Name: Almond Scones
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486166H22M15S
Total time: PT-486166H22M15S
Cuisine: British
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar; 1/2 cup almond meal or ground almonds; 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes; 2/3 cup whole milk or buttermilk; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon almond extract; 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash); 2 tablespoons sliced or chopped almonds

If you’re craving a breakfast treat that’s flaky, buttery, and packed with nutty goodness, these Almond Scones hit the spot perfectly. Fluffy almond scones bring a warm, comforting start to any morning or a cozy afternoon snack, blending simple ingredients into a delightfully satisfying bite. Whether you pair them with your favorite tea, coffee, or simply enjoy them on their own, almond scones offer a texture and flavor that’s both delicate and rich, proving to be a timeless addition to every breakfast table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortlessly Flaky: Achieve a light, layered texture that melts in your mouth without complicated techniques.
Nutty and Buttery Flavor: The toasted almond essence enhances the biscuit with just the right amount of richness.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in minutes, making it perfect for spontaneous breakfasts or afternoon cravings.
Versatile Snack: These scones are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a warm companion to your favorite hot drink.
Customizable: Easy to tweak for dietary preferences without compromising flavor or texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Creating delicious almond scones requires only a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that come together to build the perfect base of flavor, texture, and aroma.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation providing structure and lightness.
Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise beautifully, ensuring fluffiness.
Granulated Sugar: Just a touch to balance the nutty tones with subtle sweetness.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creates those flaky layers when cut into dough.
Almond Meal or Ground Almonds: Boosts the flavor with natural almond depth and moisture.
Whole Milk or Buttermilk: Binds ingredients and contributes to tenderness.
Egg: Provides structure and shine when brushed on top.
Almond Extract: Intensifies the almond flavor making each bite more aromatic.
Sliced or Chopped Almonds: For extra crunch and visual appeal.

Variations for Almond Scones

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your almond scones! This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing easy swaps and additions to cater to your taste buds or dietary needs.

Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy these scones worry-free.
Vegan Version: Use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and flax egg substitutes for a cruelty-free treat.
Berry Infusion: Add fresh or dried berries like raspberries or blueberries for a fruity twist.
Chocolate Drizzle: Finish with a drizzle of melted dark or white chocolate for an indulgent touch.
Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or orange zest with the almonds for a refreshing aroma and taste.

Fluffy Almond Scones Perfect for Every Breakfast Table

How to Make Almond Scones

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, sugar, and almond meal. This evenly distributes the rising agent and the nutty base flavor, setting up for fluffy scones.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

Chill the cold unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes, then use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to incorporate butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.

Step 3: Add Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and almond extract until combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together to form a soft dough, being careful not to overwork it.

Step 4: Shape and Cut the Dough

Turn the dough onto a floured surface and press it into a 1-inch thick round. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 even wedges. Add sliced almonds on top for that lovely crunch.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush them lightly with a beaten egg wash for shine, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.

Pro Tips for Making Almond Scones

Keep Ingredients Cold: Using cold butter and milk preserves the flakes in your scones.
Don’t Overmix: Combine dough just until it comes together to avoid tough textures.
Use Fresh Almond Extract: A small amount packs a powerful punch in flavor.
Preheat Your Oven Properly: Helps scones rise quickly and bake evenly.
Brush with Egg Wash: Adds a golden, appetizing sheen that looks irresistible.

How to Serve Almond Scones

Garnishes

Top your almond scones with a light dusting of powdered sugar, slivers of toasted almonds, or a thick smear of almond butter to elevate the texture and taste.

Side Dishes

Serve with clotted cream, honey, or homemade jam to complement the nutty flavor, or pair with fresh fruit for a refreshing balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange scones in a rustic basket lined with a linen napkin for a charming farmhouse look, or stack with alternating layers of almond slices and fruit preserves to wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Almond scones keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, maintaining their flaky texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap or foil and freeze for up to 3 months, perfect for quick breakfasts whenever you like.

Reheating

Warm leftover scones in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes or briefly in the microwave to revive their buttery flakiness and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use almond flour instead of almond meal?

Almond flour is finer than almond meal and will still work, but almond meal adds more texture and nuttiness, which is ideal for this recipe.

What if I don’t have almond extract?

If you’re out of almond extract, you can omit it or replace it with a little vanilla extract, though the almond flavor won’t be as intense.

How do I make scones fluffier?

Ensure your baking powder is fresh, keep the butter cold, and avoid overmixing the dough to keep your scones tender and airy.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter with a vegan butter alternative and use almond milk or another plant-based milk to make the recipe dairy-free.

How long do almond scones last?

Freshly baked almond scones are best enjoyed within 2 days, but proper storage will keep them tasty for up to 4 days or frozen for longer periods.

Final Thoughts

Once you try these almond scones, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to recipe for any time you want something warm, flaky, and comforting. Their simplicity and delightful almond flavor make them a versatile and irresistible choice for every breakfast table. So gather your ingredients, give this recipe a whirl, and enjoy the cozy, homemade goodness that only freshly baked almond scones can deliver!

Almond Scones

Author: Brooklyn
Total Time: 25-28 minutes
Yield: 8 scones 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Almond Scones are a flaky, buttery breakfast treat with a nutty almond flavor. They are quick and easy to make, perfect for mornings or cozy afternoon snacks. Light, tender, and richly aromatic, these scones pair wonderfully with tea or coffee and can be customized to fit various dietary preferences.

Instructions

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and almond meal to evenly distribute the rising agent and nutty flavor base.
Cut in the Butter: Chill the cold unsalted butter and cut it into small cubes, then use a pastry cutter or fingertips to blend the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
Add Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the egg with milk and almond extract until combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together to form a soft dough, being careful not to overwork it.
Shape and Cut the Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and press it into a 1-inch thick round. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 even wedges. Sprinkle sliced or chopped almonds on top for extra crunch.
Bake Until Golden: Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking tray, brush them lightly with the beaten egg wash for shine, and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes until puffed and golden brown.