These easy homemade peach scones are light, fluffy, and packed with sweet peach bits. They are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack with a cup of tea!
There’s something magical about warm scones fresh from the oven. I love how the peaches make them a bit fruity and fun. Plus, you can never go wrong with a little butter on top! 🥐
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones, giving them structure. You can use whole wheat flour for a heartier texture or gluten-free flour if needed. Just check if the gluten-free blend includes xanthan gum.
Fresh Peaches: Fresh peaches are perfect for scones, but if they’re not in season, canned or frozen peaches will work too. Just make sure to drain and pat them dry to avoid sogginess.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter is crucial here. It should be straight from the fridge to help create those flaky layers. If needed, you can substitute with coconut oil for a dairy-free option, although the flavor will vary slightly.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the dough. If you want to lighten it up, you can use half-and-half or a dairy-free milk alternative, though it may affect the texture a bit.
How Can I Ensure My Scones Turn Out Fluffy?
To achieve fluffy scones, focus on keeping your ingredients cold, especially the butter. Cold butter creates steam during baking, which helps the scones rise.
- When mixing the butter and flour, keep it quick! You want pea-sized chunks of butter for flakiness.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough. Combine the wet and dry ingredients just until they come together.
- Handle the dough gently; this keeps air in and helps the scones rise properly.
Also, make sure your oven is preheated to the right temperature. A hot oven helps the scones bake quickly, locking in moisture and preventing them from becoming dry.
Easy Homemade Peach Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced small
- For the Icing:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to bake, for a total of about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy treat that will impress everyone!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until they are well mixed.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for flaky scones!
4. Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until blended.
5. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and gently mix them together until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
6. Add the Peaches:
Fold in the diced peaches gently, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 7-inch round disk. Make sure it’s even in thickness to ensure even baking.
8. Cut the Scones:
Cut the disk into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between them to allow for rising.
9. Brush with Cream:
Brush the tops of the scones lightly with additional heavy cream. This will give them a nice golden finish.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
11. Prepare the Icing:
While the scones are baking, mix together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
12. Cool and Drizzle:
Once baked, allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. Then, drizzle the icing over the tops of the warm scones for a sweet finishing touch.
13. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy your scones warm or at room temperature. They are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful afternoon snack!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the frozen peaches first and drain any excess liquid to prevent the dough from becoming too wet. Pat them dry with paper towels to maintain the right texture.
How Can I Keep My Scones From Becoming Dense?
To avoid dense scones, ensure that your butter is cold when mixing. This helps create flaky layers. Also, mix the dough gently and do not over-knead it; the goal is to combine the ingredients until just mixed.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough up to a day in advance. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, simply shape, cut, and bake as directed. Freshly baked scones are always better!
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week. Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to restore their warm, flaky texture.
