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These Lemon and White Chocolate Scones are moist and delicious and come together quickly!
I made a batch of these Lemon and White Chocolate Scones this past weekend and when my husband took the first bite, his eyes widened. His comment was "If I knew scones could taste like this, I would have become a believer a long time ago." I think he was referring to the fact that many scones are often dry and quite lacking in the flavor category. It's true, we've definitely tried lots of less-than-stellar scones through the years.
These scones, however, are moist, delicious and take very little time to put together. The dry ingredients, butter and white chocolate, are simply thrown into a food processor and pulsed a few times, then transferred to a mixing bowl. Next step is adding the remainder of ingredients; sour cream, half and half, fresh lemon juice and an egg.
A quick stir and the batter is scooped into small tart pans. No rolling, patting or forming the dough into shapes. Pop them into a piping hot oven and, before you know it, your kitchen will be filled with the most delightful aroma. In fifteen minutes you'll be pulling out scones that are pastry shop quality… fine pastry shop quality!
Take it from The Café; you want these fabulous scones in your life! Lemon and white chocolate are a truly heavenly combination, each one enhances and accentuates the flavor of the other. But I'm sure you'll probably want to see for yourself. And I'm quite certain that, "If you knew scones tasted like this, you too would have become a believer a long time ago!"
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Lemon & White Chocolate Scones
Ingredients
For the scones:
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup half & half
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½ sticks, 6 oz butter
- 3¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup sugar
- 4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- zest of 1 lemon
- 6 ounces good quality white chocolate chips
For the drizzle:
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 3 tablespoons milk or half & half
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1½-2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions
For the scones:
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Spray 10 - 3½-inch (or 8 - 4½-inch) tart pans with baking spray. Place on a sheet pan. Set aside.
- Combine sour cream, half and half and lemon juice. Stir till smooth.
- Add egg and vanilla. Stir and set aside.
- Cut butter into approximately ½-inch pieces. Set aside.
- Place flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse a few times to combine. Add butter pieces and pulse on and off 10-12 times or until butter is incorporated, but still in small pieces similar to a coarse meal.
- Add white chocolate chips and pulse one more time. Transfer mixture to a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture. Add sour cream mixture and stir with a wooden spoon or sturdy spatula until all dry ingredients are incorporated. The dough will be quite stiff.
- With a large scoop or spoon, divide the dough evenly between the tart pans. Wet one hand with warm water and lightly press on the dough to even surface. Re-wet hand as needed to prevent sticking.
- Place in oven and immediately lower temperature to 350˚F. Bake for 15-18 minutes or until light golden brown and scone is firm when lightly touched in the center.
- Remove from oven and cool for 10 minutes then remove tarts from pans by inverting onto cooling rack. Cool for 20 minutes then drizzle with Lemon Cream Cheese Drizzle.
For the icing:
- Combine cream cheese and 1 tablespoon milk (or half and half) in a medium-size bowl. Whisk until smooth. Gradually add rest of the milk, stirring till smooth.
- Add lemon juice and stir until well incorporated. Add 1½ cups powdered sugar and stir until all sugar is incorporated and icing is smooth and lump-free. If too thin, add more powdered sugar till icing is thick enough to drizzle nicely.
- Drizzle icing over scones with a small spoon or a fork. Cool until icing is set.
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Will this recipe work in a 10” tart pan or as regular ice cream scoop scones?
Hi Jan, I haven't tested this recipe in a tart pan or with the scoop method, but I think it would work fine.
Hey Chris,
Do you think these scones could be made using the ridiculously easy method of mixing scones?
Hi KD, I didn't know that wonderful technique when I developed this recipe but I think it would work!
These look wonderful.
I am asking the same question which was not answered. 1 1/2 sticks butter of butter is 12 oz.—not 6 oz. can you verify which it is please.
I'm sorry we missed your earlier question. A stick of butter is 4 ounces. So 1 1/2 sticks is 6 ounces. If your butter is measured differently, you can just use 6 ounces. Hope you enjoy the scones, Linda.
I am asking the same question which was not answered. 1 1/2 sticks butter of butter is 12 oz.—not 6 oz. can you verify which it is please.
I thought the same thing! It’s 12 TBLS! 8 TBLS in a whole stick, so 1/2 stick is 4 TBLS, making 12 TBLS not ounces. It is actually 6oz. I had a red flag go up also, because I’m use to it saying TBLS not ounces. Hope this helps some.
Ah, thank you, Linda. Somehow I missed this comment. Yes, 1½ sticks is 6 ounces of butter. It can be confusing when you're dealing with tablespoons vs. ounces as there are 2 tablespoons per ounce.
The butter in this recipe says 1 and 1/2 sticks butter, 6 oz, what is it?
Hi Chris,
I am wondering where the Lemon and White Chocolate Chip scone recipe is?
Thanks
Cristina
Hi Cristina, it's down at the bottom of the post now. Enjoy!
I love all of your recipes! What happened to the basic scone recipe?
Hi Wendie, I'm not sure which recipe you mean?
These scones look incredible, love the lemon and white chocolate combo (plus that delicious drizzle!).
your husband's comment on the scones made me chuckled. I always think you make delicious great food on your blog and this scones are no exception. Love the cream cheese icing!
Oh, man, here you are tempting me again! Your white chocolate glazed scones look marvelous! I wish my FIL was still here and I'd ask him if that was a popular saying in Wisconsin 😉
Dear Chris, My mom had lots of sayings too. My dad died when I was sixteen and when I look back she was very strong and very brave. I think of them both now and hope that they me some of their strength.
THese look wonderful with a good cup of hot tea.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
Oh, how I adore scones! And, everything lemon. Chris, your lemon scones look just lovely. It is dinner time, but I am craving HIgh Tea! 😉 Thank you for sharing, my dear. Pinning!
Oh boy - these scones would go so nicely with my coffee right now. They look pretty AND delicious!
Gosh these are so beautiful! Heading over now to check it out. They sound amazing!
I love scones and these look delicious!
They look great! I love that saying:@)
I cannot remember a single dish or baked good made from lemons that I am not a fan from it. Lemons are one of the best and most versatile ingredients, don't you think? These scone look amazing, Chris! I just wish I could eat more than one right now...
I think I need to start a pin board called Chris at the Cafe. These look delicious.
They are absolutely stunning!Lovely saying! Mothers are always the best!
Hugs,dear!
They look fantastic with tangy cheesy glaze!
I love these lovely scones!!!!!!!!!!!!! With a great cup of earl grey, yum!
Oh save one for me! I'm on my way!! They look fabulous as usual and sound yummy too!
Lemon and white chocolate are a perfect combo!
I love these scones and I love lemon! these look awesome!! xx
These look absolutely AMAZING Chris! Keep up the amazing work! I heart lemon in my baked goods!
these look quite delicious! I'm heading over to Parade now - there's nothing like a bit of white chocolate!
Mary x
Do you know, just seeing these beautiful little delicacies is making my mouth water, and I haven't even gotten to the recipe!! How am I suppose to diet with you as my friend!!
Pinned-
xx-
Jemma
They sound and look great..Not surprised at all..and Pinned:)
You come up with so many great recipes Chris~
Chris these look wonderful! I've pinned the recipe ready for when my lemon tree gifts us with more fruit. I can't wait!
Yum!! I love lemon.
Going to check for the recipe now - they look fantastic!