Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
Baking a batch of Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze is like bottling up a sunshiny afternoon for breakfast or tea time. The perfume of bergamot from Earl Grey tea dances through every bite, while juicy blackberries burst with sweetness and a bright, tangy lemon glaze ties it all together. These scones strike a perfect balance—soft, buttery middles with golden crusts—making them an irresistible treat for both special gatherings and cozy, quiet mornings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’d be surprised how a few classic ingredients can transform into something magical. Each element in this recipe is chosen for its role—whether it’s to add flavor, bring tenderness, or lend a beautiful finish. Let’s break down what you’ll need for these delicious scones and their vibrant glaze.
- All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for tender, crumbly scones—don’t forget extra for dusting your counter!
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dough just enough, and a little sprinkle on top gives a delightful crunch.
- Earl Grey tea (ground): Infuses every scone with floral, citrusy notes; grind until fine for best flavor and appearance.
- Baking powder & baking soda: These two work together for lofty, fluffy scones with just the right rise.
- Salt: Balances and sharpens all the sweet and aromatic flavors.
- Cold unsalted butter: The secret to flaky, buttery layers—be sure it’s cold for the perfect scone texture.
- Large egg: Helps bind everything together and adds richness.
- Cold buttermilk: Gives a light, tangy flavor and the tender crumb you crave.
- Fresh blackberries: Bursting with juicy sweetness—they break apart as you work the dough, creating lovely purple streaks.
- Extra buttermilk & sugar (for topping): A simple touch that leads to beautifully golden, sparkling tops.
- Powdered sugar: The base for your smooth, sweet-tart glaze.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and zing to balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the glaze with a mellow warmth.
- Lemon zest: Brings flecks of color, fragrance, and that wow factor to the finishing drizzle.
How to Make Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Tray
Set the mood by preheating your oven to 400 F, and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Moving your oven rack to the upper third helps the scones brown just right. Prepping first lets you work quickly, which is key for tender scones.
Step 2: Grind the Earl Grey Tea
Take your loose Earl Grey tea leaves and grind them down using a small blender or mortar and pestle until they’re nice and fine. This ensures the signature flavor evenly infuses every bite, instead of hiding in big leafy clumps.
Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients
Sift flour, sugar, your freshly ground tea, baking powder, baking soda, and salt into a large bowl. Sifting makes for lighter scones and helps whisk away any stubborn tea twigs or flour lumps. Don’t skip this step; it really makes a difference!
Step 4: Cut in the Butter
Chop your cold butter into small cubes and work it into the dry mix using your fingertips or a pastry cutter. You’re aiming for a rough, crumbly mixture, with pea-sized bits of butter speckled throughout. Pop the bowl in your fridge or freezer for a few minutes while you ready the wet ingredients—cold butter is your ticket to flaky perfection.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients and Prep Berries
Beat together the egg and buttermilk in a small bowl until just combined. Meanwhile, give your blackberries a gentle rinse and pat dry—this keeps them from adding excess moisture to your dough.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pull your bowl of dry mixture from the fridge. Stir in the buttermilk-egg blend until the mix is mostly holding together, then gently toss in the blackberries. It’s normal to see some loose flour at the bottom—no need to force everything into submission!
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Turn the slightly shaggy dough onto your countertop. Use the heel of your hand to gently push and fold from the edges, coaxing the mixture into a cohesive mass. This gentle method keeps your scones tender without overworking the dough.
Step 8: Layer for Flakiness
Slice the dough into two equal halves, stack one atop the other, and press down again using your heel. If the dough is still crumbly, repeat this step once more. Crushing a few berries is part of the charm—don’t worry if they burst!
Step 9: Cut Out the Scones
Pat your dough out to about a 1-inch thickness. Use a 2-inch round cutter for classic circles, or a sharp knife for rustic squares. Gather any scraps, press together gently, and cut some more. Less handling means fluffier scones!
Step 10: Chill, Top, and Bake
Place your scone shapes on the parchment-lined tray. Give them a 5-minute chill in the freezer—cold butter equals lofty scones. Then, brush the tops with buttermilk and a snowy sprinkle of granulated sugar. Into the oven they go for 16–20 minutes, until deeply golden on top.
Step 11: Cool the Scones
Once baked, let your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze cool on a rack. Slip some parchment underneath for easy cleanup—glaze is coming!
Step 12: Make and Add the Lemon Glaze
Whisk powdered sugar, zippy lemon juice, a hint of vanilla, and plenty of lemon zest until wonderfully smooth. Adjust the consistency if needed with more sugar or juice. Generously drizzle the glaze while the scones are still barely warm; let it set before eating.
Step 13: Serve and Savor
It’s time for the best part: enjoy your fragrant, jewel-studded Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze while they’re fresh and the glaze is just set. Delight in every tender, berry-streaked bite!
How to Serve Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
Garnishes
For that extra “wow,” finish your scones with a delicate sprinkle of fresh lemon zest or a dusting of powdered sugar after the glaze sets. Fresh blackberries alongside the platter look beautiful, and edible flowers—like pansies or violets—add an elegant, garden-party touch. A little sprinkle goes a long way!
Side Dishes
Pair your scones with clotted cream or softly whipped cream for a lavish tea spread. A simple fruit salad, a bowl of yogurt, or even crisp, salty bacon make delightful companions for these bright, flavorful pastries. And, of course, a proper cup of Earl Grey tea (or strong coffee) is almost mandatory.
Creative Ways to Present
Stack your Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze in a pretty basket lined with a linen napkin for a cozy brunch display. For special occasions, serve scones on a three-tiered cake stand, alternating with fresh berries and lemon slices. Or wrap individual scones in parchment and twine for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover scones (as if!), keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Place parchment between layers to prevent sticking, and let them come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then pop them into a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months. When cravings hit, just pull one out—perfect for impromptu tea moments or brunches.
Reheating
To revive their fresh-baked magic, unwrap and warm scones in a 300 F oven for about 8–10 minutes (straight from the freezer, add a minute or two). The glaze may melt slightly, but the aroma and taste will be as dreamy as day one.
FAQs
How fine should I grind the Earl Grey tea for these scones?
Aim for a texture similar to loose herbal tea or even finer—almost powdery. This allows the Earl Grey flavor to mingle evenly through the dough, avoiding any bitter, leafy bites and resulting in a scone that tastes delicately floral but never overpowering.
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can swap in frozen blackberries. No need to thaw; just toss them in straight from the freezer. Be extra gentle when mixing to avoid bleeding too much color into the dough, which can make the scones a bit messier to cut.
What’s the secret to super flaky scones?
The winning technique for flaky Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze is keeping your butter and buttermilk very cold and handling the dough as little as possible. Chilling before baking ensures the butter pockets create those coveted layers and lift!
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
Your scones should be deep golden brown on top with firm, set edges. If you tap the bottom, it should sound hollow. Every oven is different, so keep an eye out from the 16-minute mark onward for that perfect finish.
Is it possible to make these scones gluten free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute a good quality 1:1 gluten free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Keep in mind the dough may be a bit stickier, so flour your surface and hands, and handle gently for best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about sharing a plate of Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze, whether it’s a quiet morning ritual or a festive tea party with friends. The marriage of fragrant tea, tart berries, and citrusy sweetness is pure joy in every bite. I hope you treat yourself—these scones are truly worth making!
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Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with Lemon Glaze Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Earl Grey Blackberry Scones with a zesty Lemon Glaze are a delightful treat that combines the floral notes of earl grey tea with juicy blackberries, topped off with a tangy lemon glaze. Perfect for a leisurely brunch or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Scone Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (416 grams)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1.5 tablespoon earl grey tea, ground until fine
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup cold unsalted butter
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 3/4 cup cold buttermilk
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- Extra buttermilk & granulated sugar to top scones before baking
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Zest of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare baking tray: Preheat oven to 400°F and position baking tray in the upper 1/3 of the oven. Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- Grind earl grey tea: Grind 1 1/4 tbs earl grey tea until fine.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, ground tea, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut in cold butter until pea-sized or smaller.
- Prepare wet ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg and combine with buttermilk.
- Combine wet and dry mixtures: Mix wet and dry ingredients until just combined, then gently fold in blackberries.
- Shape and cut dough: Shape dough, cut into circles or squares, and place on prepared tray. Brush with buttermilk and sugar.
- Bake: Freeze scones for 5 minutes, then bake for 16-20 minutes until golden brown. Cool on a rack.
- Prepare glaze: Mix powdered sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth.
- Glaze scones: Drizzle glaze over cooled scones and let set for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy scones fresh or store for up to 2 days.
Notes
- Be careful not to overwork the dough to keep the scones tender.
- Adjust glaze consistency by adding more powdered sugar or lemon juice as needed.
- For best results, serve scones warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Earl Grey, Blackberry, Scones, Lemon Glaze, Brunch, Tea Time
