Imagine biting into a warm, buttery pastry that’s tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and studded with juicy strawberries in every bite. That’s exactly what you get with these Strawberry Scones. They’re easy to make, beautifully rustic, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total beginner, this recipe is a must-have in your kitchen.
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What Makes These Strawberry Scones So Irresistible
These strawberry scones strike the perfect balance between flaky and tender, thanks to a few key techniques and ingredients. They’re made with buttermilk for lightness, real strawberries for fruity flavor, and finished with a tangy lemon glaze to tie it all together.
This recipe is:
- Easy and beginner-friendly
- Perfect for spring and summer baking
- Versatile — enjoy them plain, glazed, or with whipped cream
- Great for make-ahead and freezer-friendly baking
If you’ve ever thought scones were dry or boring, this strawberry-packed version will change your mind.
Ingredients That Make It All Work
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and body
• Granulated Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness without overpowering the fruit
• Baking Powder: Gives the scones lift and fluffiness
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavor
• Cold Unsalted Butter: Essential for flaky layers and rich taste. Cold butter creates steam as it bakes, forming tender pockets
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the dough and keeps the texture soft. Its acidity helps break down gluten for a delicate crumb
• Large Egg: Binds the dough and adds richness
• Fresh Strawberries: The star of the show — sweet, juicy, and vibrant. Dice them small so they distribute evenly
• Powdered Sugar (Optional): Used for the lemon glaze that adds a sweet-tart finish
• Fresh Lemon Juice (Optional): Adds brightness and a zingy contrast to the rich scone base
Ingredient Swaps and Smart Substitutions
• No Buttermilk? Mix 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar into ⅓ cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes before using
• Dairy-Free? Use coconut milk or almond milk with a squeeze of lemon for the buttermilk. Swap in vegan butter
• No Fresh Strawberries? Try blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches. Avoid frozen strawberries — they release too much water
• Want a Richer Scone? Add 1 tsp lemon zest to the dry mix or fold in white chocolate chips
• No Lemon for Glaze? Use milk or orange juice for a slightly different twist
How to Make Strawberry Scones from Scratch
- Prep the Ingredients
Dice the strawberries and chill the butter. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or a silicone mat. - Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add cold butter and mix until it forms coarse crumbs (pea-sized pieces). - Add Wet Ingredients
Whisk buttermilk and egg together. Slowly pour into dry ingredients while mixing on low. Stir just until dough begins to form. - Fold in Strawberries
Gently add the strawberries, being careful not to overmix or crush them. - Shape and Chill
Pat dough into a 1-inch thick round. Wrap and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or overnight. - Cut and Bake
Slice the dough into 8 wedges and place on prepared sheet. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden. Let cool completely before glazing. - Make the Glaze (Optional)
Mix powdered sugar and lemon juice (or milk) until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones and let set for 1 hour.
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Scones
- Use Cold Ingredients: This ensures flaky layers and prevents spreading
- Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can make your scones tough
- Flour Your Hands and Surface: To avoid sticking while shaping
- Chill the Dough: Helps keep the butter cold and improves texture
- Use Fresh Strawberries Only: Frozen ones introduce too much moisture
Serving Suggestions and Variations
• With Whipped Cream: Skip the glaze and turn these into strawberry shortcake scones
• Serve Warm with Butter or Jam: A classic and comforting combo
• Top with Strawberry Compote: Adds an extra layer of berry richness
• Add White Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist
• Go Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend
Storage Tips:
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Freeze individually wrapped scones for up to 2 months
- Reheat in microwave (30–40 seconds) or oven (5–7 mins at 300°F)
Seasonal and Healthful Reasons to Love Strawberry Scones
Strawberries are at their peak in spring and early summer, making these scones the perfect seasonal bake. Packed with real fruit and not overly sweet, they’re a lighter alternative to many pastries and cakes.
Enjoy them:
- For Mother’s Day or Easter brunch
- At picnics or tea parties
- As a homemade gift for friends and neighbors
- For meal prep breakfasts — bake ahead and freeze
Wrapping It Up
If you’re craving a homemade baked good that’s as easy as it is delicious, these Strawberry Scones are your new go-to. Light, buttery, and studded with bursts of juicy berries, they’re everything a scone should be — flaky, tender, and packed with real flavor. Whether you’re making them for a brunch spread, a cozy breakfast, or an afternoon pick-me-up, they’re guaranteed to impress.
With simple ingredients, customizable add-ins, and make-ahead potential, this strawberry scone recipe delivers bakery-quality results every time. Don’t be surprised if they become a staple in your seasonal baking rotation!
Frequently Asked Questions About Strawberry Scones
Can I use frozen strawberries for strawberry scones?
It’s not recommended. Frozen strawberries release excess moisture as they bake, which can make the scones soggy and heavy. Always use fresh strawberries, diced small, for the best texture and flavor.
Why is my scone dough too sticky or too dry?
Dough texture can vary depending on your flour, humidity, and strawberries’ water content. If it’s too sticky, lightly flour your hands and surface when shaping. If it feels too dry, add a splash more buttermilk, 1 teaspoon at a time.
Can I make strawberry scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can shape the dough and refrigerate it overnight before baking. You can also freeze baked scones and reheat when needed. They keep well frozen for up to 2 months.
How do I keep my scones from spreading too much?
Cold butter and chilled dough are key. Make sure the butter stays in small, cold pieces, and chill the shaped dough before baking. This helps the scones hold their shape and creates flaky layers.
More Relevant Recipes
- Vegan Strawberry Cream Danish: This flaky and fruit-filled pastry shares a similar flavor profile with strawberry scones, offering a dairy-free alternative that’s perfect for brunch or a light dessert.
- Strawberry Kiss Cookies: A sweet and festive cookie that captures the fruity essence of strawberries, much like strawberry scones, but in a soft, thumbprint-style treat topped with a candy center.
- Strawberry Turnovers: With their buttery, golden crust and juicy strawberry filling, these turnovers offer a handheld version of strawberry scones, making them ideal for on-the-go breakfasts or snacks.
Strawberry Scones
- Total Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Strawberry Scones are buttery, tender, and packed with fresh strawberries. Finished with an optional lemon glaze, they make the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or a fruity dessert.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and tenderness
- 1 large egg, slightly beaten: Binds ingredients together
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (for dusting and shaping): Prevents sticking
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar: Adds mild sweetness
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Leavening for a fluffy texture
- 3/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances flavor
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed: Creates flaky layers
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh strawberries: Adds fruity flavor and moisture
- 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar (for glaze, optional): Base for the sweet glaze
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice or milk (for glaze): Adds tanginess or creaminess
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- In a large bowl or stand mixer, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold butter and cut it into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.
- Slowly add the wet ingredients to the dry mix, stirring just until combined.
- Gently fold in the diced strawberries, being careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch thick round.
- Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Cut the chilled dough into 8 wedges and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown and fully baked.
- Let cool completely on a wire rack.
- For the glaze (optional), mix powdered sugar and lemon juice or milk until smooth, then drizzle over cooled scones.
Notes
- Use fresh strawberries only—frozen ones will release too much moisture.
- Chill the dough before baking to help scones hold their shape.
- You can make the dough the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
- For extra flavor, add 1 teaspoon lemon zest to the dry mix.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 16 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 218 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 208 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 43 mg