These lemon buttermilk scones are light, flaky, delicious and ready in 15 minutes! You don’t even need an electric mixer.
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
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
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.
Quick & Easy Lemon Buttermilk Scones
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ cup unsalted butter frozen and grated (see notes)
- 1 cup buttermilk
For the Optional Lemon Glaze:
- 1 cup confectioner's sugar sifted
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
For the Scones:
- Preheat oven to 400F. Lightly grease 2 baking sheets and set aside.
- In a small bowl, using your fingertips, rub lemon zest and sugar together until fully combined and fragrant.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, all of your lemon sugar, salt, baking powder and baking soda.
- Add the 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).
- Make a well in the middle and add buttermilk. Mix until just combined. Don't over mix.
- Transfer the dough to a floured surface and lightly knead into a ¾ 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.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until lightly browned. In the meantime, prepare your glaze.
For the Optional Lemon Glaze:
- Whisk confectioner's sugar and lemon juice until your mixture becomes pasty. Add more sugar or juice to achieve desired consistency.
- 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 ¾ inch thick, 6-diameter rounds. Cut each round into 8 wedges.
Nutrition
Nutritional information are estimates only.
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.
We also recently did a fabulous round-up of the Ultimate List of Breakfast Ideas. Check it out!
Muna Kenny
Scones are my favorite be it breakfast or brunch! You made some beautiful light looking scones, I can almost imagine myself having some with cream, oh yum!
Patricia
These are lovely scones, and I LOVE the lemon 🙂 I’ve never used grated frozen butter, but will definitely try that technique!
Barb
These look incredible! I actually have all the ingredients right now and can’t wait to make it!
Ali
These look amazing! I love how quickly these can be made – what a great recipe for a morning scone craving. 🙂
Kristen Kavan
how have I never made lemon sugar?! Holy moly. I can only imagine how great your house smelled! These look so awesome. I am a sucker for anything lemon! Pinned!
Jolina
It smelled like a house made of lemon sugar haha 🙂 Thanks for the pin!
Kate
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! 🙂
Erica Schwarz
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.
Malissa
Oh man, these look delicious. I especially like the way lemon sugar sounds! I feel like that could be useful for so many deserts and breads.
Thanks for sharing this yummy looking recipe! 🙂
Jolina
Absolutely! I’ve used it for cakes and cupcakes and muffins too 🙂
Jessica Sheppard
Lemon, buttermilk scones?! Yes, please! Sounds so yummy. I’m not a huge cook, but def want to give this recipe a try. Thanks for sharing!
Katriza
My husband loves to make scones! Reminds him of his childhood! I will have to try this and see!
candy
We love homemade scones and adding the lemon and sugar well I can just imagine how good they are.
Marielle Altenor
That recipe is making my mouth water. I’ve only ever had store bought scones! I bet you making it yourself taste 10 times better!
Jolina
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!
Saidat
I love scones and you are making me crave for a zesty version. I have to try this recipe – it is easy and straightforward.
Ashlee
These look so good!!! I need to make these for breakfast asap!
Emily
I love pretty much anything lemon and these look so good!! Thanks for sharing!!