Sharon BrownBefore diving into the lovely world of strawberry scones, let’s think about what beverages might complement these delightful treats. A steaming cup of Earl Grey tea is an exceptional choice, as the floral notes blend perfectly with the sweet strawberries.
Alternatively, a chilled glass of lemonade, especially on a hot day, can also pair wonderfully, providing a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the scones. You might even opt for a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to take things up a notch.
Not to mention, these scones make outstanding companions to brunch alongside fresh fruit salad or yogurt.
I’m thrilled to share my journey into baking Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones. They aren’t just any scones. These morsels are bursting with the sweetness of strawberries and have a crumbly texture that makes them hard to resist.
As a registered dietitian and food enthusiast, I’ve always believed in the magic of baking. There’s something satisfying about transforming simple ingredients into a delightful treat.
Let me tell you why I was drawn to Ina Garten’s recipe for strawberry scones. First, they are straightforward to make, and second, the flavor combination is heavenly.
As summer rolls around, strawberries become the star of the season, and what better way to use them than in a warm, buttery scone? So let’s roll up our sleeves, preheat the oven, and prepare to fill your kitchen with delightful aromas!
What Are Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones?
Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones are a soft, buttery pastry enriched with fresh strawberries. This version, inspired by Ina Garten, takes traditional scones to another level with tender fruit and a touch of elegance.
The scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even an afternoon snack with tea. The combination of butter, cream, and eggs creates a rich dough, while the strawberries add moisture and sweetness, making each bite a delightful experience.
How Does It Taste?
The first bite of these scones is a revelation. You’ll experience a tender crumb that melts in your mouth, coupled with bursts of sweet, juicy strawberries. The balance between the buttery richness and the fresh fruit is truly impressive.
A sprinkle of sugar on top adds a slight crunch and a sweet finish. You may even notice hints of citrus if you choose to incorporate lemon zest or orange juice. It’s a flavor profile that’s both comforting and uplifting—like indulging in sunshine on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This?
Let’s start with the texture. They are flaky yet tender, making them perfect for a quick breakfast or a lavish dessert. The best part? They are incredibly versatile. Use fresh strawberries or dried ones, as the recipe suggests.
Making these scones is an excellent excuse to have fun in the kitchen. Plus, they are surprisingly easy and quick to whip up, making them perfect for busy mornings.
Ingredients
Before we dive into the baking magic, here’s what you will need for these scrumptious scones:
- 4 extra-large eggs, lightly whisked
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 3/4 pound cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 3/4 cup small-diced dried strawberries
- 1 egg, beaten with 2 tablespoons water (or milk) for egg wash
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional, for brightness)
- 1 tablespoon orange juice (optional, for a citrusy note)
Let’s keep this straightforward. Gather these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to bake in no time!
Step-by-Step Directions
Now comes the fun part! Let’s dive into the details of making these fantastic scones.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Get your oven heating up to 400°F (200°C). This helps create a beautiful golden crust on the scones.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine 4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Make sure everything is evenly mixed; this is your base.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add 3/4 pound cold unsalted butter to your flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky texture, so don’t rush it!
Step 4: Add the Eggs and Cream
Gently stir in the 4 lightly whisked eggs and 1 cup cold heavy cream until just combined. The dough should be a bit shaggy and sticky.
Step 5: Incorporate Strawberries
Carefully fold in the 3/4 cup small-diced dried strawberries and any optional lemon zest or orange juice at this point. The fruit adds moisture and flavor.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead it just until it holds together, then form it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into wedges or use a cookie cutter to make round shapes.
Step 7: Prepare for Baking
Place the scone wedges onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with your egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk) and sprinkle with additional sugar. This gives them a lovely shine.
Step 8: Bake
Pop those beauties into the oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and firm to touch. Your kitchen will smell divine!
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them warm with butter or whipped cream. Enjoy every crumb!
Tips on Making Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones
Making scones requires a little care, but with these tips, you can achieve bakery-quality results:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and cold cream. This helps create the flaky texture that you want in a scone.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can make your scones tough, and nobody wants that!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add more fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also adjust the sugar based on your taste for sweetness.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are baked through. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Serve Fresh: They taste best the day they are made. If you have leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the warmth.
Nutrition Information
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutrition for one scone:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Sugars: 6g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient brands and portions.)
How Do You Store Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones?
To store these scones, follow these simple steps:
- Cool Completely: Ensure the scones are completely cool before storing them.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for longer.
- Refrigeration: You can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or at room temperature for 2 days.
- Freezing: If you want to save some for later, freeze them in a ziplock bag or airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw them at room temperature before serving.
What Other Substitutes Can You Use in Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones?
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are some incredible alternatives to consider:
- Almond Milk Instead of Heavy Cream: Using almond milk can lighten the scone while adding a hint of nuttiness.
- Frozen Strawberries: You can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them and drain excess liquid before adding them to the dough.
- Butter Substitutes: If you’re opting for a lower-fat option, you can replace unsalted butter with coconut oil. The scones will have a slightly different taste.
- Gluten-Free Flour: For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. The texture might vary, but they will still be delicious!
- Brown Sugar: Swap granulated sugar for brown sugar for a richer flavor and slight caramel notes.
Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones Recipe
Equipment
- Oven
Ingredients
- 4 extra-large eggs lightly whisked
- 1 cup cold heavy cream
- 3/4 pound cold unsalted butter cubed
- 4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar plus extra for sprinkling
- 3/4 cup small-diced dried strawberries
- 1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water (or milk) for egg wash
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest optional, for brightness
- 1 tablespoon orange juice optional, for a citrusy note
Instructions
- Get your oven heating up to 400°F (200°C). This helps create a beautiful golden crust on the scones.
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 2 teaspoons sea salt, and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Make sure everything is evenly mixed; this is your base.
- Add 3/4 pound cold unsalted butter to your flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, cut the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky texture, so don’t rush it!
- Gently stir in the 4 lightly whisked eggs and 1 cup cold heavy cream until just combined. The dough should be a bit shaggy and sticky.
- Carefully fold in the 3/4 cup small-diced dried strawberries and any optional lemon zest or orange juice at this point. The fruit adds moisture and flavor.
- Turn the dough onto a well-floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead it just until it holds together, then form it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the circle into wedges or use a cookie cutter to make round shapes.
- Place the scone wedges onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with your egg wash (1 egg beaten with 2 tablespoons water or milk) and sprinkle with additional sugar. This gives them a lovely shine.
- Pop those beauties into the oven for 18-20 minutes or until they are golden brown on top and firm to touch. Your kitchen will smell divine!
- Once baked, let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. Serve them warm with butter or whipped cream. Enjoy every crumb!
Notes
- Keep Ingredients Cold: Use cold butter and cold cream. This helps create the flaky texture that you want in a scone.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: Mix just until combined. Overworking can make your scones tough, and nobody wants that!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to add more fruit, such as blueberries or raspberries. You can also adjust the sugar based on your taste for sweetness.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if they are baked through. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
- Serve Fresh: They taste best the day they are made. If you have leftovers, simply reheat them in the oven for a few minutes to bring back the warmth.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
I hope you feel inspired to try your hand at Barefoot Contessa Strawberry Scones. They are a delightful addition to any table and are sure to impress family and friends. The balance of sweet strawberries and a buttery scone will have everyone asking for seconds.
Let this recipe kick-start your summer baking spree. Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and have fun in the kitchen. After all, the journey of making food is just as delightful as the eating! Now, let the scone-baking adventure begin!
