Homemade Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Tangy Perfection
There’s nothing quite like a freshly baked scone to elevate a morning from mundane to magnificent. And when that scone is tender, perfectly flaky, bursting with the sweet-tart goodness of blackberries, and crowned with a luscious cream cheese glaze, you’ve truly found a winning combination. These Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones are an absolute dream, a perfect harmony of flavors and textures that will make you look forward to every bite.
My Personal Love Affair with Scones
As much as I love cooking for my husband (and yes, he does adore blackberries!), these particular scones hold a special place in my heart because I truly made them with myself in mind. I am, without a doubt, the biggest scone enthusiast in our household. There’s a quiet joy in waking up on a crisp fall morning, brewing a fresh cup of tea, and settling down with a warm, homemade scone and my journal. It’s a moment of pure bliss, a small indulgence that sets the tone for a perfect day.
The thought of biting into a perfectly golden, crumbly scone, with its rich interior and bright fruit notes, is enough to get me out of bed on even the chilliest of mornings. It’s more than just a breakfast pastry; it’s a ritual, a comfort, a little piece of edible happiness that brings tranquility to the start of my day. And these blackberry cream cheese scones? They are, quite simply, my favorite.
Why These Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones Stand Out
What makes this particular scone recipe so exceptional? It’s the delightful interplay of several elements:
The Magic of Blackberries
Blackberries are truly the star here. Their vibrant, deep purple color adds a stunning visual appeal to the scones, making them look as enticing as they taste. Beyond their beauty, blackberries bring a wonderful sweet-tart flavor that perfectly complements the richness of the dough. They also contribute to the scone’s incredible moistness, preventing them from becoming dry and giving them a delightful burst of juiciness in every bite. Whether you use fresh or frozen blackberries, they infuse the scone with an irresistible fruity essence.
The Cream Cheese Difference
Cream cheese isn’t just for the glaze in this recipe; it’s also integrated directly into the scone dough. This is a game-changer! Adding cold cream cheese to the dough, alongside the butter, creates an unbelievably tender and moist scone with an added layer of subtle tang. It helps achieve that desired flaky texture while imparting a richness that plain scones often lack. This ingenious addition truly elevates the scone’s flavor and ensures a moist crumb that melts in your mouth.
The Perfect Cream Cheese Glaze
And let’s not forget the crown jewel: the rich and tangy cream cheese glaze. This is more than just a simple topping; it’s an integral part of the flavor profile. Made with softened cream cheese, butter, milk, vanilla, and powdered sugar, it drizzles beautifully over the warm scones, adding a creamy, sweet, and slightly tart finish that perfectly balances the fruit and the scone itself. It’s the final touch that brings all the delightful elements together in a symphony of taste.
The Joy of Baking Homemade Scones
Forget the overpriced and often dry offerings at your local coffee house. These homemade Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones are superior in every way, and the best part? You can make them right in your own kitchen, in your pajamas! There’s an undeniable satisfaction that comes from baking something so delicious from scratch. The aroma filling your home, the anticipation as they bake, and finally, that first warm bite – it’s an experience that a store-bought pastry simply cannot replicate. On a cold morning, there’s truly nothing better.
Tips for Achieving Scone Perfection
Making outstanding scones is easier than you might think, especially when you keep a few key principles in mind:
- Keep Ingredients Cold: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for flaky scones. Ensure your butter and cream cheese are very cold and cut into small pieces. This creates pockets of butter and cream cheese in the dough, which release steam during baking, resulting in those coveted flaky layers.
- Don’t Overmix: Scone dough should be handled as little as possible. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, leading to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. A few visible streaks of flour are perfectly fine.
- Gentle Kneading: A few light kneads on a floured surface (3-4 times) are enough to bring the dough together without overworking it. This helps ensure a tender crumb.
- Preheat Your Oven: A hot oven helps the scones rise quickly and evenly, contributing to their light and airy texture.
- Don’t Skimp on the Berries: The blackberries add essential moisture and flavor. Don’t be shy about incorporating them!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
These scones are best enjoyed warm, fresh from the oven, with the glaze still slightly soft. Pair them with your favorite hot beverage – a steaming cup of Earl Grey tea, a robust coffee, or even a glass of cold milk. They also make a delightful addition to a brunch spread or a special weekend breakfast.
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze unglazed scones for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw and warm them in a moderate oven for a few minutes before glazing. The glaze can be made fresh or stored separately in the fridge and warmed gently before drizzling.
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Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones
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Ingredients
For the Scones
- 2 3/4 cup all purpose unbleached flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cut in small pieces)
- 4 ounces cream cheese (cold and cut into small pieces)
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup blackberries
For the Glaze
- 2 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 Tablespoon butter (softened)
- 2 Tablespoon milk
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
To Make The Scones
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Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet with a silicone mat or line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This will prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients: flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter and cold, cubed cream cheese to the dry mixture. Using a fork, a pastry blender, or your fingertips, quickly cut in the butter and cream cheese until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with no pieces larger than pea-sized. The key is to work quickly so the butter and cream cheese remain cold. Gently fold in the fresh or frozen blackberries. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough scones.
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Turn the scone dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Using floured hands, lightly knead the dough 3 or 4 times, just enough to bring it together into a cohesive mass. Avoid excessive handling. Shape the dough into an 8-inch round with a thickness of about 1 inch.
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Carefully transfer the round dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, cut the round into 8 equal wedges, like a pizza. Gently separate the wedges slightly, about half an inch apart, to allow for even baking and browning.
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Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
To Make The Glaze
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While the scones are cooling, prepare the cream cheese glaze. In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, softened butter, milk, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. If the glaze is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk, a quarter teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired drizzling consistency. Once the scones are cooled, drizzle the prepared glaze generously over the tops. Allow the glaze to set slightly before serving for the best presentation, or enjoy immediately while it’s still warm and gooey.
Nutrition
Are you also a scone lover, or perhaps you’re just starting your scone journey? These Blackberry Cream Cheese Scones are an excellent place to begin. The combination of tender texture, vibrant fruit, and creamy, tangy glaze creates an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Once you try this recipe, you might find yourself saying goodbye to store-bought pastries for good.
For more delicious baking ideas, be sure to check out the rest of my tried and true scone recipes. You can also visit my Pinterest board, which is completely devoted to nothing but the best of scones, for endless inspiration. Happy baking!