Buttermilk Lemon Scones

Often when I want a quick solution to fill out and complement a meal, I will make up a batch of scones or biscuits. They don't take long to prepare and there is no substitute for homemade preparations. Over the years I have gained a bit of a reputation for making some fine quick breads, and after years of practice and the quest to create that perfect biscuit that rises well with a flaky and layered texture, I think my efforts have been rewarded. Key to the process is to use cold butter, not to overwork the dough, and to fold the dough over a few times during the kneading stage.

These savory scones with just a hint of sweetness have a citrus-y burst from fresh lemon zest and go well with any number of meals or just on their own with a pat of butter. They are certainly fancy enough to serve as part of your holiday meals too.

Buttermilk Lemon Scones

Recipe by Lisa Turner
Published on December 19, 2014

Simple, soft and flaky buttermilk biscuits with a burst of fresh lemon flavor

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Ingredients:

2 cups spelt flour or unbleached white flour
1 tablespoon coconut or other sugar
4 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter
1 large egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated lemon zest

Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 425° and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and sea salt. Cut the butter into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter until it resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, beat the egg and then whisk in the buttermilk and lemon zest. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and stir in wet mixture until just combined and the dough starts to come together.
Turn out onto a lightly floured board and gently knead a few times. Flatten into a square shape roughly 3/4 inch thick. Fold over itself and flatten again. Fold over and flatten once again. Cut into 6 squares and cut each diagonally into 2 triangles. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
Bake in the oven for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack and serve warm.

Makes 12 scones