Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

This recipe for Lemon Poppy Seed Scones makes tender scones every time, perfect for spring! Serve with a simple lemon glaze or top with lemon curd for a delicious springtime brunch! Read on to learn all my tips for making lemon scones with poppyseeds, including how to freeze them!

Making Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

People often ask me how I come of with my recipes. Do I just make stuff up? Well, yes! I’ve mentioned many times how I often like to cook (or bake) with formulas rather than recipes.

Over time I’ve come to learn what things can be changed and what can’t. I am pretty sure that all of the scone recipes on Good Life Eats have originated from the first scone I ever made: Cranberry Orange Scones, which is (in my opinion, of course, one of the best scone recipes).

This method gives me room for variation that wouldn’t happen if I viewed a recipe as just a recipe. It opens up cooking and recipe development to being a creative process rather than purely scientific.

Once you dissect a recipe down to it’s bare bones and have a basic understanding of rations, you have a pretty basic scone formula that can be changed into a multitude of different recipes. If you have a good base, the sky is the limit!

For this particular recipe, I knew I wanted a scone recipe with buttermilk and poppyseeds.

Tools Needed

You’ll need a few kitchen tools to prepare this lemon poppy seed scone recipe. Here’s what I recommend having on hand before getting started:

• Measuring Cups and Spoons – you’ll need a standard set of each for measuring the simple ingredients in this recipe
• Large Mixing Bowl – to combine the dry ingredients together.
• Small Bowl – to combine the wet ingredients.
• Food Processor, Pastry Blender, or Box Grater – to cut the cold butter into the flour.  
• Large Baking Sheet – to bake the lemon and poppyseed scones on.
• Parchment Paper – to line the baking sheet.
• Wire Rack – to cool the homemade scones after baking.

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make this recipe. Before starting, make sure your baking powder is fresh for best results!

• all-purpose flour
• baking powder
• granulated sugar
• salt
• lemon zest
• butter
• poppy seeds
• eggs
• buttermilk
• fresh lemon juice
• vanilla extract

For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions to make these easy lemon poppy seed scones, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.

Variations

Depending on what mood you’re in or what citrus you have on hand you can change the flavor of the scone: Instead of a lemon scones with poppyseeds, try swapping the lemon flavor for orange or grapefruit.

How to Serve Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

I usually like to top scones with a simple glaze. However, for this recipe, I love to make homemade lemon curd to serve atop this perfect springy treat.

For a simple lemon glaze, combine the following. Then, drizzle over cooled scones:

• 1/4 cup Melted Unsalted Butter
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice

Lemon Poppy Seed Scones FAQs

Got questions about how to make this lemon poppy seed scone recipe? Here are the answers to a few commonly asked questions. Feel free to leave any other questions in the comments on this post and I’ll respond with answers.

How should I store leftovers?

Leftover scones should be cooled completely before storing. Once cool, transfer scones into an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 5 days, however the scones will dry out over time.

Can I freeze this recipe? 

To freeze prior to baking – prepare the lemon poppy seed scones recipe as instructed up until the baking point. Then, transfer the sheet pan of scones to the freezer and freeze until the scones are solid. Place scones (after they’ve frozen solid) into a freezer safe storage bag, removing as much air as possible.

To freeze after baking – let cool to room temperature, then seal inside an airtight container or freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.  

What is the best way to reheat frozen scones?

If you froze the scones before baking: simply thaw at room temperature, then bake your ​homemade lemon poppyseed scones as instructed until golden brown.

If you froze already baked scones: When ready to eat, place on the counter to thaw. For warm scones, pop them in a warm oven or a toaster oven for a couple of minutes.

Try these Lemon Poppy Seed Scones!

Next time you’re looking for recipe for citrus scones, give these homemade lemon poppyseed scones a try!

Did you love the lemony flavor with your morning cup of coffee? Leave a comment below and give it a review for others to see what you thought of this great recipe.

On Instagram? Share your photo and tag me @goodlifeeats #goodlifeeatsrecipes. I’d love to see your photo of lemon poppyseed scones!

More Buttery Scones

This recipe for Blueberry Lemon Scones is a simple scone recipe that features hints of lemon juice and fresh blueberries to a traditional flakey scone. They have a yummy, sweet lemon glaze.

This recipe for Coconut Scones is a simple scone recipe that features hints of lemon and coconut. They have a yummy, sweet coconut glaze with a delicious toasted coconut and almond topping.

If you love juicy strawberries, you’ll love the taste of these tender Strawberry Scones! They have the perfect amount of sweetness with a pop of citrus thanks to Meyer lemon zest and lemon glaze.

Once you are confident with the method for making scones, they really are not that difficult. You can also try tweaking my Master Scone Recipe (+ Flavor Variations!) to come up with all sorts of scone recipe variations

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