There’s a certain joy that fills the kitchen when you whip up a batch of warm scones, and my latest creation—Lemon Zucchini Scones—has quickly become a go-to favorite. Picture the fragrant aroma of fresh lemons mingling with the subtle sweetness of grated zucchini wafting through the air, inviting everyone to gather around. These delightful scones not only offer a burst of bright citrus flavor but are surprisingly quick to prepare, taking just 33 minutes from start to finish.
Whether you need a comforting breakfast option or a light snack to brighten up your afternoon, these scones fit the bill perfectly. With a tender, moist crumb thanks to the secret ingredient—zucchini—this recipe ensures even the pickiest eaters will be reaching for seconds. So, dust off that baking sheet, and let’s dive into crafting these mouthwatering Lemon Zucchini Scones that promise to transform your kitchen into a cozy haven!
Why love Lemon Zucchini Scones?
Simplicity made delightful: This recipe comes together in just 33 minutes, perfect for any busy morning or impromptu gathering.
Bright, zesty flavor: The tangy lemon paired with sweet zucchini creates a refreshing bite that’s unlike any traditional scone.
Endless versatility: Feel free to customize with chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to make them your own.
Perfect for sharing: These delightful scones are sure to impress and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Super moist texture: Thanks to the zucchini, each scone is wonderfully soft and irresistible, making it hard to eat just one!
Lemon Zucchini Scones Ingredients
For the Scones
• Grated Zucchini – Provides moisture; fresh zucchini is recommended for best results.
• All-Purpose Flour – Structure and texture; can substitute with a gluten-free flour blend.
• Whole Wheat Flour – Adds nutrition and texture; can replace with additional all-purpose flour if desired.
• Baking Powder – Essential leavening agent; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
• Baking Soda – Helps with browning and leavening; don’t skip this crucial ingredient.
• Salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor; a must for a delectable finish.
• Sugar – Provides sweetness; coconut sugar can be used for a lower glycemic option.
• Lemon Zest – Delivers bright citrus notes; using organic lemons will enhance the flavor.
• Cold Unsalted Butter – Enriches flavor and flakiness; can substitute with dairy-free butter.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tang; regular milk mixed with lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Egg – Acts as a binding agent; for a vegan option, use a flax egg instead.
• Vanilla Extract – Enhances overall flavor; pure vanilla extract is recommended for the best taste.
For the Glaze
• Powdered Sugar – Optional for a sweet drizzle; can be omitted if desired for a lighter bite.
Make sure to gather all these ingredients before you start, and you’ll be just moments away from enjoying warm and delicious Lemon Zucchini Scones!
How to Make Lemon Zucchini Scones
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup for your delightful scones.
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Combine grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl. Mix until everything is blended, creating a fragrant dry mixture.
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Cut cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips. Aim for a texture resembling coarse crumbs; this is key for achieving flakiness.
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Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl until well combined. This mixture will add moistness and flavor to your scones.
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Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gently until just combined. Be mindful not to over-mix—this helps keep your scones tender and soft.
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Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, bringing it together to form a circle about 1-inch thick. Overworking the dough can lead to tough scones, so keep it gentle!
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Cut the dough into wedges or rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each piece for them to rise.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell heavenly during this step!
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Cool the baked scones slightly on a wire rack. Once they’re just warm, drizzle with a lemon glaze made from mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
Optional: For a touch of added sweetness, sprinkle a bit of powdered sugar on top before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Lemon Zucchini Scones
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Room Temperature: Store your Lemon Zucchini Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain their delightful moisture and flavor.
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Fridge: If you want to keep them fresh longer, place the scones in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just remember they’ll lose some of their warmth!
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the scones wrapped in plastic wrap and placed in an airtight container. They can last up to 3 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick treat!
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Reheating: To enjoy these scones warm, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until heated through, restoring that fresh-baked experience.
Make Ahead Options
These Lemon Zucchini Scones are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during hectic mornings! You can prepare the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and lemon zest) up to 3 days in advance and store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Additionally, you can grate the zucchini and refrigerate it in a sealed bag up to 24 hours before baking to maintain its moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy your scones, simply mix in the wet ingredients, bake, and you’ll have fresh, delicious scones with minimal effort. This prep-ahead strategy makes it easy to indulge in homemade treats, even on your busiest days!
Tips for the Best Lemon Zucchini Scones
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Use Cold Butter: Ensuring your butter is cold helps achieve that coveted flaky texture, essential for perfect Lemon Zucchini Scones.
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Avoid Over-Mixing: Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined. Over-mixing can lead to tough scones, taking away the light softness you desire.
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Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use fresh baking powder and baking soda to ensure a good rise. Using old leavening agents can lead to dense scones.
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Adjust for Size: If you cut your scones larger or smaller than suggested, be mindful to adjust the baking time accordingly, so they’re baked perfectly through.
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Experiment with Variations: Consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or spices to personalize your Lemon Zucchini Scones. Just remember to balance the flavors!
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Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your scones are ready to enjoy. Overbaking can dry them out, so keep an eye on them!
What to Serve with Lemon Zucchini Scones?
These delightful scones are perfect for creating a cozy brunch or a light afternoon tea experience.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch that balances the sweetness of the scones perfectly.
- Greek Yogurt with Honey: A creamy, tangy contrast complements the Citrus flavors while adding a healthy boost of protein.
- Herbal Tea: The light, fragrant notes of chamomile or mint tea harmonize beautifully with the lemony scones, enhancing the overall experience.
- Lemon Curd: For an extra burst of citrus indulgence, serve with lemon curd to spread on warm scones, providing a deliciously tart contrast.
- Coffee: A warm cup of coffee enriches the flavor of the scones and makes for a comforting pairing, perfect at breakfast or snack time.
- Cheese Platter: Soft cheeses like goat cheese or ricotta with a sprinkle of herbs can provide a savory counterpoint to the sweet scones, perfect for a brunch spread.
- Light Salad: A salad with mixed greens, feta, and a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the scones and offer a refreshing side.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: For an indulgent dessert twist, a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side makes for a dreamy, sweet finish to your meal.
- Coconut Chai Latte: The warm spices of chai with a hint of coconut create a fragrant and flavorful drink that beautifully complements the zesty scones.
Lemon Zucchini Scones Variations
Feel free to explore delightful twists on these scones, turning them into your own signature creation!
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Chocolate Chip: Add ½ cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips for a rich, indulgent touch. The chocolate melts beautifully, creating pockets of gooey goodness.
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Nutty Delight: Stir in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch and added nutrition. The earthy flavor of the nuts complements the zestiness of lemon exquisitely.
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Spiced Zucchini: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, inviting spice that pairs wonderfully with the lemon. This variation brings a cozy aroma to your scones.
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Dried Fruit: Mix in ½ cup of dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a chewy sweetness that balances the tart notes of lemon beautifully. These scones become a delightful medley of textures.
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Coconut Bliss: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with unsweetened shredded coconut. This not only adds flavor but also makes your scones pleasantly moist and tropical.
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Lemon-Lavender: Incorporate a teaspoon of culinary dried lavender for a unique floral twist. The subtle lavender pairs perfectly with lemon, offering a fragrant experience with each bite.
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Savory Spinach: For a unique twist, mix in ½ cup of finely chopped cooked spinach and a sprinkle of feta cheese. This savory version is excellent for brunch and adds a delightful savory depth.
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Extra Zing: If you’re a fan of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. This will create a surprising kick that beautifully contrasts the sweetness of the scone.
Lemon Zucchini Scones Recipe FAQs
What kind of zucchini should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fresh zucchini is recommended for the best results. Look for firm and unblemished zucchini—the ones without dark spots all over—as they provide the moisture and texture needed for delicious scones.
How should I store leftover Lemon Zucchini Scones?
For optimal freshness, store your Lemon Zucchini Scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you’re looking to extend their life, refrigerate them for up to 5 days. Just be mindful that refrigeration may cause them to lose a bit of their warmth and soft texture.
Can I freeze Lemon Zucchini Scones?
Absolutely! To freeze these delightful scones, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, reheat them directly from frozen in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes—just enough to restore that freshly baked taste.
What if my scones turn out too dry?
If you find your scones are dry, it may be due to over-mixing the dough or baking them too long. To avoid this, be gentle with your mixing and make sure to check for doneness with a toothpick at the lower end of the baking time. If you overbake them, they can dry out quickly, so keep a close eye during that final countdown!
Are these scones suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Yes, indeed! The Lemon Zucchini Scones can be adapted for various dietary needs. For a gluten-free option, just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Additionally, if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, feel free to swap the butter for a plant-based alternative and use non-dairy milk mixed with lemon juice instead of buttermilk. Just remember the egg can be replaced with a flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan option.
Can I add other ingredients to the dough?
Very! Feel free to experiment with your favorite additions such as chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits like cranberries for extra flavor and texture. Just make sure to balance those flavors with the other ingredients to keep your scones deliciously zesty!
Delicious Lemon Zucchini Scones Ready in 33 Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine grated zucchini, all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, sugar, and lemon zest in a large bowl.
- Cut cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingertips.
- Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla in a separate bowl until well combined.
- Fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture gently until just combined.
- Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface, forming a circle about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the dough into wedges or rounds and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the baked scones slightly on a wire rack and drizzle with a lemon glaze made from mixing powdered sugar and lemon juice.