Buttermilk Blueberry Scones

Buttermilk blueberry scones are a delightful treat, combining the tangy richness of buttermilk with the sweet burst of fresh blueberries. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, offering a tender crumb and a golden, crisp exterior.​

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Tender and Flaky Texture: The use of buttermilk ensures a moist and tender crumb, while cold butter creates flaky layers.
  • Bursting with Blueberries: Each bite is filled with juicy blueberries, providing natural sweetness.
  • Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, these scones come together easily.
  • Versatile: Enjoy them plain, with a glaze, or alongside your favorite jam or clotted cream.​

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Cold unsalted butter
  • Fresh blueberries
  • Buttermilk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Heavy cream or milk (for brushing)
  • Coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Cut in Butter: Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. Add Blueberries: Gently fold in the fresh blueberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
  5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix buttermilk and vanilla extract. Gradually add this to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Shape Dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat it into a 7-inch circle, about 1-inch thick.
  7. Cut Scones: Using a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 equal wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  8. Chill: Place the baking sheet in the freezer for 15–30 minutes to firm up the scones. This helps maintain their shape during baking.
  9. Bake: Brush the tops with heavy cream or milk and sprinkle with coarse sugar. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown.
  10. Cool: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.​

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 8 scones
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 15–30 minutes
  • Bake Time: 18–22 minutes
  • Total Time: Approximately 1 hour​

Variations

  • Lemon Zest: Add 1 teaspoon of lemon zest to the dough for a citrusy twist.
  • Glaze: Drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice for added sweetness.
  • Different Berries: Substitute blueberries with raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries.
  • Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier scone.​

Storage/Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Refrigeration: Keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
  • Reheating: Warm scones in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–10 minutes or microwave for 20–30 seconds.​

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries?
Yes, but do not thaw them before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.​

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using.

Why chill the scones before baking?
Chilling helps solidify the butter, leading to flakier scones and preventing them from spreading too much during baking.​

Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, shape the scones and refrigerate overnight or freeze for longer storage.​

How do I get a golden crust?
Brushing the tops with cream or milk and sprinkling with coarse sugar before baking enhances browning and adds a delightful crunch.​Baked By An Introvert

Conclusion

Buttermilk blueberry scones are a delightful addition to any baking repertoire. Their tender crumb, juicy blueberries, and crisp exterior make them a favorite for many. Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or reheated for a quick treat, these scones are sure to impress.​

Print

Buttermilk Blueberry Scones

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

These buttermilk blueberry scones are golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and bursting with blueberries in every bite. Buttermilk gives them a tender texture and a slight tang that balances the sweet fruit perfectly. They’re easy to make and even easier to love!

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
  • Category: Breakfast, Brunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes

  • ¾ cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries

  • Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top


Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

  3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  4. In a small bowl, stir together the buttermilk and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—don’t overmix.

  5. Gently fold in the blueberries. If using frozen, keep them frozen to prevent bleeding.

  6. Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat into an 8-inch circle, about 1 inch thick.

  7. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.

  8. Brush the tops with buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if using.

  9. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.

  10. Cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar with ¾ cup milk and let sit 5 minutes.

  • Try adding a lemon glaze on top for extra zing: mix ½ cup powdered sugar with 1–2 tsp lemon juice.

  • These scones freeze well! Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in a warm oven.

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star