Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones Delightful and Easy Bake

Craving a delicious treat that's easy to make? You're in the right place! This Blueberry Cream Cheese Scones recipe combines tart blueberries with creamy goodness, creating fluffy scones you can enjoy any time. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you'll be baking up a storm in no time. Let's dive into this delightful recipe that promises to elevate your breakfast or tea time!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/3 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

To make the scones, start with the main ingredients. All-purpose flour gives the scones their structure. Granulated sugar adds a touch of sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances all the flavors.

Additional Ingredients

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened at room temperature

- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries

- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus a little extra for brushing)

Next, add in the additional ingredients. Chilled unsalted butter creates a flaky texture. Softened cream cheese adds richness. Fresh blueberries bring a burst of flavor. Heavy cream adds moisture to the dough.

Flavor Enhancers

- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

- Zest of 1 lemon (for a refreshing flavor)

- Coarse sugar (for a sparkling finish)

Finally, use flavor enhancers. Vanilla extract adds a warm note. Lemon zest gives a bright, fresh taste. Coarse sugar on top creates a sweet crunch. These ingredients make each bite delightful.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet

- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)

- Line baking sheet with parchment paper

First, I heat my oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the scones rise perfectly. While the oven warms, I prepare my baking sheet. I line it with parchment paper. This helps the scones not stick.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

- Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt

Next, I grab a big bowl. In this bowl, I mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. I stir these dry ingredients until they blend well.

Incorporating Butter and Cream Cheese

- Work butter into flour until coarse crumbs are formed

- Mix cream cheese, heavy cream, vanilla, and lemon zest until smooth

Now, I add 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed butter into my flour mix. I use my fingers to work the butter into the flour. I stop when it looks like coarse crumbs. Then, I take another bowl. In this bowl, I mix 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese, 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 teaspoon of vanilla, and the zest of 1 lemon. I blend it until it’s smooth and creamy.

Forming the Dough

- Combine mixtures and gently fold in blueberries

- Shape and cut the dough into wedges

I pour the cream cheese mix into the flour mix. I fold them together gently, using a spatula. I try not to overmix, leaving some dry spots. Then, I carefully add in 1/2 cup of fresh blueberries. I make sure not to crush them. I place the dough on a lightly floured surface. I pat it into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Then, I cut the dough into 8 wedges.

Baking the Scones

- Brush with heavy cream and sprinkle coarse sugar

- Bake for 18-20 minutes until golden

I move the wedges to my baking sheet, leaving space between each one. I brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream. I sprinkle coarse sugar over them for a sweet touch. I bake the scones for 18-20 minutes. They should turn golden brown. I know they are done when a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Tips & Tricks

Making Perfect Scones

To make great scones, chilled ingredients are key. Start with cold butter and cream cheese. This keeps the scones tender and flaky. If the butter is warm, it will melt into the dough. The dough should remain cool until baking.

Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until you see no dry flour. A few lumps are okay. Overmixing can make the scones tough, rather than light and fluffy.

Enhancing Flavor and Texture

You can add more flavor to your scones. Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. You can also mix in nuts like walnuts for crunch.

When using blueberries, fresh ones are best. They burst with flavor and moisture. If you use frozen blueberries, thaw and drain them first. This will prevent the dough from becoming too wet.

Presentation Recommendations

Serve your scones on a wooden board for a rustic look. You can add a handful of fresh blueberries beside them. Dust the tops with extra coarse sugar for a nice finish.

For toppings, consider clotted cream or a light lemon glaze. These pair well with the scones and add a touch of sweetness.

Variations

Substitutions for Dietary Needs

You can make these scones fit your diet. For gluten-free scones, use almond or oat flour. These flours give a nice texture. If you need dairy-free options, replace the cream cheese with a vegan cream cheese. You can use almond milk instead of heavy cream. These swaps still keep the scones tasty.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to change things up? Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. They add a nice crunch. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. If you love other fruits, add raspberries or strawberries. These fruits give a sweet twist to the scones.

Mini and Savory Versions

For bite-sized treats, make smaller scones. Just use the same dough but cut smaller pieces. These mini scones are perfect for snacks or parties. You can also create savory scones. Add cheese like cheddar and herbs like rosemary. This gives a fun twist to the classic scone.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftover Scones

To keep your blueberry cream cheese scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This method helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can also wrap them in plastic wrap for extra protection. If you have a lot of scones, a resealable plastic bag works well too. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.

Reheating Suggestions

For the best taste, reheat your scones in the oven. Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps the scones soft and flaky. If you want to freeze scones, let them cool completely first. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Shelf Life Tips

At room temperature, your scones will stay good for about two days. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Look for signs of spoilage like a dry texture or an off smell. If your scones feel hard or crumbly, it's time to toss them. Enjoy your scones while they are fresh for the best flavor!

FAQs

What is the best way to make scones light and fluffy?

To make scones light and fluffy, use chilled ingredients. Keep butter and cream cheese cold. This helps create small pockets of air. Use the right ratios too. For every 2 cups of flour, use 1/3 cup of sugar and 1 tablespoon of baking powder. Don’t overmix the dough. Gently fold in the ingredients until just combined. This keeps the dough tender.

Can I make the dough in advance?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Mix the dry and wet ingredients as usual. Form the dough into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, take it out and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, cut and bake as normal.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

Scones are done when they look golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. You can also check the sides. If they feel firm and not doughy, they are ready. Let them cool a bit before serving for the best taste.

In this blog, I shared how to make delicious scones. We covered key ingredients, steps, and tips for success. Baking scones involves mixing flour, sugar, and butter, then folding in blueberries. Remember, chilled ingredients help create a light texture. You can also mix in nuts or spices for extra flavor. Store leftover scones in airtight containers and reheat them for the best taste. Enjoy these tasty treats any time, knowing you can customize them to fit your needs!