Delicious Gluten-Free Lemon Blueberry Scones with Lemon Glaze
- Baylin Bruell
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you're a fan of a fresh, tangy, and sweet breakfast treat but need to steer clear of gluten, this gluten-free lemon blueberry scones recipe is ideal for you. These scones blend the vibrant zest of lemon with juicy blueberries, offering a delightful flavor balance that will enhance your morning or afternoon tea. Additionally, they are simple to prepare and use basic ingredients readily available at any grocery store.
Whether you are new to gluten free baking or looking for a reliable recipe to add to your collection, this guide will walk you through every step. You’ll learn how to get the perfect texture, keep the scones moist, and enhance the natural flavors of lemon and blueberry.
Why You’ll Love These Scones
Perfect Texture: They bake up with a crisp, golden exterior while staying incredibly soft and tender on the inside.
Bright & Balanced: Real lemon zest rubs directly into the sugar to unlock citrus oils, perfectly balancing the sweet, juicy pockets of blueberries.
Approachable Baking: No fancy mixers or complicated techniques are required—just a simple bowl, a fork, and a baking sheet!
Ingredients:
2 to 2 ½ Cups Gluten-Free 1:1 Baking Flour – Must contain xanthan gum (like Bob's Red Mill or Cup4Cup
2 tsp Baking Powder – For leavening and lightness.
½ tsp Baking Soda – To assist with rising and browning.
½ Cup Granulated Cane Sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
½ tsp Kosher Salt – Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
1 Stick Cold Unsalted Butter – Grated or finely diced for ultimate flakiness.
1 Cup Fresh Blueberries – Rinsed and dried carefully to avoid excess moisture.
1 tbsp Lemon Zest – Adds bright citrus flavor.
1 ⅔ tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice – Enhances the lemon taste and adds moisture.
1 Large Egg – Helps bind the gluten-free dough together.
⅓ Cup Buttermilk – Adds moisture and richness (substitute with non-dairy milk + ⅓ tsp apple cider vinegar if making it dairy-free).
1 tsp Vanilla Extract – For extra flavor depth.
½ tsp Almond Extract – Enhances the fruit and citrus flavor profiles.
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the gluten-free flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
Add Flavor & Fruit: Gently fold in the lemon zest and fresh blueberries, being careful not to crush the berries.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, lemon juice, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
Mix Wet & Dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold together. Avoid over-mixing to keep the scones tender.
Shape and Cut: Turn the dough out onto a piece of parchment paper lightly dusted with gluten-free flour. Pat the dough into an 8-inch disc (about 1-inch thick). Use a sharp knife to cut the disc into 8 equal triangles.
Bake: Separate the triangles and space them out evenly on your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the tops and edges are a light golden brown.
Cool: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
3-Ingredient Lemon Glaze
1 Cup Powdered Sugar (confectioners' sugar)
1 to 2 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice (adjust for your preferred thickness)
½ tsp Lemon Zest (optional, for beautiful yellow flecks)
Instructions
Whisk: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon of the lemon juice.
Adjust: If the glaze is too thick, add the remaining lemon juice a few drops at a time until it reaches a thick but pourable drizzle consistency.
Drizzle: Once the scones are completely cool, use a fork or a small spoon to drizzle the glaze back and forth over the tops.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 394 kcal
Total Fat: 12.2g
Saturated Fat: 7.5g
Cholesterol: 50mg
Sodium: 280mg
Total Carbohydrates: 65.6g
Dietary Fiber: 1.9g
Sugars: 29.9g
Protein: 4.2g
Note: These values are calculations based on standard store-bought items like Bob's Red Mill 1:1 Flour and whole buttermilk. Exact totals will vary slightly depending on your specific brand of gluten-free flour blend.
Key Tips for Gluten-Free Scone Success
Master the Texture
Keep it Ice Cold: The secret to flaky scones is cold fat. Use frozen butter and grate it directly into your flour blend with a box grater.
Don't Over-Mix: Stir the wet and dry ingredients until they just come together. Over-handling gluten-free dough can make it dense rather than light and flaky.
Test Your Oven: Gluten-free baked goods are highly sensitive to temperature variations. Use an independent oven thermometer to ensure your oven is truly at 400°F (200°C).
Choosing Your Flour
Check Your Blend: Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend (like Bob's Red Mill or Cup4Cup). Ensure it already contains xanthan gum so your scones hold their shape.
Handling the Fruit & Flavor
Choose Fresh Over Frozen: Fresh blueberries are highly recommended. Frozen berries release excess moisture, making the dough sticky and streaking it with an unappealing gray or purple color.
The Flour Toss Trick: Gently toss your rinsed and completely dried blueberries in a teaspoon of gluten-free flour before folding them into the dough. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the scones.
Add Lemon Zest Last: Fold your zest in gently at the very end. This preserves the essential citrus oils and ensures a bright, fresh aroma in every bite.
Serving Suggestions and Storage
These scones are best enjoyed fresh and warm from the oven, featuring a golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy interior. They pair perfectly with creamy butter or clotted cream, which melt into the scone, enhancing its rich flavor. A drizzle of honey adds natural sweetness, balancing the savory notes. They complement a steaming cup of tea or coffee, creating a harmonious flavor blend. Ideal for afternoon tea or breakfast, these scones can be the centerpiece of a delightful gathering. Versatile in nature, they allow for variations like dried fruits or chocolate chips, making each occasion unique. These scones invite you to savor life's simple pleasures, fostering moments of connection and joy.
To store scones, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container to preserve texture and flavor for up to 2 days at room temperature. For longer storage, freeze cooled scones in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. To enjoy them later, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 10 minutes to restore their texture. Serve with butter or jam for added enjoyment.
Enjoy gluten-free lemon blueberry scones for a delightful treat infused with vibrant citrus and natural blueberry sweetness. These scones offer a satisfying texture that rivals traditional ones. The zesty lemon and juicy blueberries create a harmonious balance, making them perfect for any time of day. This recipe showcases the ease of gluten-free baking, proving it can be as delicious as traditional methods. Experience a tender crumb with juicy blueberry pops and bright lemon zest. The irresistible aroma invites everyone to enjoy warm, freshly made scones. Ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones are easy to prepare with readily available ingredients, accessible for all baking levels. Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and discover how good gluten-free scones can be. Once you try this recipe, you'll likely make them regularly to share with friends and family. Enjoy baking and savor the results!
