Santa Clara Scones
Delightful Santa Clara Scones combine flaky texture with sweet dried fruits and a hint of lemon, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons baking powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 cup sour cream ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon peel ⓘ
- 8 tablespoons cold unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup finely chopped moist prunes
- 1/2 cup finely chopped dried apricots ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl.
- In another bowl, beat sour cream, egg, granulated sugar, and lemon peel until well blended.
- Add cold, unsalted butter to the flour mixture and cut in with a pastry cutter or rub in with fingers until the mixture resembles fine granules.
- Add finely chopped moist prunes and dried apricots to the flour mixture and toss to distribute evenly.
- Pour the sour cream mixture into the flour mixture and stir with a spoon until a sticky dough forms.
- Drop the dough by 1/3 cupfuls onto an ungreased cookie sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool the scones loosely covered with a dish towel on a wire rack.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using buttermilk instead of sour cream. You can also experiment with different dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for added sweetness. Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture. If you want a touch of spice, add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these scones warm with clotted cream, a dollop of jam, or even a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea treat. They pair wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For an added touch, consider serving them alongside Amish Barn Soup for a cozy meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to a month. To reheat, simply warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Santa Clara Scones contains roughly 117 calories, with 1g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1010mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, portion and bake directly from the fridge, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What can I substitute for prunes?
If you don't have prunes, chopped dates or figs can be great alternatives. They offer similar sweetness and texture. You can also omit them and increase the amount of dried apricots or add another dried fruit of your choice.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for half of the all-purpose flour for a healthier option. This will give the scones a nuttier flavor and denser texture. However, you may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the right consistency.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).