Tender Strawberry Cream Scones

These Tender Strawberry Cream Scones have a soft, buttery, tender interior with slightly crispy, bronzed edges. You can either dust with Demerara or sparkling sugar pre-bake for a crunchy top and/or drizzle with fresh strawberry glaze post-bake. Either way these scones are perfect for breakfast or brunch and are so easy to make -- you will love. Recipe includes a make-ahead option if you want to prep the night before and bake fresh scones in the morning!
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Fresh Strawberry Cream Scones are one of my favorite ways to use fresh strawberries (because there is nothing better than homemade scones!). Picture the softest, lightest scone interior loaded with fresh berries at every bite (that’s this scone!).

I have over a dozen scone recipes on my site, I love them so much! They’re so easy to throw together (once you get the hang of it) and can easily be prepared the night before and baked off the next morning (see note below).

For years I made scones every weekend for Solvang Bakery and that experience taught me SO MUCH. These are the best scones with an incredibly tender texture (this is the actual recipe I used at the bakery and it’s so easy!).

One important lesson is that since you’re using so few ingredients, always get the best you can get your hands on. Another: don’t overwork your dough! I have more tips in the notes below.

More of my favorite scones: Blueberry Cream Scones and Raspberry Cream Scones for the summer months; Chocolate Chip Cream Scones and Pumpkin Cream Scones for the fall; and Cranberry Cream Scones and Gingerbread Cream Scones for winter.

Two of my favorite season-less scones are the Maple Oat Scones with Espresso Glaze (swoon) and savory Bacon Cheddar Scones that are so good with any meal at any time of the day!

Here is a link to all of my scone recipes.

A bunch of scones.

Why You Should Make These Scones

  • Soft, tender scones that are super easy to make (I promise!)
  • Loaded with fresh strawberries and mega strawberry flavor
  • Recipe uses standard baking ingredients, nothing funky nor difficult to find
  • These babies can be made ahead of time (LOVE)
  • This recipe can be made with frozen strawberries (see note!)
  • Can be paired with the strawberry glaze, lemon glaze or use my favorite simple egg wash (that’s in the recipe notes below) and sprinkle with Demerara or sparkling sugar
  • Recipe yields 8 scones but can be made into 16 smaller scones if you’re serving more people

Let’s make some tender scones!

Scones on a white surface some with glaze and some plain.

Step-By-Step Instructions for These Strawberry Scones

Below are step-by-step photos (with captions) to make the most delicious Fresh Strawberry Scones perfect every single time! My biggest tips are:

  1. Keep all of your cold ingredients cold. I’m talking about the cream, egg and butter. Don’t let them sit around sweating on the countertop. You want them nice, fresh-from-the-fridge crisp.
  2. Don’t overmix your dough. That’s all there is to say about that. Your mantra: a light hand reaps big rewards. Idk..you get the idea!
  3. In regards to the amount of cream to use… If you live in Palm Springs and there is zero humidity, use the full 3/4 cup of cream. If you live in Hawaii, you probably only need 2/3 cup of cream. If you live in a city with average humidity then use 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of cream. I know this seems super specific, but it’s important stuff. Nobody wants a dry scone. I’m going to start a new campaign: #humiditymatters

To Start

A bowl of strawberries.
STEP ONE: In a small bowl combine your chopped strawberries, lemon juice and granulated sugar and set aside, stirring periodically…
Ingredients to make scones.
STEP TWO: Gather your scone ingredients: Cake flour, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, unsalted butter, an egg and heavy whipping cream.

For The Scone Dough

Baking ingredients in a glass bowl.
STEP THREE: In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and sea salt. 
Flour and butter in a bowl.
STEP FOUR: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your hands until it’s about the size of peas.
Flour and cream in a bowl.
STEP FIVE A: Add in the cream & egg stirring until the mixture just comes together and a rough dough is formed…
Scone dough in a glass bowl.
STEP FIVE B: It will look like this and hold its shape when pressed together (like streusel).

Mix in the Strawberries

Diced strawberries in a strainer.
STEP SIX A: Drain the strawberries, reserving the liquid for the glaze (see this Strawberry Glaze recipe for more details)…
Strawberries and scone dough.
STEP SIX B: Add the strawberries to the dough by using a fold and press technique. Fold half of the dough onto itself and press down so that the berries are in the middle. Grab any rogue strawberries, set them on top of the dough and repeat the process until it looks just mixed.
Strawberry scone dough in a glass bowl.
STEP SIX C: It will look like this. The addition of fresh fruit will make the dough a bit slick and snotty…don’t panic. It’s perfect.
Scones getting scooped.
STEP SEVEN A: Use an extra-large muffin/cupcake scoop or 1/2 cup measuring cup to portion out 8 scones.

Before Baking

A scone on parchment paper.
STEP SEVEN B: Gently press each scone down to level the top a bit and press in the sides if there are any rogue pieces jutting out. Chill the scones for 30 minutes.
Egg wash over a scone.
STEP EIGHT: Lightly brush with the egg wash, if using, taking care that none pools around the base, or on top, of the scone.
Demerara sugar being sprinkled.
STEP NINE: Sprinkle with Demerara sugar or sparkling sugar, if using, and pop in the 400℉ (204℃) oven for about 19 minutes.
Fresh strawberry glaze in a bowl.
STEP TEN: While the scones cool, whisk together the Strawberry Glaze using the reserve strawberry juice, confectioners’ sugar and cream.
Strawberry scones on a marble surface.
Glaze going over a berry scone.

Can I use Frozen Strawberries in Scone Dough?
Frozen strawberries do not work in typical scone dough. **However, they can be used in this recipe!**

Set the berries in a strainer to defrost for about 30 to 60 minutes. Once defrosted, proceed with the recipe. Since you’re straining out the excess liquid before adding the berries to the scones, you don’t have to worry about too much moisture in your strawberry scone dough

No need to wait until strawberry season! .

Strawberry glaze on top of a strawberry scone.

The Baker’s Guide to Measuring Flour

One of the biggest (and most common) mistakes in baking is how we measure flour. If you find yourself without a scale, see my top tips on how to properly measure flour for the perfect amount every time!

How To Make Cream Scones Ahead of Time

It’s so easy to make scones ahead of time you’re going to be blown away! Mix and shape your scones through Step 6 (in the recipe card below). When you pop them in the freezer, leave them in there to freeze solid; this should take several hours.

Once frozen, place in an air-tight container in the freezer until ready to bake.

When it’s time to bake your scones in the morning, take the scones out of the freezer and set them on a fresh baking sheet covered with parchment paper while you preheat your oven; give your oven about 30 minutes to really warm up.

Pop them into the oven and bake as normal, adding a few more minutes to the bake time to make sure they bake through.

If your freezer can’t accommodate a baking sheet:

Set the unbaked scones on parchment lined plates (that will fit on your freezer shelves) and freeze them in single layers (you’ll need several plates).

Tools for Making Strawberry Scones Fabulous

A nice Silicone Spatula for stirring. And if you really wanna go for it, this silicon spatula is great for transferring off of the hot baking sheet.

An extra-large muffin or cupcake scoop to portion the dough.

These nested, heat-safe Glass Bowls are perfect for mixing up your scones. 

Don’t forget my favorite scale. I wrote both of my books with this one, it will serve you well on your baking journey!

That beautiful Williams-Sonoma whisk with the wooden handle that’s in my videos. It’s so pretty. But when I’m being practical (and not making videos), this Material whisk is THE BOMB. I love their stuff!

I’ve adding a shopping section (woo hoo!), you can check it out here!

A close up photo of strawberry scones.

More Cream Scone Recipes!

Scones will forever be my first love and I literally have one for every occasion and any time of year.

Some of my favorites include these Maple Oat Scones, these Blueberry Scones and you can never go wrong with Pumpkin Scones (ever).

And if you happen to have some cranberries in the freezer, give these Cranberry Scones a try.

Let’s make some Fresh Strawberry Cream Scones!

Rebecca Firth

A bunch of scones on a marble surface.

Tender Strawberry Cream Scones

These Tender Strawberry Cream Scones have a soft, buttery, tender interior with slightly crispy, bronzed edges. You can either dust with Demerara or sparkling sugar pre-bake for a crunchy top and/or drizzle with fresh strawberry glaze post-bake. Either way these scones are perfect for breakfast or brunch and are so easy to make — you will love. Recipe includes a make-ahead option if you want to prep the night before and bake fresh scones in the morning!
5 from 5 reviews
Print Save Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 19 minutes
Course: Breakfast Brunch
Cuisine: Scones
Keyword: scones, breakfast, brunch, strawberry, cream
Servings: 8 Servings

Ingredients

For the Berries

  • 1 pint (12 ounces or 340 g) fresh, ripe strawberries (cleaned and small dice)
  • 1 tablespoon (13 g) fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon (12 g) granulated sugar

For the Scones

  • 1 1/2 cups (187 g) cake flour (see note)
  • 1 cup plus 3 tablespoons (162 g) all-purpose flour (how to measure flour)
  • 2/3 cup (133 g) granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon (15 g) baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 8 tablespoons (113 g) unsalted butter (cut in 8 pieces, cold)
  • 2/3-3/4 cup (160 to 180g) heavy whipping cream (cold; see note below)
  • 1 large egg (cold)

For the Glaze

Instructions

For the Strawberries

  • In a medium bowl combine your chopped strawberries, lemon juice and granulated sugar, stirring periodically while you put together the scone dough.

For the Scones

  • Line several baking sheets with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, whisk together the cake flour, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon and sea salt. Cut the cold butter pieces into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter, two forks or your hands. I like to mix until I see small pieces, about the size of peas
  • Mix the egg and 2/3 to 3/4 cup (160 g to 180 g) of cream together (see note about cream below) in a small bowl and then drizzle over the flour mixture. Using a fork, stirring until it just starts to form into a dough.
  • Strain the strawberries, pressing out any excess moisture and reserving the liquid for the glaze (it's very important to get as much moisture out of the berries as possible, without smashing them). Add the berries to the scone dough.
  • I like to use a fold and press technique when adding the strawberries. Fold half of the dough onto itself and press down so that the berries are in the middle. Grab any rogue strawberries, set them on top of the dough heap and repeat the process until it looks just mixed. The addition of fresh fruit will make the dough a bit slick and snotty…don’t panic. It’s perfect.
  • Use a 1/2 cup muffin/cupcake scoop or 1/2 cup measuring cup to portion out eight mounds of dough on the prepared baking sheet leaving 3-inches (8-cm) between scones. Gently press down the tops to level a bit and press in any jagged areas on the sides of the scones. You want the dough cohesive, but not packed. Set in the freezer (or fridge) for 30 minutes and preheat the oven to 400℉ (204℃).
  • Add the egg wash, if using (see note below), and sprinkle with Demerara sugar. Bake in the center of the oven for 19 minutes. When done they will be lightly bronzed around the edges and golden over the tops. Make sure the areas around the strawberries are baked through. Let them cool on the sheet, in a draft-free area, for about 15 minutes before removing to a rack to finish cooling. Let cool to room temperature before adding the glaze (if using).

For the Strawberry Glaze

  • While the scones cool, use the reserved strawberry juice to make the Strawberry Glaze. Once cool, grab a large spoon and smear the glaze over the tops of the scones. Serve immediately with any additional glaze on the side.

Video

Notes

Cake Flour

Cake flour makes these scones oh-so-tender. Can you use all-purpose flour in place of the cake flour? Absolutely! However, just know, you will lose some of that tenderness. If possible, get the cake flour when you’re picking up your fresh strawberries at the store.

Glaze

​You can use the Strawberry Glaze that goes with this recipe (and is mentioned throughout) or this Lemon Glaze recipe that goes with my blueberry scones!

Egg Wash

If you’d like to use an egg wash (and skip the glaze), mix an egg yolk and 2 tablespoons of heavy whipping cream in a small bowl. Brush over the scones before they go in the oven; taking care not to let the wash pool in the scone crevasses. I like to sprinkle with Demerara sugar or sparkling sugar and then pop in the oven.

Macerate Your Berries

You want to first give them a nice, small dice. Try to make each strawberry bite roughly the same size. Throw these in a bowl and toss with 1 tablespoon each lemon juice and granulated sugar. Stir periodically while you’re getting your dry ingredients together.
When it comes time to add the berries to the strawberry scone dough, make sure you really strain them (reserving the liquid) by pressing as much moisture out as possible. You will later use the reserved liquid to make the glaze. Yes. You heard me. It’s going to be amazing.

Heavy Whipping Cream

If you live in Palm Springs and there is zero humidity, use the full 3/4 cup (180 g) of cream. If you live in Hawaii, you probably only need 2/3 cup (160 g) of cream. If you live in a city with average humidity then use 2/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon of cream. I know this seems anal, but it’s important stuff. Nobody wants a dry scone. I’m going to start a new campaign: #humiditymatters

Baking Powder

Use double acting baking powder for best results! xx
Thanks for baking with me! Please rate + comment this recipe and tag me on social @displacedhousewife #displacedhousewife so I can see your beautiful treats! xo
A hand holding a piece of scone.

Comments

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I love your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot, I look forward to chatting with you!

Rebecca xox

Recipe Rating




19 Comments

  • Courtney March 28, 2024 at 1:44 AM

    Can these be frozen?

    Reply
  • Kim August 11, 2023 at 8:51 AM

    5 stars
    Yes! Do the campaign #humiditymatters!! If there’s one thing we have in MS, it’s humidity and it does matter. It changes so many things. Your expertise is welcomed.

    Reply
  • Sally June 29, 2023 at 8:13 PM

    5 stars
    These look amazing! I love the strawberry glaze.

    Reply
  • Mia June 29, 2023 at 6:00 AM

    5 stars
    YUM! I love scones and never knew how easy they could be, am so glad to have stumbled upon this recipe. A repeat for sure

    Reply
  • Laura | Tutti Dolci April 22, 2016 at 5:22 AM

    Be still my heart! These scones are the prettiest ever! <3

    Reply
  • amanda paa April 21, 2016 at 10:38 PM

    i loved watching you make these on snap, and had a load of berries at the time but didn’t get around to making these. but i’m determined to this summer when i get my hands on some sweet little guys.

    your experience with the farmers sounds just like something i would geek out on. i know how difficult they are to grow, and i have so much gratitude for those who have stuck it out. we reap such berrylicious benefits!

    a+ on the tips about humidity, you are the scone master. xo

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife April 21, 2016 at 11:19 PM

      I hope you make these Amanda!! They are so bright and fresh. YUM!! I just had a request for a GF scones…so that’s my next project… stay tuned. Yay gratitude…I feel the same way. It’s HARD work!!! xoxoxo

      Reply
  • Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com April 21, 2016 at 6:11 PM

    I am all about these scones and I have this strawberry obsessed son that would positively flip his lid over this recipe. That glaze – oh my! Now I know what I’m doing this weekend!

    Reply
  • annie@ciaochowbambina April 21, 2016 at 2:47 AM

    You must have been the happiest little clam walking around that strawberry farm! I know I would have been! These scones are divine…every last bit of them! :)

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife April 21, 2016 at 3:50 AM

      Oh my gosh Annie, it was the funnest day!!! The farmer was the SWEETEST person ever. He said strawberries are shaped like hearts and are the color of blood. He was very eloquent. Great day. Thanks so much for the scone love…it’s the way to my heart!! xoxo

      Reply
  • Mary Ann |The Beach House Kitchen April 21, 2016 at 12:01 AM

    Oh my Rebecca, these look incredible!! I’ve never met a scone I haven’t loved!! And I can telll, I’m going to LOVE these!! That strawberry glaze looks amazing! Great idea to use the macerated berry liquid! Can’t wait to try!

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife April 21, 2016 at 12:04 AM

      Mary Ann! I’m a bit of a scone addict…if you hadn’t noticed. Let me know if you make them! I’d love your feedback!! xoxo

      Reply
  • heather (delicious not gorgeous) April 20, 2016 at 8:05 AM

    i love the color of the glaze! and #humiditymatters is so true; not just for scones, but all baked goods! i’ve definitely had finished desserts start to sweat and buckle and do gross things when the air is too wet.

    Reply
    • DisplacedHousewife April 20, 2016 at 8:54 PM

      Thank you Heather!! So so true on the humidity thing…and you’re right, it’s not just scones! xoxo

      Reply