Blackberry Scones Recipe

If you’re looking to brighten your breakfast or afternoon tea with something irresistibly tender, you have to try these Blackberry Scones. Imagine sinking your teeth into soft, fluffy scones with just the right amount of crisp edges, bursting with juicy blackberries in every bite. Topped optionally with a beautifully naturally colored blackberry icing, these scones effortlessly combine comfort and elegance, making them a delightful treat you’ll want to bake again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential, each bringing its own magic to the final Blackberry Scones. From the richness of cold butter and heavy cream to the fresh zing of blackberries, every component works together to create the perfect scone texture and flavor.

• All-purpose flour (250 g): The foundation for a tender scone with a light crumb.
• Granulated sugar (100 g): Adds a subtle sweetness balancing the tartness of the berries.
• Baking powder (1 tablespoon): Provides the lift for fluffy, airy scones.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
• Unsalted butter (115 g, cold and cubed): Creates those irresistible flaky layers.
• Large egg (1, cold): Binds the dough while enriching the texture.
• Heavy cream (100 g, cold): Makes the scones tender and moist without heaviness.
• Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds a warm depth of flavor.
• Blackberries (150 g, fresh or frozen): Provide juicy bursts of natural sweetness and color.
• All-purpose flour (1 tablespoon): Used to coat blackberries to keep the dough from getting soggy.
• Heavy cream (2 tablespoons): For brushing the tops, promoting a golden crisp finish.
• Coarse sugar (3 tablespoons): Adds a delightful crunch on top.
• For optional icing: Fresh or thawed blackberries (30 g) and powdered sugar (50 g)

How to Make Blackberry Scones

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Start by stirring together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This blend forms a balanced base for your scones, ensuring every bite has just the right texture and sweetness.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Toss the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a dough blender or your fingers to press the butter pieces into pea-sized bits. This step is key for flaky scones, as the small butter pockets steam during baking, creating light layers.

Step 3: Prepare Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cold egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. This rich liquid will bind the dry ingredients and add moisture without weighing down the dough.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Create a well in the flour mixture and pour in your wet ingredients. Gently mix with your hands until it forms a soft and shaggy dough. The key here is to handle the dough lightly to keep it tender.

Step 5: Add Blackberries

Coat the chopped blackberries in a tablespoon of flour to prevent bleeding into the dough. Fold them gently into the dough until evenly distributed. Avoid overmixing to keep the berries intact and your dough beautifully marble-free.

Step 6: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and press it together into a flattened disc about an inch thick. If it’s too crumbly, fold it gently 1 or 2 times—no kneading necessary—to bring it together.

Step 7: Cut and Prepare for Baking

Slice the disc into 8 wedges using a bench scraper or knife. Place them onto a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each for expansion. Pop the whole tray into the fridge to chill while you heat your oven.

Step 8: Brush and Sprinkle

Before baking, brush the scones tops lightly with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. This gives a stunning golden finish and a slight crunch on top.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Bake at 400°F (204°C) for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when their edges turn golden and the tops have that perfect baked glow. Let them cool on the baking sheet just long enough to handle or dive right in warm for a true delight.

Step 10: Make the Optional Blackberry Icing

If you want to add that extra wow factor, mash fresh or thawed blackberries through a sieve to collect the juice. Combine about 2 teaspoons of this juice with powdered sugar until thick but pourable. Drizzle your blackberry icing over the cooled scones for a fruity glaze that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

How to Serve Blackberry Scones

Garnishes

Why not elevate your Blackberry Scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh blackberries on the side? A sprig of mint can add a burst of color and freshness, making your presentation even more inviting.

Side Dishes

These scones pair beautifully with a dollop of clotted cream or Greek yogurt for richness. For a refreshing contrast, try serving with a small bowl of mixed berries or a cup of hot tea with lemon—simple touches that make a lovely afternoon moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider stacking your scones on a pretty cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or sliced fruit for a brunch spread that’s both stunning and inviting. Drizzle the optional blackberry icing just before serving to impress guests with vibrant color and an extra touch of sweetness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Blackberry Scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To preserve freshness, avoid stacking them tightly to keep their crisp edges intact.

Freezing

To enjoy these scones later, wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to three months, making them perfect for prepping in advance.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or room-temperature scones in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. This refreshes their crisp edges while warming the tender crumb inside, almost as good as freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blackberries in my Blackberry Scones?

Absolutely! Frozen blackberries can be used without thawing, just toss them in flour to prevent them from bleeding too much into the dough. They might make the dough a touch wetter, so work quickly to keep the texture just right.

What makes blackberry scones different from regular scones?

Blackberry Scones offer juicy bursts of bright flavor and a beautiful fresh color contrast inside every tender bite, giving a fruity twist to the traditional buttery goodness of scones.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

You can substitute the butter and cream with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil and coconut cream, but expect a slight difference in texture and flavor. Experiment to find what you love best!

How do I prevent the blackberries from bleeding into the dough?

Coating the blackberries in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the dough helps absorb excess juice, keeping the dough from turning purple or soggy, preserving both texture and appearance.

Is it necessary to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling the scones on the baking sheet firms up the butter and dough, helping the scones hold their shape and bake with that perfect flaky texture and crisp edges.

Final Thoughts

Blackberry Scones are a delightful way to brighten up any morning or teatime with fresh fruit and tender, buttery goodness. Easy enough for even novice bakers, they bring warmth and joy to the table with every bite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family!