Easy Lemonade Scones Recipe: Quick & Delicious

There’s nothing quite like the smell of freshly baked scones to start your day or enjoy a cozy afternoon treat. If you’re a fan of scones but want to try something with a little extra zest, you’re in for a treat with this lemonade scones recipe. These scones are light, fluffy, and have a subtle sweetness that comes from an unexpected ingredient—fizzy lemonade. Perfect for pairing with tea, serving at brunch, or just indulging whenever you need a citrus dessert, lemonade scones are a simple yet delightful twist on a traditional recipe.

In this blog post, we’ll walk you through how to make these delicious scones, share tips and tricks to get them just right, and answer all your burning questions about this fun and flavorful recipe.

Table of Contents

1. What Are Lemonade Scones?
2. Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemonade Scones
3. Step-by-Step Lemonade Scones Recipe
4. Why Use Lemonade in Scones?
5. Tips for Perfect Lemonade Scones
6. How to Make Lemonade Glaze
7. Variations of Lemonade Scones
8. Creative Ways to Serve Lemonade Scones
9. Pairing Lemonade Scones with Tea
10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What Are Lemonade Scones?

Lemonade scones are a unique and easy-to-make version of the classic scone recipe. While traditional scones are made with flour, butter, and milk or cream, this recipe includes the addition of fizzy lemonade (yes, the carbonated kind!). The lemonade gives the scones a light, airy texture and a hint of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tang of lemon zest.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or new to making scones, you’ll find this recipe simple and forgiving. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a batch of lemon scones ready in no time.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Lemonade Scones

Making these scones doesn’t require a long list of complicated ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create a delicious batch:

For the lemonade glaze (optional but highly recommended):

These ingredients make about 12 medium-sized scones, perfect for sharing (or not, we won’t judge).

Step-by-Step Lemonade Scones Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, sift the self-raising flour and add a pinch of salt. If you want an extra burst of citrus, mix in the lemon zest at this stage.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the lemonade and heavy cream. Gently fold the mixture together using a spatula or your hands until it forms a soft dough. Be careful not to over-mix, as this can make the scones dense instead of light and fluffy.

Tip: Handle the dough as little as possible to keep your scones light and tender.

Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it very gently—just enough to bring it together—and press it into a flat round, about 1 inch thick. Use a round cookie cutter or glass to cut out the scones, reshaping the dough as needed.

Step 5: Bake

Place the scones on your prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each one. Brush the tops with a bit of extra cream for a golden finish, and bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and risen.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Once the scones are done, allow them to cool for a few minutes. While they’re cooling, mix together the powdered sugar, lemonade, and lemon juice to make your lemonade glaze. Drizzle it generously over the scones for a sweet and tangy finish.

Why Use Lemonade in Scones?

You might be wondering, why use fizzy lemonade in a scone recipe? The answer lies in its magical ability to lighten the dough. The carbonation in the lemonade adds air pockets, resulting in a softer, fluffier texture compared to traditional scones. Additionally, the slight sweetness and lemony flavor from the lemonade perfectly complement the buttery richness of the scones, making them extra delicious. This method is a fun and easy shortcut for those who want fluffy, bakery-style scones without complicated steps or yeast.

Tips for Perfect Lemonade Scones

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: The key to light, fluffy scones is to handle the dough as little as possible. Over-mixing or over-kneading will result in dense, tough scones.
• Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your cream and lemonade are cold when you add them to the dough. Cold ingredients help create a flaky texture.
• Cut Evenly: For even baking, try to cut your scones evenly. A sharp round cutter will help make clean cuts, which helps the scones rise nicely in the oven.
• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: For the best flavor, use freshly grated lemon zest instead of pre-packaged zest. It will enhance the citrus notes in your scones.

How to Make Lemonade Glaze

The lemonade glaze adds an extra pop of citrus flavor and sweetness to your scones. Here’s a quick guide on how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemonade (fizzy or flat)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemonade, and lemon juice until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze or more lemonade for a thinner glaze.
3. Drizzle the glaze over cooled scones or dip the tops of the scones into the glaze for a more generous coating.

The glaze adds an extra layer of flavor, turning these simple scones into a citrus dessert you won’t be able to resist.

Variations of Lemonade Scones

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can tweak the basic lemonade scones recipe to suit your taste or dietary preferences. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Blueberry Lemonade Scones

Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to the dough for a sweet, fruity twist. The burst of blueberry flavor pairs beautifully with the lemon.

2. Lavender Lemonade Scones

For a floral twist, add a teaspoon of dried culinary lavender to the dough. Lavender and lemon create a delicate, sophisticated flavor perfect for afternoon tea.

3. Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

Mix 1 tablespoon of poppy seeds into the dough for a classic lemon-poppy seed flavor combination. The poppy seeds add a delightful crunch and subtle nuttiness.

4. Gluten-Free Lemonade Scones

Substitute gluten-free self-raising flour for regular self-raising flour, and you’ll have a gluten-free version that’s just as fluffy and delicious.

Creative Ways to Serve Lemonade Scones

There’s more than one way to enjoy these delightful scones! Here are some fun and creative ways to serve your lemonade scones:

• With Clotted Cream and Lemon Curd: The richness of clotted cream and the tang of lemon curd make the perfect pairing with the light, fluffy scones.
• As a Dessert with Ice Cream: Serve your scones warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of lemonade glaze for a decadent dessert.
• Breakfast Scones with Yogurt and Fresh Fruit: Top your scones with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a wholesome breakfast treat.
• Tea-Time Treat: Serve your lemon scones with a pot of Earl Grey or chamomile tea for a relaxing afternoon pick-me-up.

Pairing Lemonade Scones with Tea

While these scones are delicious on their own, they truly shine when paired with the right tea. Here are some tea pairings that complement the citrusy notes of the scones:

• Earl Grey: With its subtle hints of bergamot, Earl Grey tea complements the lemon flavor in the scones beautifully.
• Chamomile: For a more soothing pairing, try chamomile tea. Its mild, floral flavor won’t overpower the scones.
• Green Tea: If you prefer a refreshing, slightly bitter contrast to the sweetness of the scones, green tea is a great choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use soda water instead of lemonade?

Yes, you can substitute soda water for lemonade if you prefer a less sweet scone.

However, you might want to add a tablespoon of sugar or extra lemon zest to balance out the flavor.

2. Can I make lemonade scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the scones a day ahead and store them in an airtight container. To refresh them, pop them in the oven for 5 minutes before serving.

3. How long do lemonade scones stay fresh?

Lemonade scones are best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll keep for up to two days in an airtight container. You can also freeze them for up to a month.

4. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free self-raising flour in place of regular self-raising flour. The results will be just as light and fluffy.

5. What’s the best way to store leftover scones?

To keep scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, wrap them tightly and freeze them for up to one month.

Lemonade scones are the perfect blend of classic comfort and refreshing citrus. Whether you’re serving them at a brunch, an afternoon tea, or just as a special treat for yourself, these scones are guaranteed to impress. Grab your ingredients and give this easy recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!