The secret to soft, buttery scones? Cold butter and a light touch!
na Garten’s recipe makes scones that are delicate, golden, and full of citrus aroma. They have just the right texture: crumbly at the edges with a soft, rich center.
The fresh lemon zest does all the work here, so don’t skimp on it. I use a microplane to get the finest texture!
Brushing the tops with cream before they hit the oven gives them a beautiful golden crust without drying them out.
Once they’re out of the oven, that lemon glaze is what pulls everything together. I make mine slightly thicker for a nice drizzle that really sticks!
How to Make Ina Garten Lemon Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter (cubed)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 Large Egg
- Zest of 2 Lemons
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar (for glaze)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Add in the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 3:
In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Step 4:
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.
Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick, and use a knife to divide into 8 wedges.
Step 5:
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool on a wire rack and drizzle with a glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe
Cold Butter is Key
Using cold butter is crucial to achieving a flaky texture for your scones, so keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it!
Do Not Overmix
Overmixing can make your scones tough, so just combine the ingredients until they are incorporated and stop!
Customize the Glaze
You can adjust the glaze by adding more lemon juice for a thinner consistency or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze if you prefer.
Try a Different Citrus
If you want to add a unique spin, use orange or lime zest instead of lemon to change up the flavors.
Test for Doneness Early
Start checking your scones a couple of minutes before the recommended time to avoid overbaking and keep them soft.
What to Serve with Ina Garten Lemon Scones Recipe
Clotted Cream
You can’t go wrong with serving clotted cream alongside your lemon scones.
This thick and rich cream adds a luxurious texture that pairs beautifully with scones.
It’s a classic choice that works every time!
Fresh Berries
A bowl of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries provides a refreshing contrast.
The natural sweetness and slight tartness of berries complement the bright lemon flavor of the scones.
It’s a perfect way to bring a touch of summer to your table.
Herb-Infused Honey
Drizzling a bit of herb-infused honey can add some nice layers of flavor.
You might try rosemary or lavender honey, which can provide unexpected yet pleasing accents.
This combination gives your treat a touch of sophistication.
Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is an excellent accompaniment for lemon scones, amplifying the citrus notes.
Its tangy and sweet qualities balance the buttery scones.
It’s a pairing that makes your taste experience more flavorful.
Chai Tea
Chai tea offers a warming blend of spices that complement the zesty scones well.
The spices in chai, such as cardamom and cinnamon, provide aromatic richness.
This pairing adds an aromatic and cozy feel to your serving.
Sweet Ricotta Spread
For something different, try a sweetened ricotta spread with vanilla and a hint of sugar.
This light and creamy option adds a different dimension to your lemon scones.
It’s a welcome change that is both simple and inspiring.
Variations and Substitutions
Lemon-Blueberry Scones
Add a fruity twist by incorporating 1 1/2 cups of fresh or frozen blueberries.
Mix them in gently to avoid squashing the berries.
This change provides a juicy burst of flavor with every bite.
Poppy Seed Addition
Include a tablespoon of poppy seeds for a subtle crunch and an extra layer of flavor.
Simply mix them into the dry ingredients before combining with the wet ingredients.
Poppy seeds complement the lemon taste perfectly.
Gluten-Free Option
Use gluten-free flour to accommodate dietary preferences or needs.
Ensure it’s a 1:1 replacement for regular flour to maintain the texture.
This allows you to enjoy the same flavorful scones without gluten.
Citrus Variations
Try swapping lemon with lime or orange zest for a different citrus profile.
This simple swap can change the aroma and taste to suit your mood.
Each citrus option offers a unique experience.
How to Store Leftover Lemon Scones
When you’ve baked more lemon scones than you can eat, storing them properly preserves their freshness.
To keep your lemon scones fresh for a few days, the room temperature method works best.
Place the scones in an airtight container, which helps maintain their delicious texture.
Keep the container in a dry area, like a countertop or pantry.
Freezing for Later
If you’re not planning to eat them anytime soon, consider freezing your scones.
Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag.
Label the bag with the date so you remember when you froze them!
Thawing Frozen Scones
Whenever you’re ready to enjoy your scones again, thawing is simple.
Just place the frozen scones on the countertop and let them sit at room temperature until they’re soft.
This can take a couple of hours, so plan ahead if you’re eager to enjoy them!
With these easy steps, you’ll always have delicious lemon scones ready to enjoy, no matter when the craving strikes!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Warm Ingredients
You definitely want to keep your ingredients cold!
If your butter or liquids get too warm, say goodbye to that flaky texture you’ve been dreaming of.
Chilled ingredients make a big difference; trust me on this!
Overmixing the Dough
You might think mixing until smooth is perfection, but resist the urge.
Overworking the dough can lead to scones that are tough and dense.
Gently mix until everything is just combined, and you’re set for success!
Adding Too Much Liquid
It can be tempting to add more liquid if the dough seems dry.
Avoid this temptation as it can ruin the texture.
If the dough is a bit crumbly, that’s okay!
Stick to the recommended amount, and your scones will turn out just right.

Ina Garten Lemon Scones Recipe
- 2 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated Sugar
- 2 tsp Baking Powder
- 1/4 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/2 cup Cold Unsalted Butter cubed
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream
- 1 Large Egg
- Zest of 2 Lemons
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1/2 cup Powdered Sugar for glaze
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add in the cold, cubed butter and mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In another bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead gently until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick, and use a knife to divide into 8 wedges.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool on a wire rack and drizzle with a glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
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