Strawberry Brown Butter Scones

There's something magical about the moment butter transforms in a saucepan—shifting from golden to amber, releasing those intoxicating nutty aromas that make you pause and breathe deeply. These Strawberry Brown Butter Scones capture that magic in every tender, flaky bite. Fresh strawberries nestle into buttery pockets, while toasted almond slices add a delicate crunch that contrasts beautifully with the scone's soft crumb. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or treating yourself to an elevated teatime, these scones bring bakery-quality elegance right to your kitchen.

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The secret to exceptional scones lies in the temperature of your ingredients and the gentleness of your touch. Cold butter and cream ensure those coveted flaky layers, while a light hand prevents overworking the dough. Browning the butter adds an extra step, but the reward is immeasurable—a complexity of flavor that elevates these scones from simple to sublime. The strawberries and almonds aren't just add-ins; they're integral to the scone's character, creating a harmonious balance of fruit, nut, and buttery goodness.

Ingredients

• 115 g (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
• 250 g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 50 g (1/4 cup) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
• 120 ml (1/2 cup) cold heavy cream, plus more for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 120 g (1 cup) fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
• 40 g (1/3 cup) sliced almonds
• 2 tbsp sliced almonds (for topping)
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar (optional, for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Brown the butter

Place the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the browned butter to a bowl and chill until just firm but still soft, about 15 minutes.

Step 3: Mix dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 4: Cut in the butter

Add the chilled brown butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 5: Combine wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour over the flour mixture and gently mix until just combined.

Step 6: Add strawberries and almonds

Fold in the diced strawberries and 1/3 cup sliced almonds, taking care not to overmix.

Step 7: Shape the dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 2.5 cm (1-inch) thick disk. Cut into 8 wedges.

Step 8: Prepare for baking

Transfer scones to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with a little cream, sprinkle with remaining sliced almonds and optional coarse sugar.

Step 9: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until scones are golden brown and cooked through. Let cool slightly before serving.

Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung

For best results, use very cold ingredients and handle the dough gently to keep scones tender. The key to achieving that perfect flaky texture is minimal handling—overworking develops gluten, which can make scones tough. When browning the butter, watch it carefully in the final minutes; it can go from perfect to burnt quickly. Allow the browned butter to chill until it's firm enough to cut into the flour but still pliable. If your kitchen is warm, chill the flour mixture for 10 minutes before adding the wet ingredients. Fresh strawberries work best, but if they're very juicy, pat them dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture in the dough.

Varianten und Anpassungen

Substitute strawberries with raspberries or blueberries if desired—both work beautifully with the brown butter and almonds. For a different nut profile, try chopped pecans or hazelnuts instead of almonds. If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the sugar to 75 g (1/3 cup). For a vegan version, use plant-based butter and cream, and replace the egg with a flax egg. You can also make mini scones by cutting the disk into 12 smaller wedges and reducing baking time by 3–5 minutes. For chocolate lovers, add 60 g of dark chocolate chips along with the strawberries.

Serviervorschläge

Serve warm with clotted cream or a drizzle of honey for an authentic teatime experience. These scones pair wonderfully with a light-bodied tea such as Earl Grey or a delicate white tea, or elevate your brunch with sparkling wine. For a decadent dessert presentation, serve with fresh whipped cream and additional sliced strawberries. They're also delicious simply split and spread with salted butter while still warm. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days, and reheat briefly in a 150°C (300°F) oven to restore their crisp exterior.

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These Strawberry Brown Butter Scones represent the perfect intersection of rustic charm and refined technique. The brown butter elevates them beyond the ordinary, while the strawberries and almonds create a flavor combination that's both familiar and exciting. Whether you're an experienced baker or just beginning your scone-making journey, this recipe rewards you with exceptional results that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy them fresh from the oven, when the butter is still fragrant and the strawberries are warm and jammy—it's a moment of pure baking bliss.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What gives the scones their nutty flavor?

The nutty aroma comes from browning the butter before incorporating it, which deepens the flavor and adds warmth.

→ Can I substitute strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, raspberries or blueberries can be used as alternatives to strawberries for a different fruity twist.

→ How should the dough be handled for best texture?

Handle the dough gently and keep ingredients cold to maintain tenderness and avoid overworking the mixture.

→ What is the purpose of brushing cream before baking?

Brushing cream adds a subtle glaze and helps almond slices and sugar adhere for a pleasant topping texture.

→ What pairings complement these scones well?

These scones pair nicely with clotted cream, honey, light-bodied tea, or sparkling wine for an elevated experience.