If you're searching for the ultimate scone recipe, these heavenly glazed vanilla bean scones are exactly what you need. Soft, tender, and packed with the rich flavor of vanilla bean, these scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful afternoon tea. The buttery dough bakes up light and flaky, while the silky vanilla bean glaze adds a luscious sweetness that will make every bite pure bliss.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll fall in love with these vanilla bean scones for their soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture and rich flavor. The combination of cold butter, sour cream, and heavy cream gives these scones a flaky yet tender crumb that’s irresistible. The real star of the show is the vanilla bean glaze, which adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the scone itself. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or after they've cooled, these scones are a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Perfect Occasion
These vanilla scones are perfect for any occasion when you want to impress your guests with a homemade treat. Serve them for brunch, as a part of an afternoon tea spread, or as a simple yet elegant dessert. They’re also wonderful for casual mornings when you want something extra special to go with your coffee. Because they store well, you can make them ahead for breakfast gatherings or as a treat to take to work or school.
Decoration Tips
For an extra touch of elegance, you can sprinkle the scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving. Another option is to drizzle a second layer of glaze on top for a more decadent presentation. If you're hosting a special event, serve the scones on a decorative platter with fresh berries or edible flowers for a pop of color. The vanilla bean flecks in the glaze give the scones a rustic charm, but you can also garnish them with a small vanilla pod for an added visual appeal.
Ingredients for the Scones:
- 1 ¾ cups (223g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 7 tablespoons (99g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (118ml) cold heavy cream
- ¼ cup (57g) cold sour cream
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla bean paste
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon (15ml) water
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Work the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture using your fingertips or a pastry blender until small pea-sized pieces of butter are formed.
- Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, and vanilla bean paste. Stir the cream mixture into the flour mixture just until a shaggy dough forms.
- Shape the Dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the dough over itself a few times, being careful not to overwork it. Pat the dough into a round shape, about 6 ½ inches in diameter and ¾ inches thick. Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Chill the Scones: Place the scones 2 inches apart on the prepared baking sheet. Chill the scones in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes.
- Bake the Scones: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush the tops of the chilled scones with the egg wash. Bake the scones for 16-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Transfer the scones to a cooling rack and allow them to cool completely before adding the glaze.
Vanilla Bean Glaze Recipe
Ingredients for the Glaze:
- ¾ cup (88g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1-2 tablespoons (15-30ml) whole milk, room temperature
- Dash of fine sea salt
Instructions for the Glaze:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla bean paste, 1 tablespoon of milk, and a dash of sea salt.
- Add more milk, 1 teaspoon at a time, until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. It should be smooth but thick enough to coat the scones.
- Brush the glaze generously over the cooled scones and let it set before serving.
Enjoy your heavenly glazed vanilla bean scones!