Welcome to a delightful baking journey that promises to fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and your taste buds with pure bliss. Today, we’re diving into the world of homemade scones, elevating them with the vibrant sweetness of fresh strawberries and a delectable streusel topping. These aren’t just any scones; these are Strawberry Streusel Scones – a true testament to simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinarily special. Perfect for brunch, afternoon tea, or simply a luxurious morning treat, these scones are designed to be both scrumptious and memorable.
There’s something uniquely comforting and elegant about a freshly baked scone. Unlike their biscuit cousins, scones often boast a richer, slightly sweeter profile, making them a versatile canvas for various flavors. Our Strawberry Streusel Scones take this classic baked good to new heights. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of textures: a tender, buttery interior studded with juicy, sweet strawberries, enveloped by a delicately crisp exterior. The crowning glory is the irresistible brown sugar streusel, adding a delightful crunch and an extra layer of sweetness that sets these scones apart. While superb on their own, a simple drizzle of icing can transform them into an even more visually appealing and decadent treat, perfect for any special occasion.
Strawberry Season’s Sweetest Offering
When the produce aisles overflow with those bright, ruby-red strawberries, it’s impossible to resist their call. There’s a certain magic that fresh, ripe strawberries bring to any dish, and baking is no exception. Their natural sweetness, coupled with a hint of tartness, creates a flavor burst that perfectly complements the rich, buttery scone dough. Beyond their incredible taste, strawberries are also packed with vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants, adding a touch of wholesome goodness to your indulgence. Using peak-season strawberries ensures the most vibrant flavor and color in your scones, making each bite a celebration of nature’s bounty. I simply can’t help but bake with them whenever they’re at their best!
Elevate Your Scones with a Drizzle of Icing
While the streusel topping provides ample sweetness and crunch, a delicate drizzle of simple icing can take these Strawberry Streusel Scones from delicious to absolutely divine. This optional step adds a beautiful glossy finish, enhancing their visual appeal and making them even more enticing for special occasions. Imagine serving these at a sophisticated brunch, a charming baby shower, or a cozy tea party with friends – the elegant icing truly makes them pop. It’s a quick and easy addition that imparts an extra layer of sweetness and a touch of professional flair, making this recipe a go-to favorite for sharing with loved ones.
A World of Berry-Inspired Delights
If you find yourself with an abundance of sweet, juicy strawberries, don’t limit your culinary adventures to just scones! Strawberries are incredibly versatile and can elevate a wide array of dishes, from simple snacks to elaborate desserts. Beyond these delectable Strawberry Streusel Scones, there’s a whole universe of My Berry Best Strawberry Recipes waiting to be explored. Whether you’re craving light and refreshing salads, elegant appetizers, or truly decadent treats, strawberries promise to make every creation an instant family favorite. Their bright flavor and vibrant color are simply irresistible in any form, offering endless possibilities for delicious exploration in your kitchen.
Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Streusel Scones
Crafting the perfect scone starts with a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients. For exact measurements and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to create these heavenly Strawberry Streusel Scones:
All-purpose flour: The foundation for light and tender scones.
Baking powder: Essential for that signature scone lift.
Light brown sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to both the scones and streusel.
Kosher salt: Balances the flavors beautifully.
Unsalted butter: Crucial for flaky texture and rich flavor. Remember, it must be COLD!
Fresh strawberries: The star of the show, bringing juicy sweetness.
Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the dough.
Heavy cream: For a tender crumb and luxurious texture.
Powdered sugar (optional, for icing): For that elegant, sweet drizzle.
Milk (optional, for icing): To achieve the perfect consistency for your glaze.
And for tools, you’ll want to have on hand:
Pastry blender: Or two knives, for cutting in butter.
Silicone basting brush: For applying the egg wash.
Baking sheet: Sturdy and reliable for even baking.
Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and aids cleanup.
Cooling rack: Essential for letting your scones cool properly.
Mastering the Perfect Egg Wash
An often-overlooked but incredibly impactful step in baking scones (and many other baked goods like pies and biscuits) is the application of a simple egg wash. This easy mixture, typically just an egg whisked with a splash of water or milk, is brushed over the dough just before baking. The magic lies in its ability to create a beautiful, crisp, and golden-brown crust with an irresistible glossy finish. It’s the secret to achieving that professional, bakery-quality appearance and an added layer of subtle flavor. Learning how to make an egg wash is a fundamental skill that will elevate all your baking endeavors, making it truly the perfect final touch for your strawberry streusel scones.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Strawberry Streusel Scones
Creating these delightful strawberry streusel scones is a straightforward process, but a few key techniques will ensure a truly spectacular result. Follow these steps carefully to achieve tender, flaky scones every time.
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and set it aside. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Next, prepare your butter. Cut a stick of unsalted butter into small, uniform cubes. Place these cubes on a plate and pop them into the freezer for about 5 minutes. This extra chill is crucial for the scone’s texture.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking powder, light brown sugar, and kosher salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Add the super cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger, pea-sized chunks of butter remaining. Avoid overmixing; these butter pockets are what create flaky layers.
The Golden Rule: COLD Butter is a Must
The secret to light, tender, and flaky scones lies almost entirely in the temperature of your butter. It is absolutely imperative that your butter is very cold for this recipe. When tiny pieces of cold butter melt in the hot oven, they release steam, creating pockets of air that result in those desirable flaky layers. Cubing the butter and chilling it in the freezer for a few minutes before incorporating it into the dry ingredients helps ensure it remains cold and blends perfectly with the flour mixture, leading to a rich, buttery scone dough with an incomparable texture.
Once your butter is perfectly incorporated, you’re ready to bring the dough together.
Gently stir in the sliced fresh strawberries, ensuring they are well coated with the flour mixture. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
In a separate small bowl, lightly beat the large egg and combine it with the heavy cream. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients with the strawberries. Stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; a shaggy, slightly crumbly dough is ideal. Overmixing develops gluten, leading to tough scones.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently press and shape the dough into a 1-inch thick round disk. Think of it like a pizza!
Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the disk into 8 even wedges. This classic scone shape ensures consistent baking.
Now it’s time to prepare your scones for their golden-brown finish and add that delightful streusel.
Carefully transfer the scone wedges to your prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave a few inches between each scone to allow for even baking and browning.
Generously brush the top of each scone with the egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon of water). This will give them a beautiful golden sheen and crisp exterior.
To make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, melt the butter. Add the light brown sugar and all-purpose flour to the melted butter. Using a fork, stir the ingredients together until coarse crumbs form. This creates the perfect crumbly texture.
Evenly sprinkle the streusel mixture over the tops of all the scones on the baking sheet. Don’t be shy – the streusel is a key component of their appeal!
With your scones ready for the oven, it’s almost time to enjoy their warm, buttery goodness!
Bake the scones in the preheated 400°F oven. Start by placing the baking sheet on the middle rack for about 20 minutes.
After 20 minutes, move the baking sheet to the top rack for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the scones are beautifully golden brown and the streusel is crisp and caramelized. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage to prevent over-browning.
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This allows them to firm up slightly.
Then, carefully transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. While they are delicious warm, cooling allows the flavors to meld and the texture to fully set.
Crafting the Simple & Sweet Icing
Adding a simple icing drizzle is an effortless way to enhance both the flavor and presentation of your strawberry streusel scones. Here’s how to whip up the perfect glaze:
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the icing is completely smooth and has a consistent drizzling consistency. It should flow easily but not be too watery.
If your icing appears too thick, add a bit more milk, one teaspoon at a time, whisking well after each addition until you reach the desired drizzling consistency.
Conversely, if the icing turns out too thin, gradually add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuing to whisk until the desired thickness is achieved. The goal is an icing that coats the back of a spoon and drizzles off smoothly.
Once your icing is perfect, it’s time for the finishing touch!
Generously drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled strawberry streusel scones. You can use a spoon, a fork, or even a piping bag with a small hole for a more controlled design. Allow the icing to set slightly before serving.
Explore More Irresistible Scone Creations
The world of scones is vast and wonderfully delicious! Once you’ve mastered these incredible Strawberry Streusel Scones, you might find yourself eager to explore other delightful variations. Scones are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for flavor combinations. Whether you crave rich chocolate, bright citrus, or warm spices, there’s a scone recipe to suit every palate. Here are some more stunning scone recipes to inspire your next baking adventure, each offering a unique twist on this beloved classic:
Chocolate Chunk Scones: Experience the joy of a sweet, sugary, crunchy exterior giving way to a tender, flaky, melt-in-your-mouth interior, packed with generous chocolate chunks in every bite.
Lemon Lavender Poppy Seed Scones: A sophisticated blend where bright lemon, delicate lavender, and crunchy poppy seeds unite in these truly exquisite and delicious scones, finished with an irresistibly sweet lemon glaze.
Snickerdoodle Streusel Scones: Indulge in these incredibly tender and flavorful scones, boasting an irresistible cinnamon sugar streusel topping that will make you want to savor one every single morning.
Chocolate Chip Scones: Discover your new obsession with these buttery scones, crisp on the outside and wonderfully tender on the inside, generously studded with melting chocolate chips throughout.
Strawberry Scone Shortcakes: These fresh strawberry scone shortcakes are made extra special with sweet strawberries and a hint of lemon in lightly sweetened scones, making them the perfect summer dessert.
Sweet and Simple Scones: A must-have recipe for every good baker, these scones are perfectly crisp on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, and possess just the right amount of sweetness.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Lasting Freshness
Ensuring your Strawberry Streusel Scones stay fresh and delicious is key to enjoying them long after they’ve come out of the oven. Proper storage and reheating techniques will help preserve their tender texture and rich flavor.
To store scones: For best results, keep your baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you need to keep them longer, they can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in the freezer for up to one month. Freezing is an excellent option for meal prepping or having a quick treat on hand.
To reheat from the refrigerator: Place your chilled scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes. This gentle reheating will warm them through and help crisp up the exterior, bringing back that freshly baked feel.
To reheat from the freezer: First, allow the frozen scones to defrost at room temperature, ideally uncovered to prevent them from becoming soggy. Once defrosted, place them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5 minutes, or until they are crisp on the outside and warm all the way through. A toaster oven also works wonderfully for reheating individual scones, giving them a delightful crispness.
We truly hope you enjoy baking and savoring these incredibly delicious Strawberry Streusel Scones. They are more than just a recipe; they’re an experience—a simple pleasure that brings warmth and sweetness to any day. If you embark on this delightful baking adventure, please be sure to snap a picture of your beautiful creations and share it with us! You can tag us on Instagram @thebakermama so we can see your amazing work. I absolutely adore seeing how inspired and creative you all get with the recipes I share. Happy baking, and enjoy every tender, strawberry-filled bite!
xoxo,
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Strawberry Streusel Scones
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Author:Maegan – The BakerMama
Prep Time:20 mins
Cook Time:30 mins
Total Time:50 mins
Yield:8
Category:Breakfast
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Description
Strawberry Streusel Scones are scrumptious scones studded with fresh strawberries and topped with an irresistibly sweet streusel!
Ingredients
For the Scone Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, COLD and cubed
1 and 1/2 cups fresh sliced strawberries
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water, for brushing scones (egg wash)
For the Streusel Topping:
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Simple Icing (optional):
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
Cut the unsalted butter for the scone dough into small cubes on a plate and place it in the freezer for 5 minutes to ensure it is very cold.
In a large bowl, whisk together the 2 cups all-purpose flour, baking powder, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using a pastry blender or two knives until a crumbly mixture forms, with some large chunks of butter remaining.
Gently stir in the sliced strawberries until they are well coated in the flour mixture. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and heavy cream. Add this wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon or your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly shaggy.
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Using your hands, gently shape the dough into a 1-inch thick round disk. Cut the disk like a pizza into 8 even wedges.
Transfer the scone wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Generously brush the top of each scone with the egg wash (1 egg whisked with 1 teaspoon water).
To make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour with a fork until coarse crumbs form. Sprinkle this streusel mixture evenly over the tops of all the scones.
Bake the scones in the middle rack of the oven for 20 minutes. Then, move the baking sheet to the top rack for another 5-10 minutes, or until the scones and streusel are beautifully golden brown and firm to the touch.
Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
To make the optional icing: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk until the icing is smooth and of drizzling consistency. If it’s too thick, add additional milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. If it’s too thin, add additional powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Drizzle the prepared icing over the cooled scones, if desired, just before serving.
