Utah scones are a beloved treat in the Beehive State, known for their unique texture and irresistible honey butter glaze. These aren’t your typical dry, crumbly scones; they’re soft, pillowy, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect breakfast or afternoon snack. If you’re looking for a taste of Utah’s culinary scene, you have to try these scones! This recipe will guide you step-by-step to create these fluffy delights in your own kitchen.
What Makes Utah Scones So Special?
Unlike their British counterparts, Utah scones are characterized by their tender texture, achieved by using a simple dough enriched with eggs and milk. What truly sets them apart, however, is the generous drizzle of honey butter glaze that soaks into every nook and cranny, adding a touch of sweetness and irresistible flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Scones:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup (75g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 large egg
- 2/3 cup (160ml) buttermilk
For the Honey Butter Glaze:
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup (120ml) honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups (180g) powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
Essential Baking Tools
- 2 large mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Wire cooling rack
Utah Scones Ingredients
Let’s Get Baking: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Scone Dough
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix!
2. Shape and Bake the Scones
- Lightly flour a clean surface and turn the dough out onto it.
- Gently knead the dough for a minute or two, just until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick circle.
- Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut scones into desired shapes.
- Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving some space between each one.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
Utah Scones Baking
3. Make the Honey Butter Glaze
- While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze.
- In a saucepan over low heat, melt the butter.
- Whisk in the honey and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Remove from heat and gradually whisk in the powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth and free of lumps.
- Stir in milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired glaze consistency.
4. Glaze the Warm Scones
- Once the scones are out of the oven, let them cool slightly on the baking sheet for a few minutes.
- Transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the scones are still warm, drizzle the honey butter glaze generously over the tops.
Tips for Perfect Utah Scones
- Use cold ingredients: Using cold butter and buttermilk ensures that the scones rise high and have a tender crumb.
- Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
- Adjust sweetness: The glaze recipe is a guideline; feel free to adjust the amount of honey or powdered sugar to your liking.
- Get creative with toppings: While the classic honey butter glaze is a must-try, don’t be afraid to experiment! You can top your scones with whipped cream, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar.
FAQs About Utah Scones
Q: Can I make the scones ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can bake the scones ahead of time and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Warm them up slightly before serving and add the glaze just before enjoying.
Q: I don’t have buttermilk. What can I use as a substitute?
A: No problem! To make your own buttermilk substitute, simply add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.
Enjoy a Taste of Utah
These Utah scones are sure to become a family favorite. Their soft texture, sweet glaze, and comforting flavor evoke the warmth and hospitality of the Beehive State. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and treat yourself to a taste of Utah that’s sure to delight your taste buds. Don’t forget to share your baking adventures with us in the comments below!
