Strawberry Buttermilk Scones are the bakery-worthy treat that instantly elevates breakfast or brunch from ordinary to extraordinary. These tender, buttery triangles are studded with juicy strawberries and finished with a golden, crisp top. Every bite balances the sweet, sun-kissed flavor of ripe berries with the rich tang of buttermilk, making these scones something special to share — or savor all to yourself. Whether served warm from the oven or wrapped up for an on-the-go snack, Strawberry Buttermilk Scones are an irresistible way to celebrate the season’s brightest fruit.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Strawberry Buttermilk Scones is wonderfully short, but each piece brings its own unique magic. The blend of pantry staples and a few fresh, simple ingredients come together to create the ultimate tender, flavorful scone.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for tender, flaky scones.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness to balance the tangy buttermilk and zesty berries.
- Baking powder: Gives the scones their lovely rise and soft crumb.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Cold unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed, it creates that signature flaky texture when baked.
- Fresh strawberries: Chopped up, these offer vibrant color and juicy pops of flavor in every bite.
- Cold buttermilk: The secret ingredient for extra-tender, melt-in-your-mouth scones.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of warmth and sweetness that ties all the flavors together.
- Egg (for egg wash): Brushed on top for a beautiful golden finish.
- Coarse sugar: Optional, but adds a lovely crunch and sparkle on the surface.
How to Make Strawberry Buttermilk Scones
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper. This step sets you up for scone success by guaranteeing that the bottoms bake up crisp without sticking or burning. It’s also one less dish you’ll need to scrub later!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This quick blend ensures that all the essential leaveners and seasonings are distributed evenly throughout the dough, which means every bite of your Strawberry Buttermilk Scones will taste just right.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to your bowl and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Cold butter is key for those classic scone layers and that irresistible, biscuit-like crumb!
Step 4: Fold in the Strawberries
Gently toss in the chopped fresh strawberries. Treat them delicately to keep their juices mostly inside the berries—this keeps your scones from turning too wet and allows bursts of berry flavor throughout.
Step 5: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the cold buttermilk and vanilla extract. You’ll notice the buttermilk gives off a rich, creamy scent that hints at the delicious flavor it will bring to your finished scones.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Gradually add the buttermilk mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. Stir just until the dough comes together and is slightly shaggy, being careful not to overmix. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones instead of the dreamy, tender ones you crave.
Step 7: Shape and Cut
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, slice the dough into 8 even wedges, just like a pizza. Transferring them carefully to your prepped baking sheet ensures perfectly shaped Strawberry Buttermilk Scones.
Step 8: Finish and Bake
Beat your egg in a small bowl and use a pastry brush to give the tops of each scone a glossy coat. Sprinkle on coarse sugar if you love a little crunch. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until each scone is golden and irresistible. Once out of the oven, let them cool just slightly—you want them warm, but not scorching!
How to Serve Strawberry Buttermilk Scones
Garnishes
A gentle dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze turns your homemade Strawberry Buttermilk Scones into something worthy of a café pastry case. Freshly sliced strawberries, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or a few mint leaves scattered over the top make each serving look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Serve your Strawberry Buttermilk Scones alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt, a fresh fruit salad, or a spoonful of berry jam to create a picture-perfect breakfast spread. For afternoon tea vibes, pair with English breakfast tea, a latte, or lemonade for a refreshing twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking scones on a tiered cake stand for an elegant brunch centerpiece, or tuck them into a basket lined with a pretty napkin for a picnic. For special occasions, wrap cooled scones in parchment and tie with ribbon for the sweetest homemade gift—guaranteed to make anyone’s day brighter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Strawberry Buttermilk Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is especially warm, you can move them to the refrigerator, but let them come to room temperature or gently rewarm before serving for best texture.
Freezing
Strawberry Buttermilk Scones freeze beautifully! Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’re best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat from frozen if you’re short on time.
Reheating
To bring scones back to their just-baked glory, warm them gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, though the oven keeps the outside crispier.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries in this recipe! Just keep them frozen until the very last minute and toss them into the dough still frozen; this helps prevent extra moisture from making your scones soggy.
Why does the butter need to be cold?
Cold butter is what gives Strawberry Buttermilk Scones their signature layers and flaky crumb. As it melts in the oven, it creates little pockets of air, making the scones light and tender inside.
What if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Make a quick substitute by adding 1 1/2 teaspoons of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes, and you’ve got an easy homemade buttermilk!
How do I prevent my scones from turning out tough?
To keep Strawberry Buttermilk Scones tender, avoid overmixing the dough, and handle it gently when shaping. A light touch preserves all those buttery layers and keeps the scones crumbly and soft.
Can I add other flavors or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Try folding in a handful of white chocolate chips, a pinch of lemon zest, or even some chopped nuts alongside the strawberries for your own creative twist on this classic.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never baked scones before, Strawberry Buttermilk Scones are the perfect place to start: simple, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Give them a try—one bite, and you’ll want to whip up a batch for every breakfast, brunch, or sweet afternoon break!
Print
Strawberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Buttermilk Scones are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. The combination of fresh strawberries and buttermilk creates a moist and flavorful scone that pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cubed)
- 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- coarse sugar for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gently fold in the strawberries.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine buttermilk and vanilla. Gradually add to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms.
- Shape and Bake: Pat the dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and transfer to the baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg, sprinkle with sugar, and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider drizzling with a vanilla glaze made with powdered sugar and milk.
- Frozen strawberries can be substituted, but ensure they are chopped and kept frozen until ready to use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
