These fluffy scones are a peachy treat! The juicy peaches mixed with a light, flaky dough make every bite a delight, topped off with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Honestly, who can resist that glaze? I sometimes spread a little extra on top because, well, why not? If you love peaches, these scones are a must-try at breakfast or tea time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for the scones, giving them structure. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend can work as a substitute.
Fresh Peaches: The star of the show! Fresh, ripe peaches make these scones burst with flavor. If peaches aren’t in season, you may replace them with nectarines or even canned peaches (drained). Frozen peaches can also work; just thaw and drain excess moisture.
Cold Unsalted Butter: Using cold butter is key for flaky scones. If you want a dairy-free version, coconut oil or vegan butter can be used instead, though it may alter the flavor a bit.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness and moisture. If you need a lighter option, half-and-half or even whole milk can be substituted, but the scones might be less rich.
How Do I Ensure My Scones Are Flaky and Tender?
The technique of mixing the dough is crucial for achieving tender scones. Start by cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients, which creates small pockets for steam. The key points to remember are:
- Do not overmix the dough; just stir until it comes together. This keeps the scones light and fluffy.
- When patting the dough into a circle, make sure it’s about 1 inch thick. Thinner scones may bake too quickly and become dry.
- Brushing with cream before baking will help with browning, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
Flaky Peach Pie Scones With Sweet Vanilla Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup fresh peaches, peeled and diced (about 1 medium peach)
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
For the Sweet Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk (adjust for consistency)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes for preparation and baking time of 18-22 minutes. So, in total, you’ll spend about 35-40 minutes to have delicious peach scones ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This will create a nice base for your scones.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with some bits the size of peas. This step is key to creating flaky scones!
4. Add the Peaches:
Gently fold in the diced peaches with a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to mash them; you want those juicy chunks in every bite!
5. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and egg until combined. This rich mixture will add moisture to your dough.
6. Make the Dough:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir lightly until the dough just comes together. It’s important not to overmix to keep your scones light and airy!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a couple of times. Then, pat the dough into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and around 1 inch thick.
8. Cut and Arrange:
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between them so they can puff up while baking.
9. Brush with Cream:
To help the tops of the scones brown beautifully, brush them with a little heavy cream before baking.
10. Bake:
Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when they’re done.
11. Make the Glaze:
While the scones are baking, whisk together the ingredients for the glaze: powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the milk if necessary for a drizzling consistency.
12. Cool and Glaze:
Once the scones are out of the oven, let them cool for about 10 minutes on a wire rack. Then, drizzle the sweet vanilla glaze over the warm scones for that perfect finishing touch.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your flaky peach pie scones warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even dessert!
FAQ for Flaky Peach Pie Scones With Sweet Vanilla Glaze
Can I Use Frozen Peaches Instead of Fresh?
Yes! You can use frozen peaches if fresh ones aren’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain them well to remove excess moisture before adding to the dough. This helps prevent the scones from becoming soggy.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Leftover scones can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, place them in the fridge for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes.
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance and shape it into a circle. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just slice the dough, brush with cream, and proceed with baking as directed.
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Scones?
These scones are delicious served fresh out of the oven or at room temperature. Enjoy them plain, or pair them with butter or jam for extra flavor. They’re great alongside coffee or tea!
