Springtime Purple Lilac and Strawberry Scones Recipe

Spring is the season of renewal, fresh flowers, and vibrant flavors! These Springtime Purple Lilac and Strawberry Scones are a beautiful ode to the season, combining the floral notes of lilac blossoms with the sweetness of strawberries. The first time I made this recipe, it instantly transported me to a blooming garden with every bite! Light, tender, and subtly fragrant, these scones are perfect for a brunch, a garden party, or simply enjoying with tea on a bright spring morning.

Ingredients

• For the scones:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lilac blossoms (rinsed and stems removed)
• For the glaze:
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• A few lilac blossoms for decoration (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add strawberries and lilacs: Gently fold in the chopped strawberries and lilac blossoms.
5. Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream and vanilla extract. Gradually pour this into the flour mixture, stirring until a dough forms. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat it into a 1-inch thick round and cut it into 8 wedges.
7. Bake the scones: Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little extra cream and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and puffed.
8. Prepare the glaze: While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
9. Glaze the scones: Let the scones cool slightly before drizzling with the glaze. Garnish with a few extra lilac blossoms for a beautiful springtime finish.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 280
• Total fat: 15g
• Saturated fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 18 minutes
• Total time: 33 minutes

How to Serve

• With tea or coffee: Enjoy these scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• At a spring brunch: Serve them alongside other light spring dishes like quiche or a fruit salad.
• With clotted cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve with clotted cream or butter.
• As a dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
• Picnic-style: Perfect for outdoor spring picnics or garden parties.

Additional Tips

1. Lilac safety: Make sure the lilacs you use are organic and untreated with pesticides or chemicals.
2. Cold butter is key: Keeping the butter cold ensures that the scones turn out flaky and tender.
3. Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so mix just until everything comes together.
4. Freeze the butter: For extra flaky scones, try freezing the butter and grating it into the flour mixture.
5. Adjust sweetness: You can reduce the sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet scone.

Recipe Variations

• Berry swap: Replace the strawberries with other fresh berries like blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor.
• Lemon lilac: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy twist.
• Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the butter and cream with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil and almond milk.
• Herbal infusion: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a light and colorful side.
• Pair with herbal tea such as chamomile or lavender for a relaxing afternoon treat.
• Enjoy with a light salad featuring spring greens and a lemon vinaigrette for a complete brunch.
• Offer alongside mini sandwiches for a charming tea party spread.
• Top with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of lemon curd for extra sweetness.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These scones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm in the oven before serving.
• Reheating: To reheat, simply pop the scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 20 seconds.

Special Equipment

• Pastry cutter: For cutting the butter into the flour.
• Baking sheet: Lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Whisk: For preparing the glaze and mixing ingredients.
• Cooling rack: To cool the scones after baking.

FAQ

1. Can I use dried lilacs instead of fresh?
Yes, but the flavor will be less pronounced. If using dried lilacs, you may want to increase the amount slightly.

2. What other flowers can I use if I don’t have lilacs?
You can use edible flowers like lavender, rose petals, or violets as substitutes for lilacs.

3. Are lilacs safe to eat?
Yes, lilac blossoms are safe to eat, but be sure they’re organic and pesticide-free.

4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This can also help the flavors meld.

5. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute with whole milk or a mixture of milk and yogurt, though the scones may be slightly less rich.

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Closing Note

These Springtime Purple Lilac and Strawberry Scones are the perfect way to welcome the blooming season. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, enjoying a quiet afternoon tea, or celebrating spring’s fresh flavors, these scones will surely become a seasonal favorite. Their delicate floral notes and burst of strawberry sweetness make every bite feel like a special occasion! Happy baking!