Rhubarb Scones

Rhubarb scones are the perfect way to celebrate the spring and summer seasons with their sweet, tangy flavor. The burst of fresh rhubarb adds a delightful tartness, making them a wonderful addition to any afternoon tea or brunch spread. These scones are buttery, flaky, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top gives them a delightful crunch, making every bite irresistible!

Ideal for both beginner and seasoned bakers, these rhubarb scones come together in just under an hour. The use of buttermilk helps create a soft and tender crumb, while the chopped rhubarb gives each scone a burst of fresh flavor. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a simple treat, these scones will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
3/4 cup buttermilk
1 large egg
1 cup fresh rhubarb, chopped
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the chopped rhubarb, being careful not to overmix.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick circle.
Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Sprinkle the tops of the scones with coarse sugar.
Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 33 minutes
Kcal: 180 kcal per scone | Servings: 8 scones

Rhubarb Scones: A Deliciously Tangy and Buttery Treat

Scones are one of the quintessential baked goods that bring comfort and joy to any occasion, whether it’s a quiet afternoon tea or a lively brunch gathering. Their crumbly, tender texture paired with rich, buttery flavors makes them irresistible. However, when you add a twist to the classic scone recipe, like the tart and sweet flavor of rhubarb, you get a treat that’s both refreshing and deliciously different. Rhubarb scones are the perfect marriage of fruity brightness and the rich, comforting flavors of traditional scones. In this article, we’ll dive deep into why rhubarb scones are so special, explore the key ingredients, and offer tips to make sure your scones turn out perfect every time.

Why Rhubarb?

Rhubarb is often regarded as the “pie plant,” and for good reason. With its vibrant red stalks and slightly tart flavor, it’s a fruit (though technically a vegetable) that shines in baked goods, especially during the spring and early summer months when it’s in season. When paired with the buttery, slightly sweet flavor of scones, rhubarb adds a unique tanginess that perfectly balances out the richness of the dough. The contrast between the sweet and tart elements creates a flavor profile that is truly irresistible.

Rhubarb has a complex flavor profile that combines sourness with a faint earthy sweetness, which makes it a fantastic addition to baked goods. It’s often used in jams, pies, and crumbles, but its presence in scones offers a wonderful departure from more traditional fruits like berries or apples. Its bold flavor holds up well against the delicate, flaky texture of scones, ensuring that every bite delivers the right balance of flavors.

What Makes These Rhubarb Scones Special?

There are a few key elements that make rhubarb scones stand out. First and foremost is the combination of the tangy rhubarb with the rich, buttery dough. The buttermilk used in the recipe adds a subtle tang and tenderizes the scones, helping to create a moist and fluffy interior that contrasts beautifully with the crisp outer layers. The rhubarb, while tart, offers a pleasant bite that balances the sweetness of the sugar and the richness of the butter.

Another element that elevates these scones is the use of coarse sugar sprinkled on top before baking. This not only enhances the sweetness but also adds a delightful crunch to the top of each scone, providing a satisfying contrast to the soft and flaky texture inside.

Lastly, rhubarb scones are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a dessert. They’re perfect for pairing with a cup of tea or coffee, but they also make a wonderful treat for brunch gatherings, picnics, or special occasions like Mother’s Day or Easter.

Baking Tips for Perfect Rhubarb Scones

If you’re new to baking scones, there are a few essential tips that will help you achieve the perfect result every time.

Use Cold Ingredients: One of the secrets to flaky scones is using cold ingredients, especially butter. When you cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients, it creates small pockets of fat throughout the dough. These pockets melt during baking, which results in the deliciously crumbly texture that scones are known for. You can even chill your flour and mixing bowl to keep things cool during the mixing process.
Don’t Overmix: When it comes to making scones, you want to avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can cause the scones to become dense and tough, rather than light and airy. Mix the dough just until the ingredients are combined, and if you’re adding rhubarb, fold it in gently to preserve the texture.
Keep the Dough Light: When shaping your scone dough, it’s important not to press it too hard. Gently pat it into a disc or shape it into a rough rectangle or wedge shape. The less you handle the dough, the more tender the scones will be.
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chilling the dough before baking can help the scones maintain their shape while baking and also ensures they bake up nice and tall. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step, but it’s a helpful tip if you’re aiming for perfect scones.
Baking Time and Temperature: Scones bake best in a hot oven. A temperature of 400°F (200°C) ensures they get a nice golden brown color and crisp texture on the outside, while staying soft and fluffy on the inside. Keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time to prevent them from overbaking and becoming too dry.

Creative Variations for Rhubarb Scones

While rhubarb scones are already a treat in themselves, you can easily experiment with variations to suit your personal taste. Here are a few ideas to try:

Add Spices: If you enjoy a spiced flavor, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or ginger to the dough. These warm spices complement the tanginess of the rhubarb and give the scones a cozy, aromatic appeal.
Incorporate Nuts: For a bit of texture, you can fold in some chopped nuts such as walnuts, almonds, or pecans. These add a crunchy contrast and a nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with the rhubarb.
Use a Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle a simple glaze over the top of the scones once they’ve cooled slightly. A glaze made from powdered sugar, milk, and a dash of vanilla adds a lovely finish and enhances the sweetness of the rhubarb.
Try Other Fruits: While rhubarb is the star of this recipe, you can easily swap it out for other fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries for a different flavor profile. These fruits are equally delicious in scones and can be used fresh or frozen.
Make Mini Scones: If you’re serving a crowd, mini scones are a fun and convenient option. Simply divide the dough into smaller portions before baking. They’re great for finger foods and ideal for brunches, showers, or parties.

Pairing Rhubarb Scones

Rhubarb scones are versatile enough to be paired with a variety of beverages and accompaniments. They are perfect with a cup of freshly brewed tea, such as Earl Grey or a fruity herbal tea, which complements the tanginess of the rhubarb. For a more indulgent treat, try serving them with clotted cream or a dollop of homemade jam. Strawberry jam or lemon curd would be a particularly delicious pairing, as both enhance the sweet-tart profile of the scones.

These scones also pair beautifully with a cold glass of lemonade or iced tea, making them a fantastic choice for a summer brunch or afternoon gathering. For an even more decadent option, serve them with a drizzle of cream cheese frosting or whipped cream for a truly indulgent experience.

The Health Benefits of Rhubarb

While scones are often seen as an indulgent treat, rhubarb itself offers several health benefits. It’s a good source of dietary fiber, which is important for digestion and maintaining a healthy weight. Rhubarb is also rich in antioxidants, which help to protect your body from oxidative stress and support overall health. Additionally, rhubarb contains vitamin K, which plays a vital role in bone health, as well as vitamin C, which boosts the immune system.

Despite these benefits, it’s important to remember that scones, especially when made with butter and sugar, should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

Conclusion:

Rhubarb scones are a delightful and unique twist on a beloved classic. The tartness of the rhubarb provides a refreshing contrast to the buttery richness of the scones, creating a flavor profile that is both satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re serving them at a tea party, enjoying them for breakfast, or sharing them with friends at a brunch gathering, rhubarb scones are sure to be a hit. With their light and flaky texture, sweet-tart flavor, and versatility, these scones will quickly become a staple in your baking repertoire. So why not give them a try and enjoy the perfect combination of sweet and tangy in every bite?

By following a few simple baking tips and experimenting with variations, you’ll be able to create the perfect rhubarb scones every time. Enjoy baking and indulge in the delightful taste of fresh, homemade scones!

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