Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe

If you are craving a tender, buttery treat that carries the delicate sweetness of almond and the warm touch of vanilla, this Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe is exactly what you need. These scones are perfectly crumbly yet soft, lightly sweetened to complement your morning coffee or afternoon tea, and topped with sliced almonds and an optional vanilla glaze that adds a lovely bakery-style finish. Whether you’re serving them for a special brunch or just indulging yourself with homemade comfort, these scones truly bring a slice of joy to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building the flaky texture, sweet flavor, and overall richness that make these scones unforgettable.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a soft yet sturdy scone that holds its shape.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Just enough sweetness to balance the buttery flavor without overwhelming it.
• 1 tbsp baking powder: Helps your scones rise beautifully, making them tender and airy instead of dense.
• ¼ tsp salt: Enhances the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed: The key to flaky layers — cold butter creates tiny pockets of fluffiness as it bakes.
• ½ cup heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture for that melt-in-your-mouth softness.
• 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the scones’ golden color.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract: Infuses a warm and inviting aroma, tying all the flavors together.
• ½ tsp almond extract: Introduces that signature almond essence that makes these scones special.
• ½ cup sliced almonds: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty finish on the surface.
• Vanilla Glaze (Optional): ¾ cup powdered sugar, 1–2 tbsp milk or cream, and ½ tsp vanilla extract combine for a silky topping that brings out the flavors even more.

How to Make Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (or 200 degrees Celsius) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures your scones bake evenly and slide off easily without sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This step distributes the leavening agent evenly so your scones get that perfect rise without any lumps of baking powder.

Step 3: Cut in the Cold Butter

Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingertips, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This is an important stage that sets the flaky texture, so keep the butter cold and work quickly.

Step 4: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and almond extract. The vanilla brings a subtle warmth while the almond extract adds that unmistakable nutty flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and gently stir just until everything comes together. Overmixing can toughen your scones, so fold carefully.

Step 6: Add Sliced Almonds

Fold in the sliced almonds for a lovely crunch and hints of nutty aroma throughout the dough. This little addition takes your Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe to the next level of deliciousness.

Step 7: Shape and Cut the Dough

Lightly flour your surface and turn the dough out onto it. Pat it gently into a 1-inch thick disc. Then, using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the wedges on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space to rise.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden

Bake your scones for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a light golden color on top and smell irresistible. The golden hue signals that they’re perfectly baked—moist inside with a tender crumb and slightly crisp edges.

Step 9: Optional Vanilla Glaze

While the scones cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. Drizzle this over the warm scones for an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant finish that feels like a special treat.

How to Serve Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond the sliced almonds and vanilla glaze, you can add a light dusting of powdered sugar or even a sprinkle of finely chopped toasted almonds for more texture. Fresh berries on the side also add a juicy contrast to the rich scones.

Side Dishes

These scones shine alongside a cup of strong tea like Earl Grey or a freshly brewed coffee. For a breakfast spread, serve them with clotted cream, honey, or your favorite jam to complement the sweet and nutty notes of the scones.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re bringing these to a brunch or tea party, arrange the scones on a tiered platter with edible flowers or a bowl of whipped cream for guests to customize their bites. You can even split and toast leftover scones, then layer with almond butter and thin apple slices for a seasonal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover scones tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days. This helps them stay soft and moist, though they are absolutely best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked scone wedges by arranging them on a baking sheet and storing them in an airtight bag or container for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time for fresh, flaky scones anytime you desire.

Reheating

To revive refrigerated or frozen baked scones, warm them in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for 5 to 8 minutes. This restores their delicate texture and crispy edges without drying them out. If glazed, wait to drizzle after reheating.

FAQs

Can I substitute almond extract with something else?

Yes, if you don’t have almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with an equal amount of vanilla extract for a milder flavor. However, the almond extract is key to highlighting the signature almond profile in this Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use a plant-based butter substitute and a non-dairy cream like coconut or almond cream. The texture might be slightly different, but the result will still be delicious and decadent.

How do I ensure my scones come out flaky?

Keep your butter cold and handle the dough gently without overmixing. Cutting the butter into coarse crumbs before adding wet ingredients helps create the flaky layers that give these scones their charming texture.

Can I add fruit or chocolate to this recipe?

Definitely! Fold in dried fruit like cranberries or chopped dark chocolate chips when adding the sliced almonds to create personalized variations of this Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe.

What’s the best way to cut scones into wedges?

Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into wedges after shaping into a disc. Press straight down firmly to keep the edges clean. This helps the scones bake evenly and look beautiful.

Final Thoughts

Now that you have this delightful Vanilla Almond Scones Recipe, I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a try. The blend of tender crumb, almond crunch, and sweet vanilla glaze makes for an irresistible treat that’s easier to make than you might think. Whether it becomes your new breakfast favorite or a sweet surprise for guests, these scones bring that perfect touch of homemade bakery magic to every bite.

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