The Unlikely Baker

Easy and Delicious Recipes for the Home Baker!

Quick & Easy Lemon Buttermilk Scones

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These lemon buttermilk scones are light, flaky, delicious and ready in 15 minutes! You don’t even need an electric mixer.

Lemon Buttermilk Scones

I’m a huge fan of scones. My recipe for Classic Buttermilk Scones was one of the very first recipes I shared here and it’s become one of the most popular. And for good reason – it’s so easy to make, it’s absolutely delightful and it’s ready in no time at all.

One day though, as is usual in the TUB household, I had extra lemons lying around. So I experimented with my time-tested recipe and made a lemon version. And it turned out quite lovely too!

Change #1: lemon sugar

I didn’t change the recipe drastically (why fix what’s not broken, right?).  I just added lemon sugar by rubbing lemon zest and sugar together using my fingertips until our whole house smelled like lemon heaven.

Try it even if you don’t really need lemon sugar (though I’m sure we’ll find a use for it). It’s amazing.

Change #2: lemon glaze

Lemon Buttermilk Scones

Then I added a lemon glaze to make it even more lemony. I like my lemon buttermilk scones plain but if you’re looking for a touch of lemony sweetness, the glaze is for you.

Change #3: frozen grated butter

Instead of using cold and cubed butter, I froze my butter, grated it, then put it back in the freezer while I prepped everything else. It was a tip I saw on The Kitchn. It’s genius (albeit a bit of work)! It results to flakier scones and it’s how I make even my classic scones now.

Change #4: rounds instead of triangles

Lemon Buttermilk Scones

I bought this cookie cutter from the baking supplies store which I have not used ever and for which Red constantly gives me the side-eye for (what can I say, it was cute and less than $5!). So I finally used it and made round scones.

You can shape your scones any which way you like, no side-eyes from me. Just keep them all the same shape so they bake evenly.

Result: lemon buttermilk scones nirvana

All these little changes resulted to a scone as lovely as the original. It’s not overtly lemony and like my original scones recipe, not excessively sweet. I love it freshly baked, slathered with butter (or clotted cream if I can get my hands on a jar), perfect for brunch.

Great for Easter!

Speaking of brunch. If Easter brunch is your thing, these lemon buttermilk scones would be perfect. Make them just before guests arrive. Or you can make them the night before – just freeze in Ziploc bags, then reheat when you’re ready to serve. They won’t be as flaky but they will still be delicious.

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Quick & Easy Lemon Buttermilk Scones

Lemon Buttermilk Scones

Elevate your brunch game with these light and flaky lemon buttermilk scones! Enjoy them freshly baked, slathered with butter or clotted cream.

Ingredients

    For the Scones:
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest
  • 1/3 cup (67 grams) granulated sugar
  • 3 cups (384 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 3/4 cup (171 grams) unsalted butter, frozen and grated (see notes)
  • 1 cup (250 ml) buttermilk
    For the Optional Lemon Glaze:
  • 1 cup (128 grams) confectioner's sugar, sifted
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

    For the Scones:
  1. Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets and set aside.
  2. In a small bowl, using your fingertips, rub 1 tablespoon lemon zest and 1/3 cup sugar together until fully combined and fragrant.
  3. In a large bowl, combine 3 cups flour, all of your lemon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda.
  4. Add the 3/4 cup grated butter and cut with a pastry cutter or a fork until the mixture looks coarse (you should still see pieces of butter/flour "balls" about the size of chickpeas).
  5. Make a well in the middle and add 1 cup buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Don't over mix.
  6. Transfer the dough to a floured surface and lightly knead into a 3/4 inch thick rectangle (see notes). Cut out using a 2 to 3-inch cookie cutter and place on your prepared baking pans. Space them out evenly, about 2 inches apart.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. In the meantime, prepare your glaze.
    For the Optional Lemon Glaze:
  1. Whisk 1 cup confectioner's sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice until your mixture becomes pasty. Add more sugar or juice to achieve desired consistency.
  2. Drizzle on warm scones and serve.

Notes

To make grating butter easier, put the butter in the freezer at least an hour before you plan to grate it. I use a cheese grater. Once you've grated all the butter, put it back in the freezer until ready to use. Of course, you can also opt to just use chilled and cubed butter.

You also have the option to divide your dough into two 3/4 inch thick, 6-diameter rounds. Cut each round into 8 wedges.

https://theunlikelybaker.com/lemon-buttermilk-scones/

Happy baking!

Did you make lemon buttermilk scones? I’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.

Looking for more breakfast and brunch inspiration? Here are other breakfast and brunch ideas and bread and biscuit recipes. 

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. The best and easiest scones I’ve ever made. Grating the frozen butter is one of the secrets to light and flakey scones. Just the way I love them. I’ve made them at least 5 times now and always to rave reviews. Thank you!

    Reply

  2. These are delicious!

    However, these are biscuits. Real scones are more dry, meant to hold up to a dollop of cream or jam with your tea. These are buttery and soft, just the way a tender biscuit should be. The lemon is perfect; personally, I’d wait to glaze until they’re cooled off, that way you retain that buttery, crunchy top.. Also, these need to bake for at least 20 minutes (at least here in southeastern PA) they looked anemic at the 12 minute mark.

    Reply

  3. O.m.g. these are amazing. My first time ever making scones! The grating the frozen butter is tenuous but so worth it.

    Reply

  4. Delicious! Thank you for sharing this recipe. I halved it because there is just my husband & myself. Also, I left the butter in the freezer until I was ready to grate it into the flour mixture. And I made a traditional round, cut into triangles. Yummy!

    Reply

  5. I did make these as I had everything on hand. I was a little disappointed. They were much more biscuit like with frosting compared to the scones I get at my local bakery. I did take them to work. They did eat them….of course, they eat anything!

    Reply

  6. Just made these scones. They are delicious! Mine didn’t hold their round shape very well. They tilted a bit, however, that didn’t effect the taste! Lol! I double glazed them because I wanted more lemon. Next time, I will add more lemon zest as we really like lemon flavor and lemon juice and extract to the dough. My husband thought they tasted more like a biscuit versus a scone. Bet he still eats them though!

    Reply

  7. The scones are delicious. My partner made them and he is not a baker. Lemon sugar was a great idea and grating frozen butter made life a breeze. It is the first time I have had fluffy scones. Thank you for sharing your recipe. They will be a must when I make high tea for mom and her friends.

    Reply

    • Hi Lynn! Glad you liked them 🙂 Lemon sugar is wonderful isn’t it? And frozen butter is a game changer for sure. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend!

      Reply

  8. I’m sold on grated butter, my scones are the best I’ve made to date ! Light and flakey and the glaze was the finishing touch. My daughter loves scones and my previous efforts from a booklet she handed me turned out less than good. She will love these while recooperating from back surgery. Thanks for a great recipe, look forward to more

    Reply

    • Hi Maggie! I’m so glad you liked them. Grated butter is a game changer isn’t it? You are most welcome and sending you good vibes for your daughter’s easy and speedy recovery.

      Reply

  9. Neophyte “husband” baker. Followed instructions and baked, flakey exterior and chewy interior. Had wife doing “Happy Dance”.
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hi David! You are most welcome! A happy dance is always a good sign 🙂 (PS: This made my day, now I want to do a happy dance too lol. Thank you!)

      Reply

  11. These were a huge hit at my brunch and everyone wanted the recipe. I made them ahead and froze them, baked them off and frosted them the day I was serving them and they were perfect. This is the perfect scone recipe!!

    Reply

  13. These were the best scones ever! The lemon sugar trick took them over the top. I have made them several times now. Great recipe!

    Reply

  14. Oh my gosh, no scone is safe around me! These sound amazing. I may make these as a surprise for my husband’s birthday this weekend! 🙂

    Reply

  31. Yes! These look so good! I recently discovered the freezing butter then grating it trick, too. It works so well for making scones. I might have to make these for Easter morning! 🙂

    Reply

  32. I love everything about these! I just made biscuits the other day, I’m such an addict. Next time I will have to make them lemony.

    Reply

    • Hi Marielle, homemade scones are so much better than those from the store (unless you mean from a lovely little local bakery then I support those haha) but seriously, they are so easy to make. Hope you try them out!

      Reply

    • I was like that too but I promise these would totally convert you into a homemade scone baking ninja! 🙂 It’s super easy and so good. Hope you try it!

      Reply

    • Hope you get to one day soon Alex! These are easy and so good. And hope your grandma approves 🙂 (Oh no now I feel the pressure lol!!)

      Reply

  55. I haven’t had scones in like forever and I definitely haven’t had the lemon ones. I have all the ingredients for this except for lemons but it’s definitely recipe I’m going to save and try

    Reply

  58. Ummm these sound amazing!!! I love lemon anything and I love scones, but combined? Genius! And I love the tip for grating the butter…!!!

    Reply

    • Hi Neely! I hope you try these ones (or my recipe for classic ones). I’ve gotten lots of positive feedback so if you ever want to try again, got the recipes for you! 🙂 I promise they are simple, easy and delicious.

      Reply

    • It’s really one of my favourite things about baking I think, the smell of freshly baked goods 🙂 And this is no exception!

      Reply

  62. Girl, I’m all about this round thing instead of triangles!! Seems so much easier!! And I’m all about that! You know I love this recipe cause lemon. Duh. If we lived closer, I’d be on your doorstep asking for some 🙂 Pinned! P.S. watched TWD finale and have so many thoughts. At least it was a bit more action than what was going on this past season. Other than that, not the best season at all, was it?

    Reply

    • Hi Dawn! Yeah, round scones look prettier and held their shape better me thinks 🙂 TWD…hmmm…no words. I love the show and all (but mostly Daryl I think hahaha) and I just hope things pick up next season!! And what’s up with those weird garbage group eh? So strange. Though I must admit at one point in my life my mom had me get a haircut just like their leader LOL!!!

      Reply

      • I know, right?? What the heck is up with those garbage people? Like, where did they come from?? UGH! Ever watch Z Nation? It’s like a less serious (and sometimes silly) zombie show. The garbage people seem like that should be on that. It all seems too weird. And Rick? No words for me on that one. I just hope next season is better-I’m hanging on by a thread here. Only that I’ve been watching it so long, I might give up on it. P.S. Love to see a pic of that haircut 😉

        Reply

        • Hahaha I’m sorry I brought up that haircut LOL!! (PS: I need to check out Z Nation, maybe I’ll give it a shot, who knows?)

          Reply

  63. Yummy is not enough to describe these scones. I love lemon flavored pastries and these lemon buttermilk scones are to die for. Thanks for the recipe! I will include this in our menu plan for next week. I’m looking forward to a delicious breakfast or snack!

    Reply

    • Hey, don’t beat yourself up Tonya. Lemons are fruits (or are they vegetables?? One or the other I’m sure LOL) so I’m sure they weren’t that unhealthy 🙂

      Reply

  66. Oh boy, this looks delicious and makes me question why I started a detox today. Well, in 21 days, when I break the cleanse, you can bet I’ll be craving some lemon glaze!!

    Reply

  67. My boyfriends parent have lemon trees that are producing so much fruit; I have more lemons than I know what to do with. I’m so glad I came across this recipe. It sounds wonderful and a perfect way to use some of my lemons!

    Reply

    • Uhm….you can send them to me? 🙂 🙂 🙂 I’m so jealous of people with lemon trees! And yes, this is a lovely lemon scone recipe (and if you want more lemony things you can search the blog, I have a whole category dedicated to lemons – I’m the self proclaimed president of The Lemon Club haha). Hope you guys like this Danielle!

      Reply

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