Strawberry Brown Butter Scones

There's something magical about the moment brown butter hits the pan—its nutty, caramel-like aroma fills the kitchen and promises something truly special. These Strawberry Brown Butter Scones with Almond Slices take that beloved flavor and weave it into tender, buttery scones studded with juicy fresh strawberries and crowned with toasted almond slices. Whether you're hosting a weekend brunch or simply treating yourself to a cozy morning ritual, these scones bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table.

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The secret to these scones lies in the careful browning of the butter. As it melts and cooks, the milk solids caramelize, creating those distinctive toasty notes that transform a simple scone into something extraordinary. Combined with the brightness of fresh strawberries and the delicate crunch of almonds, each bite is a symphony of textures and flavors that will have everyone reaching for seconds.

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 is to work quickly once you've combined the wet and dry ingredients—overworking the dough will result in tough, dense scones rather than the light, flaky texture you're aiming for. When browning the butter, watch it carefully during the final minute or two, as it can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly. The chilling step is crucial; it allows the butter to firm up just enough to create those tender, layered pockets in the finished scones.

Varianten und Anpassungen

While strawberries are delightful in these scones, feel free to substitute them with raspberries or blueberries if desired. You can also experiment with different nuts—try chopped pecans or hazelnuts in place of the almonds for a different flavor profile. For a more indulgent version, add a handful of white chocolate chips along with the fruit. If you prefer a sweeter scone, increase the sugar to 1/3 cup, or drizzle the cooled scones with a simple vanilla glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

Serviervorschläge

Serve these scones warm with clotted cream or a drizzle of honey for an authentic British tea experience. They're also wonderful with a dollop of lemon curd or strawberry jam. For beverage pairings, try them with a light-bodied tea such as Earl Grey or chamomile, or elevate your brunch with a glass of sparkling wine. These scones are best enjoyed fresh from the oven but can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days—simply warm them briefly in the oven before serving to restore their crisp exterior.

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These Strawberry Brown Butter Scones with Almond Slices are more than just a baked good—they're a celebration of simple, quality ingredients transformed into something truly memorable. The combination of nutty brown butter, sweet strawberries, and crunchy almonds creates a harmony of flavors that will make these scones a regular request in your kitchen. Whether you're an experienced baker or just beginning your baking journey, this medium-difficulty recipe rewards you with impressive results that look and taste like they came from a professional bakery.

Recipe FAQ

→ What is the role of brown butter in these scones?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty aroma and depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste and contributing to a tender, flaky texture.

→ Can I substitute fresh strawberries with other fruits?

Yes, raspberries or blueberries make excellent alternatives, offering similar moisture and sweet-tart flavor.

→ How should the dough be handled for best results?

Use very cold ingredients and mix gently to keep the dough tender and flaky without overworking the gluten.

→ What toppings complement these scones?

Toasted almond slices add crunch, and a sprinkle of coarse sugar can provide a subtle sweetness and texture contrast.

→ What drinks pair well with these scones?

Light-bodied teas or sparkling wines offer refreshing complements without overpowering the delicate flavors.