These tender, buttery scones are bursting with juicy blackberries and topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat, they pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ cup cold butter, cubed
⅓ cup buttermilk
⅓ cup plain yogurt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
1 cup fresh blackberries

For the Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
2 ½ tablespoons milk

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet and set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut in the cold butter until the mixture is crumbly.
Add the buttermilk, yogurt, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Add the egg and mix until incorporated.
Gently fold in the fresh blackberries.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick disc.
Cut into wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
Once the scones are done, allow them to cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze.

Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate)

Calories: 300 kcal
Carbohydrates: 45 g
Protein: 4 g
Fat: 12 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sodium: 300 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 20 g

The Origins of Scones

The word “scone” is believed to have originated from Scotland, where they were initially baked on a griddle rather than in an oven. Early scones were simple, round, and made with basic ingredients like flour, butter, and water. As time passed, the recipe evolved to include milk, sugar, and eggs, and it became popular throughout the British Isles.

Traditionally, scones were served as part of the British “cream tea” – a delightful afternoon ritual that includes tea, scones, clotted cream, and jam. The pairing of scones with clotted cream and jam is a practice still observed in many parts of the world today, especially in the UK and former British colonies.

Blackberry scones, specifically, are a newer variation of this classic recipe, with the addition of fresh or preserved blackberries bringing an added layer of flavor. Blackberries, with their sweet-tart taste, perfectly complement the rich, buttery flavor of scones, creating a dynamic and irresistible pastry.

Why Blackberry Scones Are Special

Blackberry scones stand out due to their vibrant color and fresh, juicy fruit pieces that infuse every bite with natural sweetness. What makes blackberry scones particularly special is the way the blackberries interact with the dough during the baking process. As the scones bake, the blackberries soften and release their juices, creating little pockets of blackberry goodness throughout the scone. This results in a moist and flavorful pastry that is both comforting and refreshing.

One of the defining characteristics of a perfect scone is its texture. The dough should be light, flaky, and tender, without being too dense or dry. The butter incorporated into the dough ensures a rich, melt-in-your-mouth quality, while the folding process creates those signature layers that give the scone its delicate flakiness. The blackberries add not only flavor but also moisture, preventing the scones from becoming overly crumbly or dry.

Additionally, blackberry scones are visually appealing, with their contrast of deep purple berries against the golden, buttery exterior of the baked dough. Whether served as part of a tea spread, at a brunch gathering, or as an afternoon snack, these scones are sure to impress with their delicious flavor and beautiful appearance.

Tips for Perfect Blackberry Scones

To achieve the perfect blackberry scones, there are a few tips and tricks that can help elevate the final result:

Use Cold Butter: One of the keys to achieving a flaky, tender scone is using cold butter. Cold butter creates pockets of steam during the baking process, which is what results in the light, flaky texture. For best results, use butter that has been chilled in the refrigerator and cut it into small cubes before incorporating it into the dry ingredients.
Handle the Dough Gently: Scone dough should be mixed gently to avoid overworking it. Overmixing the dough can result in dense scones, so mix until just combined. When folding in the blackberries, do so carefully to prevent the berries from bursting and turning the dough purple.
Use Fresh Blackberries: Fresh blackberries provide the best flavor and texture for these scones. If fresh berries aren’t available, you can use frozen blackberries, but make sure to thaw them and drain off any excess liquid before adding them to the dough. Frozen berries may cause the dough to become too wet if not properly handled.
Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, it’s a good idea to chill it for about 15-20 minutes before cutting it into wedges. This helps the dough hold its shape during baking and enhances the texture of the finished scones.
Brush with Cream or Milk: To achieve a golden, glossy finish on the scones, brush the tops with a bit of cream or milk before baking. This will give them a beautiful sheen and help them brown evenly in the oven.
Add a Sweet Glaze (Optional): While blackberry scones are delicious on their own, a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk can add an extra touch of sweetness. Drizzling the glaze over the scones once they have cooled slightly adds a glossy finish and enhances the flavor profile of the berries.

Pairing Blackberry Scones with Other Foods and Drinks

Blackberry scones are incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of foods and beverages to create the perfect meal or snack. Here are some ideas for pairing your blackberry scones:

With Tea: A classic pairing for scones is a cup of tea. The richness of the scones complements the light, aromatic flavors of various teas. Earl Grey, English Breakfast, or a floral chamomile tea are all excellent choices to serve with blackberry scones.
With Coffee: If you’re more of a coffee drinker, the bold flavors of black coffee or a latte will contrast beautifully with the sweet and buttery scones. You can also serve them with a flavored coffee like vanilla or caramel to match the sweetness of the blackberries.
With Jam and Clotted Cream: For an authentic British experience, serve your blackberry scones with clotted cream and a dollop of berry jam. This classic pairing adds extra richness and elevates the flavor of the scones.
With Fresh Fruit: If you’re looking for a light, refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones, consider serving them with a side of fresh fruit like strawberries, raspberries, or citrus slices. The bright acidity of the fruit balances the sweetness of the scones.
With Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve your blackberry scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The cool creaminess pairs wonderfully with the warm scones and berries.

Health Benefits of Blackberries

In addition to being delicious, blackberries offer a range of health benefits, making blackberry scones not only a tasty treat but also a relatively nutritious option. Here are some of the health benefits of blackberries:

High in Fiber: Blackberries are a great source of dietary fiber, which is essential for digestive health. The fiber in blackberries helps promote regular bowel movements and supports overall gut health.
Rich in Antioxidants: Blackberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which give the berries their deep purple color. Antioxidants help combat oxidative stress in the body, reducing the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and cancer.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Blackberries are rich in vitamins C and K, which support immune function and bone health. They also contain folate, which is important for cell function and growth, and manganese, which supports metabolic processes in the body.
Low in Calories: Blackberries are low in calories, making them a great option for those looking to maintain or lose weight. Their natural sweetness provides a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence when used in scones or other baked goods.

Conclusion

Blackberry scones are a delightful and versatile treat that combines the rich, buttery texture of traditional scones with the sweet-tart flavor of fresh blackberries. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack, these scones are sure to impress with their flavor, texture, and beautiful appearance. By following a few simple tips for baking, you can create the perfect batch of blackberry scones that will be enjoyed by friends and family alike.

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