginner Tips and Notes

As a beginner baker, it’s normal to have a few questions or face some challenges. Here are some tips to help you along the way:

• Don’t overwork the dough. The more you handle the dough, the denser the scones will be. Mix until the dough just comes together. It’s okay if it’s a bit crumbly at first.
• Frozen butter is key. Using cold butter that you’ve frozen helps create the flakiness that makes scones so special. If you don’t have a box grater, you can use a food processor to cut the butter into the flour mixture (but be sure not to overprocess).
• Be gentle with the strawberries. Fresh strawberries are delicate, so fold them into the dough carefully to prevent mashing them. You want to keep them intact so that they burst with flavor when you bite into the scones.
• Watch the baking time. Every oven is different. Start checking the scones at the 12-minute mark, and remove them once they’re golden and firm to the touch.
• Troubleshooting dry dough. If your dough is too dry to come together, don’t panic! Add a little bit of milk (1 teaspoon at a time) until it holds together. It’s better to add milk gradually than to end up with a dough that’s too wet.

Serving Suggestions

These Fresh Strawberry Scones are delicious on their own, but there are many ways to elevate the dish. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve with whipped cream or clotted cream. For an indulgent treat, pair your scones with a dollop of fresh whipped cream or clotted cream. It adds richness and a soft texture that complements the scones perfectly.
• Add fresh fruit on the side. A fresh fruit salad with seasonal berries or citrus fruits is a refreshing side dish that balances the sweetness of the scones.
• Try a cup of tea. For a truly traditional experience, serve your scones with a hot cup of English breakfast tea or a fruity herbal tea. The warmth of the tea enhances the flavors of the scones and makes for a lovely afternoon snack.
• Storage. If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to let them cool completely before freezing, and reheat them in the oven to bring back their fresh-baked texture.

Engagement Features

Baking is a wonderful journey, and I hope this recipe has inspired you to give scones a try. If you’ve made these Fresh Strawberry Scones, I’d love to hear how they turned out! Share your experience in the comments below—whether it was your first time making scones or you’re a seasoned baker. Don’t forget to let me know if you added your own twist to the recipe! I encourage you to experiment with different fruits or glaze flavors, and share your creations with others.

Remember, baking is all about trial and error, and each attempt will get you closer to mastering your skills. So, grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready to enjoy these simple yet delicious homemade scones!