Rhubarb Scones

Welcome to the world of delightful baking! Today, we’re diving into the scrumptious realm of Rhubarb Scones. If you’ve never tasted a fresh scone before, you are in for a treat. These tender, flaky pastries are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon snack. With their light, buttery texture and the tangy flavor of rhubarb, they offer a delightful balance that keeps you coming back for more. Plus, they are surprisingly easy to make!

In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about making rhubarb scones from scratch, including useful tips and variations. Let’s jump right in!

Why You’ll Love This Rhubarb Scones

What makes rhubarb scones a must-try? First and foremost, the fresh, tart flavor of rhubarb is a standout star in this recipe. Combined with the sweet notes from the sugar and buttery goodness, these scones become a flavorful treat that delights your taste buds. They are not overly sweet, allowing you to enjoy the unique tartness that rhubarb brings.

Moreover, these scones are versatile and can be served in various ways. Pair them with your favorite jam, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. They are perfect for sharing with family and friends or savoring all by yourself with your favorite cup of tea or coffee.

Nutritional Benefits

Rhubarb is not just delicious; it also comes packed with nutrients. It’s low in calories and high in fiber, making it a healthy addition to your diet. Plus, it’s rich in vitamins and antioxidants, which contribute to overall well-being. So enjoy these scones not just for their taste, but for their health benefits too!

Rhubarb Scones

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• Author: Sarah Mendez
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Rhubarb Scones are tender, flaky, and packed with tart rhubarb flavor balanced by a touch of sweetness. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea treat.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)
• Optional:
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• Zest of one lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cut in the cold, cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
5. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
6. Fold in the chopped rhubarb and any optional add-ins if using.
7. Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead into a disk about 1-inch thick.
8. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
9. Sprinkle tops with coarse sugar and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Use cold butter and don’t overwork the dough to keep the scones tender and flaky.
• You can freeze unbaked scones and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or a drizzle of honey.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 scone
• Calories: 260
• Sugar: 13g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: rhubarb scones, spring baking, rhubarb recipe, easy scones, breakfast scones

Ingredients You’ll Need for Rhubarb Scones:

Here’s what you need to whip up a batch of these delightful rhubarb scones.

Essential Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: This will serve as the base for our scones, providing the necessary structure and texture.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the rhubarb.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: This helps our scones rise, making them light and fluffy.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works in conjunction with the baking powder to give the scones the perfect lift.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: The cold butter is essential for creating that flaky texture we all love in scones.
• 3/4 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and contributes to tenderness.
• 1 large egg: Binds all the ingredients together.
• 1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped: The star ingredient that provides that signature tart flavor.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds depth to the flavor profile.
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling: A lovely finishing touch that adds a little crunch on top.

Optional Add-Ons

Feel free to get creative! Here are some optional ingredients you might consider adding:

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans: For a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins: For a hint of sweetness.
• Zest of one lemon: For a refreshing, citrusy twist.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: To add warmth and spice.

How to Make Rhubarb Scones: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ready to get baking? Follow these detailed steps, and you’ll have mouth-watering rhubarb scones in no time!

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This allows the scones to bake evenly and gives them a lovely golden-brown color. While the oven heats up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure everything is well combined; this will ensure that your scones rise evenly.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Next, it’s time to cut in the butter. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or a fork, gently cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the butter; a few small chunks are perfectly fine and will result in a flakier scone.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

Now, in a separate small bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup of buttermilk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Make sure the mixture is well-blended and set it aside for a moment.

Step 5: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Be cautious not to overmix; the dough should remain a little shaggy and not completely smooth.

Step 6: Fold in the Rhubarb

Carefully fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh rhubarb into the mixture. The goal here is to evenly distribute the rhubarb without overworking the dough.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Make sure to keep it as uniform as possible for even baking.

Step 8: Cut Into Wedges

Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference. Once cut, gently move the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart.

Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch

Sprinkle the tops of your scones with 1 tablespoon of coarse sugar. This not only adds extra sweetness but also gives your scones a beautiful sparkle once baked.

Step 10: Bake

Place the baking sheet in your preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes. They should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; you want them just right!

Step 11: Cool and Serve

Once done, remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Rhubarb Scones

this Recipe

Now that your rhubarb scones are made, how can you serve them? Here are some delicious ideas!

1. With Cream and Jam: Spread a generous dollop of clotted cream or whipped cream over the scone, then add your favorite fruit jam for an indulgent treat.
2. Cheese Pairing: Experiment with savory by pairing the scones with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese. The flavors complement each other beautifully!
3. Fresh Fruits: Serve alongside fresh berries or sliced fruits for a refreshing twist.
4. For a Sweet Breakfast: Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for an extra sweet breakfast option.
5. With Tea or Coffee: Enjoy your scones with a warm cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for an afternoon break or a cozy breakfast.

Pro Tips for Perfecting Your Rhubarb Scones

For scones that turn out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Cold Ingredients: Cold butter and buttermilk are key to fluffy scones. They create steam and help produce the flaky texture we’re after.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
• Handle the Dough Gently: Be gentle when shaping the dough and folding in the rhubarb. Too much handling can make the scones dense.
• Chill the Dough (Optional): If you have time, chill the dough for about 30 minutes before baking. This step can add to the flaky texture.
• Rotate the Baking Sheet: Halfway through baking, rotate your baking sheet for even cooking.

Easy Variations for Rhubarb Scones

While rhubarb scones are delicious on their own, you can mix things up by trying some of these variations:

1. Berry Fusion: Add a mix of fresh or frozen berries like blueberries or strawberries along with the rhubarb for a colorful twist.
2. Citrus Zest: Incorporate the zest of lemon or orange into the dough to brighten the flavors.
3. Nuts About Scones: Toss in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or almonds, for a nice crunch.
4. Spice Things Up: A shake of cinnamon or nutmeg could add a lovely spice to your scones.
5. Glazed Finish: After cooling, drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice over the scones.

Storage Tips to Store Rhubarb Scones

To keep your rhubarb scones fresh, follow these storage tips:

• Room Temperature: Scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• Refrigeration: If you want to keep them longer, store them in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just remember that they might lose a bit of their fresh texture.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze scones by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then putting them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to 3 months. To enjoy, simply pop them in the oven or microwave to warm them up.

Conclusion

Baking rhubarb scones is not only rewarding, but it’s also a great way to enjoy the seasonal beauty of rhubarb. With their perfect blend of tangy and sweet flavors, these scones are bound to become a favorite at your breakfast or brunch table. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try out one of the variations, you can’t go wrong with these delightful baked goods.

So, gather your ingredients, invite your friends or family, and enjoy the process of making delicious rhubarb scones together!

FAQs About Rhubarb Scones

Now you are all set to make delicious rhubarb scones that will surely impress anyone who tries them! Happy baking!

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