Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones Recipe

Ina Garten’s Perfect Blueberry Lemon Scones Recipe for Brunch

These blueberry lemon scones radiate pure morning comfort with their bright, tangy essence and tender crumbly texture.

Soft pastry dreams emerge when delicate blueberries nestle into buttery dough, creating a symphony of flavor that dances across your palate.

Quick-baked scones deliver a classic breakfast experience that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Professional bakers understand the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each bite promises a delightful balance between sweet berries and zesty lemon notes that awaken your senses.

Crisp edges give way to a moist, pillowy center that melts gracefully on your tongue.

Gathering friends around a plate of these scones transforms an ordinary morning into a celebration of culinary joy: Get ready to savor every delectable crumb!

Why Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones Are Bright and Zesty

Why Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones Are Bright and Zesty
  • Burst with Bright Flavors: Lemon zest and fresh blueberries create a vibrant, tangy-sweet combination that dances on your taste buds, making each bite a refreshing morning delight.
  • Perfectly Tender Texture: Ina's method of cutting cold butter into flour and using a mix of cream and yogurt results in incredibly tender, melt-in-your-mouth scones with a delicate, crumbly exterior.
  • Quick and Easy Breakfast Treat: These scones come together in under 30 minutes, making them an ideal solution for busy mornings or spontaneous weekend breakfast gatherings with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable to different occasions from casual family breakfasts to elegant brunch parties, these scones offer a sophisticated yet approachable pastry that everyone will love.

Ingredients for Blueberry Lemon Scones

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Foundational ingredient with soft texture for tender scones, unbleached flour works best.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with golden brown color, granulated white sugar preferred.
  • Baking Powder: Essential leavening agent that helps scones rise and become light.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
  • Lemon Zest: Provides bright, citrusy flavor and aromatic notes.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Yogurt: Contribute moisture and rich, tangy flavor to the scones, full-fat versions recommended.
  • Egg: Binds ingredients together and adds richness to the texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides warm, sweet background flavor, pure extract preferred.
Fruit and Finishing:
  • Fresh Blueberries: Sweet, juicy fruit that adds bursts of flavor, use ripe and firm berries.
  • Additional Heavy Cream: Used for brushing scone tops to create golden, shiny finish.

How to Bake Tender Scones with Blueberry-Lemon Flavor

How to Bake Tender Scones with Blueberry-Lemon Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sprinkle in fresh lemon zest and mix thoroughly.

Step 3: Create Buttery Crumbs

Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend cold butter into the dry ingredients. Work until the mixture looks like rough, sandy crumbs.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Heavy cream
  • Yogurt
  • Egg
  • Vanilla extract

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined – avoid overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Blueberries

Carefully fold fresh blueberries into the dough, taking care not to crush them.

Step 7: Shape the Scones

Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Shape into a rectangle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 10 triangular pieces.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Arrange scones on the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each scone. Brush the tops with a light layer of heavy cream.

Step 9: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 20 minutes until the scones turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Enjoy

Remove from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. Let the scones cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the burst of lemon and blueberry in every bite!

Scone Tips to Get the Texture Just Right

  • Chill Your Butter: Freeze butter for 15 minutes before cutting into small cubes to ensure ultra-flaky scones that melt in your mouth.
  • Handle Blueberries Delicately: Fold fresh or frozen blueberries gently into the dough to prevent bruising and maintain beautiful whole berries throughout the scones.
  • Embrace Yogurt Magic: Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a rich, tender crumb that delivers incredible moisture and subtle tangy depth to your baked treat.
  • Freeze Before Baking: Place shaped scones in the freezer for 15 minutes before baking to help them maintain their shape and create a beautifully crisp exterior.
  • Perfect Glaze Technique: Drizzle lemon glaze while scones are slightly warm to help the sweet-tart topping absorb into the pastry, creating an irresistible flavor connection.

Storage Instructions for Lemon Scones

  • Freezer Method: Flash-freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet for 2 hours, then transfer to freezer bags. Perfect for baking fresh scones anytime without sacrificing quality or flavor. When ready to enjoy, bake directly from frozen state, adding 2-3 extra minutes to cooking time.
  • Refrigeration Method: Seal cooled scones in airtight containers lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Prevents soggy texture and maintains crumbly, delicate structure for maximum freshness. Consume within 3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Room Temperature Method: Keep scones loosely covered with clean kitchen towel for same-day enjoyment. Place in cool, dry spot away from direct sunlight to preserve their delicate crumb and prevent staleness. Best consumed within 6-8 hours of baking for peak deliciousness.

Fun Twists on Blueberry Lemon Scones

  • Citrus Berry Fusion: Swap blueberries with a mix of raspberries and blackberries, adding orange zest instead of lemon for a vibrant berry medley.
  • Nutty Breakfast Companion: Incorporate chopped almonds or pecans into the dough for added crunch and depth of flavor, sprinkle sliced nuts on top before baking.
  • Lavender Lemon Classic: Infuse the scones with dried lavender buds for a sophisticated, aromatic twist, complementing the bright lemon notes while maintaining the original recipe's elegant simplicity.
  • Gluten-Free Morning Treat: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy these tender, flavorful scones without compromising taste or texture.

Scone Finish from Ina Garten’s Oven

Ina Garten’s blueberry lemon scones emerge as culinary poetry, blending zesty citrus with sweet berries in perfect harmony.

Delicate crumbs melt on palates, revealing layers of sophisticated flavor combinations.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients dance through each carefully crafted bite.

Home bakers can easily recreate this elegant breakfast treat with simple techniques and fresh components.

Seasonal blueberries paired with bright lemon zest create an irresistible morning indulgence.

Your kitchen will sparkle with aromatic promise, inviting friends and family to savor these classic scones – so snap a photo, share this recipe, and let deliciousness inspire connection!

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Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones Recipe

Ina Garten Blueberry Lemon Scones Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Ina Garten’s blueberry lemon scones deliver a perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Buttery, crumbly pastries packed with fresh blueberries and zesty lemon zest promise a delightful breakfast or afternoon treat you’ll savor with pure delight.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (about 150g) fresh blueberries
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup (180ml) heavy cream

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Zest of 1 lemon

Additional Ingredients:

  • 140g (about 10 tablespoons) unsalted butter, cold, cut into pieces
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ cup (60ml) regular yogurt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating it to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and non-stick surface.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt, creating a uniform dry mixture. Incorporate lemon zest to infuse a bright, citrusy aroma.
  3. Using fingertips or a pastry cutter, break down the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the texture resembles coarse, crumbly sand.
  4. Separately whisk together heavy cream, plain yogurt, a single large egg, and pure vanilla extract to create a smooth, cohesive liquid blend.
  5. Slowly introduce the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain a tender scone texture.
  6. Delicately fold fresh blueberries into the dough, ensuring minimal crushing to preserve their whole, juicy nature.
  7. Transfer the soft dough onto a lightly floured surface and shape into a rectangular form approximately 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) thick. Slice the rectangle into 10 triangular portions.
  8. Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving sufficient space between each piece. Gently brush the top of each scone with additional heavy cream to promote a golden, glossy finish.
  9. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, monitoring until the scones develop a rich, golden-brown exterior and emit a fragrant aroma.
  10. Once baked, remove from the oven and transfer to a wire cooling rack, allowing the scones to rest and set for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Freshly picked blueberries burst with sweet juiciness, making each bite a delightful summer treat.
  • Freezing the cut scones for 15 minutes before baking helps maintain their beautiful shape and creates an incredibly crisp exterior.
  • Yogurt works magic by tenderizing the dough and adding a subtle tangy undertone that complements the berries perfectly.
  • Mixing ingredients just until combined prevents tough scones and preserves the delicate, crumbly texture home bakers love.
  • Hand-cutting butter into flour creates those irresistible flaky layers that make homemade scones so special and memorable.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 300 kcal
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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