Fluffy & Flavorful: Blueberry Buttermilk Scones Recipe

Is there anything more comforting than a warm, freshly baked scone? Especially when it’s bursting with juicy blueberries and boasts a tender, crumbly texture thanks to the magic of buttermilk? These Blueberry Buttermilk Scones are incredibly easy to make and deliver a delightful balance of sweet and tangy flavors. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea treat, they’re guaranteed to become a new favorite. This detailed guide will walk you through each step, ensuring your scones turn out perfectly every time.

Why Buttermilk Makes All the Difference

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about buttermilk. It’s not just a random ingredient; it’s the secret weapon for achieving incredibly tender and moist scones. Here’s why:

• Acidity: Buttermilk’s acidity helps to break down gluten proteins in the flour, resulting in a more tender crumb. This prevents the scones from becoming tough or chewy.
• Moisture: Buttermilk adds moisture without making the dough too wet. The slightly thicker consistency helps to bind the ingredients together while keeping the scones soft.
• Flavor: Buttermilk imparts a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the blueberries and adds depth of flavor to the scones.

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, don’t worry! You can easily make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it curdles slightly, and you’re good to go!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a comprehensive list of the ingredients you’ll need to bake these delicious Blueberry Buttermilk Scones:

• Dry Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
• Wet Ingredients:
  • 8 tablespoons (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 cup (240ml) cold buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 ½ cups (approximately 180g) fresh blueberries, gently rinsed and dried
• For Brushing (Optional):
  • 1 tablespoon milk or cream
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, for sprinkling

Ingredient Notes:

• Flour: All-purpose flour works perfectly for these scones. Avoid using cake flour, as it will result in a too-tender crumb.
• Sugar: Granulated sugar adds sweetness and helps the scones brown nicely. You can also use caster sugar for a finer texture.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: This combination of leavening agents ensures that the scones rise properly and have a light and airy texture.
• Butter: Cold butter is crucial for creating flaky scones. The cold butter melts during baking, creating pockets of steam that separate the layers of dough.
• Buttermilk: As mentioned earlier, buttermilk adds moisture, tenderness, and a subtle tang to the scones.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the scones and complements the blueberries.
• Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are preferred, but you can also use frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw them before adding them to the dough. Gently fold them in while still frozen to prevent them from bleeding into the dough too much.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry blender or food processor (optional)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wire rack

Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking the Perfect Blueberry Buttermilk Scones

Now for the fun part! Follow these detailed instructions to bake a batch of irresistible Blueberry Buttermilk Scones:

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, you can use a food processor. Pulse the mixture until it reaches the desired consistency. The key is to work quickly and keep the butter cold. You should see small pieces of butter still visible in the mixture – this is what creates those flaky layers.
4. Add the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a fork or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. The dough will be shaggy and slightly sticky, which is perfectly fine.
5. Fold in the Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough. Be careful not to crush the blueberries.
6. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds. Alternatively, you can use a cookie cutter for different shapes.

   If you prefer a more rustic look, you can simply pat the dough into a circle and cut it into wedges without using a cutter. This method also minimizes dough handling, which helps to keep the scones tender.

7. Arrange the Scones on the Baking Sheet: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about an inch of space between each scone.
8. Brush and Sprinkle (Optional): For a golden-brown and slightly sweet crust, brush the tops of the scones with milk or cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar. This step is optional but adds a nice touch.
9. Bake the Scones: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
10. Cool and Serve: 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. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for Perfect Scones

Here are some extra tips to ensure your Blueberry Buttermilk Scones turn out perfectly every time:

• Keep everything cold: Cold ingredients are key to creating flaky scones. Make sure your butter and buttermilk are well-chilled before you start baking. You can even chill the flour for 15-20 minutes before using it.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix the dough until just combined. It’s okay if there are still some streaks of flour.
• Handle the dough gently: Avoid overworking the dough when shaping the scones. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your scones will be.
• Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter: A sharp knife or biscuit cutter will create clean cuts, which will help the scones rise evenly. Avoid twisting the cutter, as this can seal the edges and prevent the scones from rising properly.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Leave enough space between the scones so that they can bake evenly.
• Bake until golden brown: Bake the scones until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking will result in dry scones.
• Serve warm: Scones are best served warm, ideally within a few hours of baking.

Variations and Additions

Want to customize your Blueberry Buttermilk Scones? Here are some delicious variations and additions to try:

• Lemon Zest: Add 1-2 teaspoons of lemon zest to the dry ingredients for a bright and citrusy flavor.
• Orange Zest: Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrusy twist.
• Cinnamon: Add ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the dry ingredients for a warm and comforting flavor.
• Nutmeg: Add ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg to the dry ingredients for a touch of spice.
• White Chocolate Chips: Fold in ½ cup of white chocolate chips along with the blueberries for extra sweetness and indulgence.
• Other Berries: Substitute some or all of the blueberries with other berries, such as raspberries, strawberries, or blackberries.
• Nuts: Add ¼ cup of chopped nuts, such as almonds, pecans, or walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
• Glaze: Drizzle the cooled scones with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice.

Serving Suggestions

These Blueberry Buttermilk Scones are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when paired with the right accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Butter: A classic choice. Serve the scones with a pat of butter for a simple yet satisfying treat.
• Jam: Pair the scones with your favorite jam or preserves. Blueberry jam, raspberry jam, or strawberry jam are all excellent choices.
• Clotted Cream: For a truly decadent experience, serve the scones with clotted cream and jam.
• Lemon Curd: The tangy flavor of lemon curd complements the sweetness of the scones and blueberries perfectly.
• Honey: Drizzle the scones with honey for a touch of natural sweetness.
• Yogurt: Serve the scones with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a light and healthy option.
• Tea or Coffee: Scones are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee.

Storage Instructions

To store leftover Blueberry Buttermilk Scones, let them cool completely and then place them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat the scones, wrap them in foil and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes.

You can also freeze the scones for longer storage. Let them cool completely and then wrap them individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag or airtight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To thaw the scones, remove them from the freezer and let them thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat as directed above.

Recipe Summary

These Blueberry Buttermilk Scones are a delightful treat that are easy to make and bursting with flavor. The buttermilk adds moisture and tenderness, while the blueberries provide a burst of sweetness. Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, these scones are sure to impress. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake a batch of these irresistible scones!

Detailed Recipe Card

Blueberry Buttermilk Scones

Yields: 8 scones
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 18-22 minutes

Ingredients:

• 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) cold buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (approximately 180g) fresh blueberries, gently rinsed and dried
• 1 tablespoon milk or cream (optional, for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined.
6. Gently fold in the blueberries.
7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 1-inch thick circle.
8. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or rounds.
9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet.
10. Brush the tops of the scones with milk or cream and sprinkle with sugar (optional).
11. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown.
12. Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
13. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Enjoy your homemade Blueberry Buttermilk Scones! They’re perfect for any occasion and are sure to be a hit with family and friends. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!