Indulge in the sheer delight of Earl Grey Scones, a delightful pastry that marries the elegance of tea with the charm of baked goods. These scones offer a sensory journey where the aromatic fragrance of Earl Grey tea leaves meets the buttery comfort of a scone. Theyβre a timeless classic that brings comfort and sophistication to your teatime ritual.
What Makes Earl Grey Scones Special
What sets Earl Grey Scones apart is the infusion of Earl Grey tea leaves into the dough. This imparts a fragrant and slightly citrusy note, elevating the sconeβs flavor profile to new heights. The crumbly, buttery texture of the scone, combined with the gentle perfume of tea, creates a harmonious union that soothes both the soul and the taste buds.
Why People Love Them
Earl Grey Scones are beloved for their versatility. Theyβre equally at home in an elegant afternoon tea setting as they are in a cozy brunch with friends. The warm, inviting aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the kitchen is irresistible. Theyβre also a fantastic accompaniment to a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, enhancing the tea-drinking experience.
How to Store and Make Them at Home
Storing Earl Grey Scones is easy. Once baked, allow them to cool completely and store them in an airtight container. If you plan to enjoy them within a day or two, room temperature is fine. For longer storage, pop them in the freezer, and theyβll stay fresh for weeks.
Making Earl Grey Scones at home is a breeze. Youβll need simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, and, of course, Earl Grey tea leaves. Mix them together, shape the dough into rounds, bake until golden brown, and voila! You have a batch of these delectable scones to savor and share.
Ingredients for Earl Grey Scones
For Earl Grey Scones:
1. 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour β This forms the base of the scones, providing structure and texture.
2. β
cup (133 g) granulated sugar β Adds sweetness to the scones.
3. 2 teaspoons (8 g) baking powder β Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
4. ΒΌ teaspoon (1 g) baking soda β A leavening agent that contributes to the sconeβs texture.
5. 1 tablespoon (15 g) Earl Grey Tea β About 2-3 tea bags, crushed or finely chopped, to infuse the scones with Earl Grey flavor.
6. Β½ cup (114 g) salted butter β It should be frozen; this cold butter creates a flaky texture in the scones.
7. ΒΎ cup (173 g) full-fat sour cream β Makes the scones softer and more tender, adding a delightful tang.
8. 1 large egg β Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
9. 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract β Enhances the sconesβ flavor and aroma.
For Vanilla Bean Glaze:
1. 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar β Creates a sweet and smooth glaze to drizzle over the scones.
2. 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk β Plus more if needed, to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
3. 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla bean paste β Or one whole vanilla bean pod, to infuse the glaze with rich vanilla flavor.
4. Pinch of salt β Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
Steps to make Earl Grey Scones
Step 1: Get the Butter Ready
Before you start making the yummy dough, you need to get the butter ready. At least one hour before, or even the night before, put about 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter in the freezer. This makes it all nice and cold.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Stuff
In a big bowl, put 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 2 tablespoons of tea leaves (if you like tea flavor) and mix them up well. Itβs like when you mix your colors to paint a beautiful picture.
Step 3: Time for Butter
Now, itβs time for the super cold butter! Take it out of the freezer and grate about 1/2 cup of it into the bowl with the dry stuff. Imagine youβre making a snow mountain with your butter.
Step 4: Make the Cool Mixture
In another bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture needs to stay cool, so pop it in the fridge for a little while.
Step 5: Mix it All Up
Now, letβs bring everything together. Pour the sour cream mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a rubber spatula, which is like a kitchen tool, to mix them together. Be gentle, like when youβre hugging your teddy bear.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Take the dough and put it on a floured table. Sprinkle a bit more flour on top of it. Then, use your hands, which you can dust with flour too, to shape it into a big ball. Pretend youβre playing with clay!
Step 7: Cut into Triangles
Now, make your dough into a big circle, about 7 inches wide. Then, cut it into 8 pieces like youβre slicing a pizza. These pieces are called wedges. Put them on a baking sheet with some space in between.
Step 8: Get the Oven Ready
Heat up your oven to 400Β°F. While itβs warming up, put your baking sheet with the scones in the freezer. This helps them get all nice and cold too.
Step 9: Bake the Scones
When the oven is hot, put your scones in. Bake them for about 16-17 minutes. Youβll know theyβre ready when theyβre a little golden on top and nice and brown on the bottom. Itβs like theyβre getting a tan!
Step 10: Make the Tasty Glaze
While your scones are cooling, letβs make a yummy glaze. Just whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of milk until itβs all smooth and looks like a delicious river.
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze
Place your scones on a cooling rack with some paper underneath to catch any drips. Now, drizzle the glaze all over your cooled scones. Itβs like decorating a cake!
And there you go! Youβve made some scrumptious scones. Enjoy them with a glass of milk or a nice cup of tea. Theyβll be as good as a warm hug from your grandma.
Nutrition Facts
β¦ β Calories: 395 kcal
β¦ β Carbohydrates: 57 g
β¦ β Protein: 5 g
β¦ β Fat: 17 g
β¦ β Saturated Fat: 10 g
β¦ β Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
β¦ β Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
β¦ β Trans Fat: 1 g
β¦ β Cholesterol: 65 mg
β¦ β Sodium: 270 mg
β¦ β Potassium: 84 mg
β¦ β Fiber: 1 g
β¦ β Sugar: 33 g
β¦ β Vitamin A: 530 IU
β¦ β Vitamin C: 1 mg
β¦ β Calcium: 99 mg
β¦ β Iron: 2 mg
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Ingredients
- 2 cups 250 g all-purpose flour - This forms the base of the scones, providing structure and texture.
- β cup 133 g granulated sugar - Adds sweetness to the scones.
- 2 teaspoons 8 g baking powder - Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
- ΒΌ teaspoon 1 g baking soda - A leavening agent that contributes to the scone's texture.
- 1 tablespoon 15 g Earl Grey Tea - About 2-3 tea bags, crushed or finely chopped, to infuse the scones with Earl Grey flavor.
- Β½ cup 114 g salted butter - It should be frozen; this cold butter creates a flaky texture in the scones.
- ΒΎ cup 173 g full-fat sour cream - Makes the scones softer and more tender, adding a delightful tang.
- 1 large egg - Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml pure vanilla extract - Enhances the scones' flavor and aroma.
For Vanilla Bean Glaze:
- 1 cup 120 g powdered sugar - Creates a sweet and smooth glaze to drizzle over the scones.
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml milk - Plus more if needed, to achieve the desired glaze consistency.
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml vanilla bean paste - Or one whole vanilla bean pod, to infuse the glaze with rich vanilla flavor.
- Pinch of salt - Enhances the overall flavor by balancing sweetness.
Instructions
Steps to Make Earl Grey Scones π΅π₯
Step 1: Get the Butter Ready βοΈπ§
- - Chill about 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter in the freezer for at least an hour or overnight. Cold butter is key!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Stuff πΎπ₯
- - In a bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and 2 tbsp of tea leaves. Mix them like creating a vibrant painting palette! π¨
Step 3: Time for Butter ποΈ
- - Grate the super cold butter into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Imagine shaping a snowy mountain! β·οΈ
Step 4: Make the Cool Mixture π₯βοΈ
- - In another bowl, mix 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1 egg, and 1 tsp of vanilla extract. Chill this mixture in the fridge.
Step 5: Mix it All Up π€
- - Gently fold the sour cream mixture into the dry ingredients. Treat it like hugging your favorite teddy bear! π»
Step 6: Shape the Dough π¨π§
- - Shape the dough into a big ball, like playing with clay! Get creative! π
Step 7: Cut into Triangles π°πͺ
- - Form a big circle with the dough, then cut it into 8 wedges like slicing a pizza. Arrange them on a baking sheet.
Step 8: Get the Oven Ready π‘οΈπ₯
- - Preheat the oven to 400Β°F. Place the scones in the freezer to keep them nice and cold.
Step 9: Bake the Scones π₯π©βπ³
- - Bake for about 16-17 minutes until they're golden on top and beautifully browned below. It's like giving them a tan! βοΈ
Step 10: Make the Tasty Glaze π€€π₯
- - Whisk together 1/2 cup of powdered sugar, 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract, and 2 tbsp of milk. Achieve a river of deliciousness!
Step 11: Drizzle the Glaze π°β¨
- - Drizzle the glaze over your cooled scones. Imagine you're decorating a cake, adding that perfect touch! π
- Now, you've crafted delightful scones! Enjoy with milk or a cup of tea for a cozy moment. They're as comforting as a warm hug from your grandma. π€π
Notes
Nutrition Facts
⦠- Calories: 395 kcal⦠- Carbohydrates: 57 g
β¦ - Protein: 5 g
β¦ - Fat: 17 g
β¦ - Saturated Fat: 10 g
β¦ - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g
β¦ - Monounsaturated Fat: 4 g
β¦ - Trans Fat: 1 g
β¦ - Cholesterol: 65 mg
β¦ - Sodium: 270 mg
β¦ - Potassium: 84 mg
β¦ - Fiber: 1 g
β¦ - Sugar: 33 g
β¦ - Vitamin A: 530 IU
β¦ - Vitamin C: 1 mg
β¦ - Calcium: 99 mg
β¦ - Iron: 2 mg
Steps to avoid while everything Earl Grey Scones
1. Skipping the Freezer Step for Butter: Donβt forget to freeze the butter before grating it into the dry ingredients. This step is crucial for achieving a flaky and tender scone texture.
2. Overmixing the Dough: Avoid overmixing the dough when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Overmixing can make the scones tough instead of light and fluffy. Mix until just combined.
3. Skipping the Chilling Step: Donβt skip placing the scones in the freezer before baking. Chilling the scones helps them hold their shape and prevents them from spreading too much in the oven.
4. Baking at the Wrong Temperature: Make sure your oven is preheated to the correct temperature (400Β°F) before baking the scones. Baking at the wrong temperature can affect their texture and color.
5. Not Allowing the Scones to Cool Before Glazing: Itβs important to let the scones cool a bit before adding the glaze. If you glaze them while theyβre too hot, the glaze may run off instead of forming a nice drizzle.
6. Using Stale Ingredients: Ensure that your ingredients, especially the baking powder and baking soda, are fresh. Using stale leavening agents can result in scones that donβt rise properly.
7. Ignoring the Recommended Measurements: Pay attention to the specified measurements for ingredients. Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, and deviating from them can affect the sconeβs texture and taste.
8. Overloading the Scone with Glaze: While the glaze is delicious, avoid drowning the scones in it. A light drizzle is usually sufficient to add flavor without making them overly sweet.
9. Not Adjusting for Altitude: If you live at a high altitude, you may need to make adjustments to the recipe, such as reducing the leavening agents or increasing the liquid. Altitude can affect how baked goods rise.
10. Rushing the Process: Baking should be a fun and relaxed activity. Donβt rush through the steps; take your time to enjoy the process. Baking is as much about the experience as it is about the final product.
FAQ
1. Q: What are Earl Grey Scones, and how do they taste?
A: Earl Grey Scones are delicious baked treats infused with the distinctive flavor of Earl Grey tea. They have a lovely citrusy and floral taste that pairs perfectly with a hint of sweetness.
2. Q: Can I use any type of Earl Grey tea for making these scones?
A: Yes, you can use your favorite Earl Grey tea bags or loose-leaf tea. Itβs all about infusing that delightful Earl Grey flavor into your scones.
3. Q: Are Earl Grey Scones difficult to make at home?
A: Not at all! Making Earl Grey Scones can be a fun and rewarding baking project. Youβll find step-by-step recipes online to guide you through the process.
4. Q: What are some creative ways to enjoy Earl Grey Scones?
A: You can enjoy Earl Grey Scones with clotted cream and jam for a traditional English tea experience. Theyβre also great with a cup of hot tea or coffee, or even as a snack on their own.
5. Q: Can I make Earl Grey Scones without eggs or dairy for a vegan version?
A: Absolutely! There are vegan-friendly Earl Grey Scone recipes available that use plant-based substitutes for eggs and dairy, like almond milk and flaxseed.
6. Q: How do I store Earl Grey Scones to keep them fresh?
A: To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. You can also freeze them for longer shelf life.
7. Q: What ingredients are typically used in Earl Grey Scones?
A: Earl Grey Scones typically include ingredients like flour, sugar, baking powder, Earl Grey tea, butter, sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Some recipes may add extras like lemon zest or dried fruit.
8. Q: Can I make mini Earl Grey Scones for a tea party or brunch?
A: Certainly! Mini Earl Grey Scones are perfect for tea parties or brunch gatherings. Just adjust the size and baking time accordingly.
9. Q: Whatβs the secret to achieving a tender and flaky texture in Earl Grey Scones?
A: The key is handling the dough gently and not overmixing. You want to keep the scones light and fluffy.
10. Q: Where can I find Earl Grey Scone recipes with easy-to-follow instructions?
A: You can find Earl Grey Scone recipes on various cooking websites, food blogs, and even video tutorials on platforms like YouTube. Explore different recipes to find the one that suits your taste best.