Earl Grey Blackberry Scones Recipe

Introduction

These Earl Grey Blackberry Scones combine the fragrant notes of Earl Grey tea with juicy blackberries for a delightful twist on a classic treat. Perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy breakfast, they are tender, flavorful, and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons loose Earl Grey tea leaves or 2 Earl Grey tea bags (contents only)
• 1 cup fresh blackberries
• 3/4 cup milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, for slight sweetness)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar if using. Stir in the Earl Grey tea leaves evenly throughout the dry ingredients.
2. Step 2: Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Step 3: Pour in the milk gradually, mixing gently with a fork or spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it; the dough should be slightly sticky but manageable.
4. Step 4: Gently fold in the fresh blackberries, trying to keep them intact to avoid streaking the dough with juice.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a round about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, steep the Earl Grey tea in the milk briefly before mixing it into the dough.
• Swap blackberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different berry twist.
• For a richer scone, substitute some of the milk with heavy cream.
• Adding a light drizzle of lemon glaze after baking complements the tea and berry flavors beautifully.

Storage

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them longer, freeze wrapped scones in a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Reheat frozen scones in a warm oven for about 10 minutes to restore freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use Earl Grey tea bags instead of loose tea leaves?

Yes, simply open two Earl Grey tea bags and use the contents in place of loose leaves to infuse the scone dough with flavor.

How do I prevent the blackberries from bleeding too much into the dough?

Gently fold in the berries at the last step and avoid crushing them. Using fresh, firm berries helps minimize color bleeding.

Earl Grey Blackberry Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 79 reviews

Delight in these fragrant Earl Grey Blackberry Scones, a perfect blend of aromatic tea and juicy blackberries baked into tender, flaky pastries. Ideal for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea, these scones combine the citrusy notes of bergamot from Earl Grey with bursts of fresh blackberry flavor, all wrapped in a buttery, golden crust.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Earl Grey tea leaves (finely ground)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 3/4 cup milk (plus extra for brushing)

Fruits

• 1 cup fresh blackberries

Instructions

1. Prepare dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, finely ground Earl Grey tea leaves, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
2. Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, two knives, or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
3. Add milk and form dough: Pour in the milk and gently stir with a spatula or spoon just until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
4. Fold in blackberries: Carefully fold the fresh blackberries into the dough, distributing them evenly without crushing the berries.
5. Shape the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a round disk about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a cookie cutter to cut into 8 equal wedges or rounds.
6. Prepare for baking: Place the scones onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops lightly with milk to promote a golden crust.
7. Bake: Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let the scones cool slightly before serving warm with clotted cream, butter, or jam.

Notes

• For a stronger Earl Grey flavor, steep the tea leaves in the milk before adding to the dough, then strain out the leaves.
• Use fresh blackberries for best results; frozen berries may release excess moisture and alter the dough texture.
• Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
• Serve these scones with tea or coffee for a delightful snack or breakfast.

Keywords: Earl Grey, blackberries, scones, tea-flavored pastry, baked goods, breakfast, afternoon tea, British baking