Bakery-Style Blueberry Scones

Ingredients

• 2 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, plus extra for dusting)
• 0.5 cup granulated sugar
• 2.5 tsp baking powder
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter (frozen)
• 0.5 cup buttermilk or heavy cream (plus 2 tablespoons for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1.5 tsp pure vanilla bourbon paste
• 1.25 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen; do not thaw if frozen)
• granulated sugar (for topping)
• powdered sugar (for dusting)

Steps

1. 1

   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

2. 2

   Using a box grater, grate the frozen butter and add it to the dry ingredients.

3. 3

   Toss the butter to coat, then use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to work it in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

4. 4

   Refrigerate the bowl while you prepare the wet ingredients to keep the butter cold.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk (or cream), egg, and vanilla extract.

6. 6

   Pour the wet mixture over the flour mixture.

7. 7

   Add the blueberries and gently stir until the dough begins to come together and looks moistened.

8. 8

   Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, shape it into a rough ball (it will be sticky). If needed, add a little more flour or cream.

9. 9

   Press the dough into an 8-inch (20cm) disc and slice into 8 wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.

10. 10

    Brush the tops of the wedges with the extra 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.

11. 11

    Place the wedges on a plate or lined baking sheet and refrigerate for 15–20 minutes while the oven preheats to 400°F (204°C).

12. 12

    Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Space the chilled scones 2–3 inches apart.

13. 13

    Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the tops are lightly browned.

14. 14

    Let the scones cool slightly, then dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Notes

Chilling the shaped dough before baking helps prevent spreading and creates a flakier texture. You can customize this blueprint by adding lemon zest, swapping blueberries for raspberries, or adding a glaze.

Nutrition per serving

• breakfast
• brunch
• baking
• scones
• blueberry
• pastry
• vegetarian