Earl Grey Scones: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Recipe

Earl Grey scones are a delightful twist on the classic British treat, infusing the rich, aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea into a tender, buttery scone. As I take a bite, the subtle notes of bergamot dance on my palate, transporting me to a quaint tea room in England. The history of scones dates back to the 16th century, and they have since become a beloved staple in afternoon tea traditions. What I adore about Earl Grey scones is their perfect balance of crumbly texture and fragrant taste, making them an ideal companion for a warm cup of tea or coffee. Whether you’re hosting a tea party or simply indulging in a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are sure to impress. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (for brushing)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Preparing the Batter

Let’s get started on these delightful Earl Grey scones! First, I like to gather all my ingredients and tools. You’ll need a mixing bowl, a whisk, a pastry cutter or fork, and a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
2. Next, it’s time to incorporate the butter. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial as it creates the flaky texture we love in scones.
3. Now, let’s infuse our scones with that lovely Earl Grey flavor. If you’re using loose tea leaves, crush them slightly to release more flavor. Add the Earl Grey tea leaves to the flour mixture and stir to combine.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
5. Gently mix the wet and dry ingredients together using a spatula or your hands. Be careful not to overmix; we want to keep the scones light and fluffy. The dough should come together but may be a bit crumbly.

Shaping the Scones

Once the dough is ready, it’s time to shape our scones!

6. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it holds together. Remember, we don’t want to overwork the dough.
7. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin if you prefer, but I find my hands work just fine for this.
8. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. You can also use a round cutter if you prefer round scones. Just make sure to press straight down without twisting to ensure they rise properly.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Brushing and Baking

Now that our scones are shaped, let’s get them ready for the oven!

10. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, brush the tops of the scones with milk. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
11. Once the oven is preheated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top. I like to check them at the 15-minute mark to ensure they don’t overbake.
12. When they’re done, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Serving the Scones

Now comes the best part—enjoying these delicious Earl Grey scones!

13. Once the scones have cooled slightly, you can serve them warm or at room temperature. They are delightful on their own, but I love to add a little butter or clotted cream on top.
14. If you want to elevate your scone experience, consider serving them with a side of homemade lemon curd or a dollop of jam. The citrus notes pair beautifully with the Earl Grey flavor.
15. For an extra

Conclusion:

In summary, these Earl Grey scones are an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the delicate balance of flavors that tea can bring to baked goods. The fragrant notes of bergamot combined with the buttery, flaky texture of the scones create a delightful treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea gathering. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these scones with a dollop of clotted cream and a drizzle of honey or a spread of your favorite fruit preserves. You can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of lavender for an extra floral touch. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delightful Earl Grey scones in your own kitchen. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Happy baking, and may your scones be as delightful as a warm cup of Earl Grey tea!

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