Blackberry Scones
Blackberry scones are a delightful treat that combine the buttery, flaky goodness of traditional scones with the vibrant tartness of fresh blackberries. These pastries offer a warm hug of flavor and texture, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack alongside your favorite cup of tea. They’re not just any baked good; they’re a special kind of bliss, with a golden crust giving way to a moist, tender center studded with sweet, juicy blackberries.
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I first stumbled upon the charm of scones while browsing through a quaint café menu on a rainy day. The promise of fresh berries and a sweet glaze spoke to me, and I couldn’t resist. After my first bite, I knew I had to recreate that moment in my own kitchen. This recipe for blackberry scones not only captures that delightful experience but also offers a simple way to whip up a batch at home. Whether you enjoy them warm from the oven or drizzled with a hint of glaze, these scones will surely become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This blackberry scone recipe is easy to master and takes just about 40 minutes from mixing to baking.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of buttery scone and fresh blackberries is a delicious balance of sweet and tart, leaving your taste buds dancing.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The bright purple hues of the blackberries make these scones not only tasty but also eye-catching on any plate.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a snack during the day, these scones can be enjoyed any time.
- Diet-Friendly Options: With easy substitutions, you can create gluten-free or dairy-free versions, making them accessible for various dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups (10 oz/284 g) all-purpose flour: This is the base for your scones. Be sure to measure properly by spooning the flour into the measuring cup and leveling it off for accuracy.
- ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) granulated sugar: This adds sweetness but also helps to create a tender texture. You could substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for helping the scones rise. Fresh baking powder ensures the best results.
- ½ teaspoon baking soda: Works with the baking powder for that perfect fluffy texture.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness while enhancing the flavors.
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, cold and diced: Cold butter leads to flaky scones. Keep it in the fridge until ready to use, and avoid softening it.
- 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) fresh blackberries: Fresh, ripe blackberries are best for the maximum flavor. If you can’t find fresh, frozen blackberries are a fine alternative, but they may be juicier.
- ⅔ cup (5 fl oz/150 ml) buttermilk: It adds moisture and contributes to the tender crumb. You can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice.
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract: This provides a lovely depth of flavor.
- Egg wash: Just a beaten egg brushed on top gives the finished scones a beautiful golden hue.
- 1 cup (4 oz/115 g) powdered sugar, sifted: This forms the base of your glaze.
- 3 tablespoons (1 ½ oz/45 g) butter, melted: This enriches the glaze, making it smooth and buttery.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: For an extra burst of flavor and lovely flecks in your glaze.
- 1-2 tablespoons milk: To adjust the consistency of the glaze.
How to Make Blackberry Scones
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make for easy cleanup later.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups all-purpose flour, ¼ cup granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, and ½ teaspoon salt. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
- Incorporate the butter: Using a pastry blender or your fingers, rub the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Don’t worry if there are small pieces of butter; they will create those flaky layers.
- Add the blackberries: Carefully toss in the halved blackberries and mix gently. This helps to prevent them from breaking apart too much.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a small jug, mix the ⅔ cup buttermilk and 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour blend. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Over-mixing will lead to tough scones, so be gentle!
- Form the scones: Turn the dough onto your prepared baking sheet and press it into a circle about 1 inch thick and 7 inches in diameter.
- Cut and space the scones: With a sharp knife, cut the circle into 8 wedges and gently push them apart, giving each piece room to rise in the oven.
- Brush and bake: Brush the tops with an egg wash, then bake for 20-22 minutes or until they are golden brown and feel firm to the touch. A lovely fragrant aroma will fill your kitchen.
- Prepare the glaze: While the scones are baking, whisk together 1 cup sifted powdered sugar, 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, and 1 tablespoon milk. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary; it should be thick but pourable.
- Drizzle and set: Once the scones are cool, drizzle the glaze over the tops and let them sit for about 10 minutes to set before serving.
Storing & Reheating
To store your scones, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be refrigerated for about a week. For freezing, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly, but a quick reheating will help refresh the flavor and warmth.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Make sure your butter is very cold to ensure maximum flakiness in your scones.
- Do not overwork the dough; mix just until combined to keep your scones tender.
- You can also add lemon zest for a refreshing twist that complements the blackberries beautifully.
- If your scones seem too dry, try adding a splash more buttermilk. Each batch of flour can absorb moisture differently based on humidity.
- For a fun variation, consider using other berries or even a combination of seasonal fruits.
There’s something magical about baking fresh blackberry scones that brings a sense of joy and satisfaction. You’ll delight in the warm, buttery goodness paired perfectly with the juicy blackberries, and the sweet glaze will elevate every bite. Plus, it’s an excellent opportunity to share with friends or enjoy them quietly on your own. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the flavors or share a twist on the glaze; the most important part is to enjoy the process of creating something delicious from scratch.

Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen blackberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blackberries! Just keep in mind they will be juicier, so make sure to slightly reduce your buttermilk to maintain the right dough consistency.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, a quick substitute can be made by mixing ⅔ cup of milk with 2 teaspoons of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.
How can I make these scones gluten-free?
To make gluten-free blackberry scones, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that your baking powder is also gluten-free to avoid cross-contamination.
How do I make the scones sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter scone, you can increase the granulated sugar to ⅓ cup or even add a bit of sugar to the glaze to enhance the sweetness overall. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
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📖 Recipe Card

Blackberry Scones
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Desserts & Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These blackberry scones are a delightful treat with their delectable flavor and simple preparation. Made with fresh blackberries, butter, and buttermilk, they are perfect as a snack or for a cozy brunch with friends.
Ingredients
- 2 cups (10 oz/284 g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup (2 oz/57 g) granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter, cold and diced
- 1 cup (5 oz/142 g) fresh blackberries, cut into halves
- ⅔ cup (5 fl oz/150 ml) buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- egg wash
- 1 cup (4 oz/115 g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 3 tablespoons (1 ½ oz/45 g) butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Rub the cold, diced butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse breadcrumbs. Add the blackberries and toss gently.
- In a separate jug, mix buttermilk and vanilla extract, then pour into the flour mixture. Stir gently until combined.
- Transfer the dough onto the baking sheet and shape it into a 7-inch circle, about 1-inch thick.
- Cut the circle into 8 wedges and space them apart on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and bake for 20-22 minutes until golden brown and firm. Allow to cool on a wire rack.
Notes
Serve warm for the best taste!
These scones can be frozen before baking for later enjoyment, simply bake straight from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.
Feel free to substitute blackberries with other berries if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
