Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones

There’s something magical about a warm scone fresh out of the oven. The golden crust, the soft, buttery layers, and that perfect balance of tart and sweet—it’s a little bite of heaven. These Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones are a game-changer, and trust me, you’re going to love them.

The inspiration behind this recipe comes from classic British scones but with a fresh, citrusy twist. The buttermilk keeps them incredibly tender, while the Zante currants add delightful bursts of sweetness. They’re the perfect companion to your morning coffee or afternoon tea. And if you’ve never made scones before, don’t worry—I’ll walk you through every step.

Why You’ll Love Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones

Is this Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones recipe for you? Let’s see. These scones are…

1. Tender and Flaky – The buttermilk and butter work together to create an irresistible texture.
2. Bright and Citrusy – The lemon zest adds a fresh, zippy note that makes these scones sing.
3. Perfectly Sweet – Not too sugary, just the right touch of natural sweetness from the currants.
4. Easy to Make – No fancy equipment needed—just a bowl, your hands, and a little patience.
5. Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat.

Pro Tip: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a bit of turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Ingredients in Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones

Here’s the magic of these scones—it’s all about simple ingredients coming together beautifully. Let’s break it down:

Zante Currants: These tiny, sweet gems add bursts of flavor in every bite. You can substitute with raisins or dried cranberries if needed.

Sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the lemon.

Lemon Zest: The secret ingredient that brings a fresh, citrusy kick to the scones.

All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the scones, giving them structure while keeping them soft.

Baking Powder & Baking Soda: A dynamic duo for that perfect rise and fluffiness.

Kosher Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.

Cold Unsalted Butter: The key to flaky scones! Keeping it cold ensures tender layers.

Buttermilk: Gives the scones a rich, tangy flavor and soft texture.

Melted Butter (for brushing): Adds a lovely golden finish to the scones.

Turbinado Sugar (for sprinkling): Creates a delightful crunch on top.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create these flaky, lemony scones:

Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and lemon zest.

Incorporate the Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Add the Currants: Stir in the Zante currants to evenly distribute them throughout the dough.

Mix in the Buttermilk: Gradually add buttermilk, stirring gently with a fork until a dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.

Shape the Dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead a few times, then shape into a disk about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges.

Prepare for Baking: Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

Bake to Perfection: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.

Serve and Enjoy: These scones are best enjoyed warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam.

How to Serve Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones

These scones are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• With Clotted Cream & Jam: The classic way to enjoy scones—spread on some rich cream and fruity jam.
• With Honey Butter: A drizzle of honey mixed with softened butter makes a heavenly topping.
• Alongside Tea or Coffee: The perfect companion to a cozy afternoon drink.
• With Fresh Fruit: Pair with berries for a refreshing, balanced treat.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 310mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 35mg

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you perfect your scones:

• Keep the Butter Cold: Cold butter = flakier scones. Try freezing the butter and grating it for extra flakiness.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Overmixing makes scones dense instead of light and tender.
• Use Fresh Lemon Zest: The fresher the zest, the brighter the flavor.
• For Extra Crunch: Sprinkle a little more turbinado sugar before baking.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can freeze the unbaked scones and bake them straight from frozen—just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—Lemony Buttermilk Currant Scones that are light, flaky, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re making these for a weekend brunch, an afternoon tea, or just because you deserve a treat (which you do!), these scones will bring a little extra joy to your day. Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out! Happy baking!