Earl Grey Scones: A Delightful Twist on a Classic Recipe

Earl Grey scones are a delightful twist on the classic British treat, infusing the rich, aromatic flavors of Earl Grey tea into a tender, buttery scone. As I take a bite, I am transported to quaint tea rooms in England, where the tradition of enjoying scones with a cup of tea has been cherished for centuries. The combination of bergamot and black tea not only elevates the flavor profile but also adds a unique fragrance that makes these scones irresistible.

People love Earl Grey scones for their perfect balance of crumbly texture and a hint of sweetness, making them an ideal companion for afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast. The convenience of whipping up a batch in under 30 minutes is just the cherry on top! Whether you enjoy them plain or with a dollop of clotted cream and jam, Earl Grey scones are sure to impress your family and friends. Join me as we explore this delightful recipe that brings a touch of elegance to any occasion!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves (or 2 tea bags)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup milk (for brushing on top)
• Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Preparing the Batter

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.
3. Next, it’s time to incorporate the butter. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You want to see small pea-sized pieces of butter throughout the mixture, as this will help create flaky scones.
4. Now, let’s infuse the cream with the Earl Grey flavor. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the heavy cream and the loose Earl Grey tea leaves (or the contents of the tea bags). Heat gently until the cream is warm but not boiling, stirring occasionally. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once warmed, remove from heat and let it steep for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. After steeping, strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the tea leaves. You should have about 1/2 cup of infused cream. If you have less, you can add a little more heavy cream to make up the difference.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and vanilla extract. Add the infused cream to the egg mixture and stir until combined.
7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and fluffy.

Shaping the Scones

8. Once the dough is combined, turn it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
9. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can use a rolling pin if you prefer, but I find that using my hands works just as well.
10. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round biscuit cutter to cut out individual scones, but this will require re-rolling the scraps.
11. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one.

Baking the Scones

12. Before baking, brush the tops of the scones with milk. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
13. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
14. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Assembling and Serving

15. Once the scones have cooled, you can serve them as is or with a light dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
16. These scones are delightful on their own, but I love to serve them with clotted cream and a dollop of lemon curd or homemade jam. The citrus notes from the lemon curd complement the Earl Grey flavor beautifully.
17. For an extra special touch, you can also brew a pot of Earl Grey tea to enjoy alongside

Conclusion:

In summary, these Earl Grey scones are an absolute must-try for anyone who appreciates the delicate balance of flavors that tea can bring to baked goods. The fragrant notes of bergamot combined with the buttery, flaky texture of the scones create a delightful treat that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea gathering. For serving suggestions, I recommend pairing these scones with a dollop of clotted cream and a drizzle of honey or a spread of your favorite fruit preserves. You can also experiment with variations by adding ingredients like dried cranberries, lemon zest, or even a sprinkle of lavender for an extra floral touch. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of baking these delightful Earl Grey scones in your own kitchen. Once you do, I would love to hear about your experience! Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creations. Happy baking!

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