Picture this: the aroma of fresh raspberries blending with creamy white chocolate wafting through your kitchen on a lazy morning. These Raspberry White Chocolate Scones are the perfect treat to start your day. With their tender crumb, bursts of tart raspberries, and luscious white chocolate pockets, they’re nothing short of breakfast perfection.
Why settle for store-bought scones when you can whip up a batch of these beauties in under an hour? Whether you’re hosting brunch, treating yourself, or sharing a cozy breakfast with loved ones, this recipe is bound to become a favorite. And honestly, they’re just as good on day two—if they last that long!
Recipe Story and Background
Scones have been a part of tea-time culture for centuries, with their origins tracing back to Scotland. Traditionally, they were made with oats and baked over an open flame. Over time, scones evolved into the buttery, flaky pastries we know today, often enjoyed with clotted cream and jam in English afternoon tea settings.
My love affair with scones began during a trip to London, where I had the most divine raspberry scone paired with a steaming pot of Earl Grey tea. The tartness of the berries balanced perfectly with the creamy sweetness of white chocolate, and I knew I had to recreate that magic in my own kitchen. Over the years, I’ve tinkered with the recipe to ensure it’s foolproof for home bakers.
While raspberries peak in summer, you can enjoy these scones year-round thanks to frozen raspberries. They’re perfect for holiday mornings, cozy weekends, or anytime you need a little breakfast bliss.
Ingredient Discussion
Key Ingredients for Raspberry White Chocolate Scones
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones. Make sure to use fresh flour for the best texture.
- Granulated sugar: A touch of sweetness to balance the tart raspberries.
- Baking powder: The leavening agent that gives scones their rise. Fresh baking powder is essential!
- Salt: Just a pinch to enhance the flavors.
- Unsalted butter: Cold butter is key for flaky scones. Cut it into small cubes and keep it chilled until ready to use.
- Heavy cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough. You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter option.
- Egg: Helps bind the dough and adds structure.
- Fresh or frozen raspberries: Use fresh raspberries during summer for peak flavor. Frozen raspberries work well but don’t thaw them before using.
- White chocolate chips: Choose high-quality white chocolate for the best taste. Chop a white chocolate bar for larger, creamier pockets.
Substitutions and Tips
If you’re dairy-free, substitute the cream with coconut cream and use a plant-based butter. For a gluten-free version, opt for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. You can even swap raspberries for blueberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries for a fun variation.
Store leftover raspberries in the fridge for up to three days or freeze them for future baking adventures. When choosing white chocolate, I personally love Ghirardelli or Lindt for their smooth, creamy texture.
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowls: You’ll need two—one for dry ingredients and one for wet ingredients.
- Pastry cutter: Ideal for cutting butter into the flour. If you don’t have one, use two forks or your fingers.
- Baking sheet: Line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Rolling pin: Optional. You can pat the dough into shape instead.
- Bench scraper: Handy for cutting the dough into neat wedges.
If you’re just starting out, don’t worry about buying fancy tools—your hands and a trusty knife work wonders. Keep your equipment clean and dry for the best results.
Preparation Method
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 ½ cups (315g) of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Cut in butter: Add ½ cup (115g) of cold, cubed unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream and 1 large egg. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add raspberries and white chocolate: Gently fold in 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen raspberries and ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips. Be careful not to crush the raspberries.
- Shape the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle. Cut into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Bake: Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with a little cream for a golden finish. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the scones cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Tips and Techniques
The key to perfect scones is cold ingredients. Cold butter ensures flaky layers, while cold raspberries prevent excess moisture. Work quickly to keep the butter from warming up.
If your dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little extra flour while shaping. Avoid overmixing—this can make the scones tough. And don’t skip the cream brushing step; it gives the scones a lovely golden color.
For even baking, rotate your sheet halfway through the cooking time. If your raspberries are extra juicy, toss them in a little flour before folding them into the dough to prevent bleeding.
Variations and Adaptations
- Berry swap: Replace raspberries with blueberries, chopped strawberries, or blackberries for a different fruity twist.
- Chocolate lovers: Add dark or milk chocolate chips instead of white chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Citrus kick: Zest a lemon or orange into the dough for a bright, zesty flavor.
- Healthier option: Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier taste.
- Gluten-free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make these scones accessible for everyone.
Personally, I love adding a touch of almond extract for a subtle nutty undertone—it’s a game changer!
Serving and Storage Suggestions
Serve these scones warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a smear of softened butter. Pair them with a cup of tea, coffee, or even a glass of milk for a comforting breakfast.
To store, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze the scones in a zip-top bag for up to three months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to refresh their texture.
Over time, the flavors of white chocolate and raspberries meld together beautifully, so don’t be afraid to enjoy them the next day.
Nutritional Information and Benefits
Each scone contains approximately:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
Raspberries are packed with antioxidants and vitamin C, while the white chocolate adds a touch of indulgence. These scones are a delightful way to treat yourself without going overboard.
For those with dietary restrictions, you can easily adapt this recipe to suit your needs without compromising on flavor.
Conclusion
There’s something magical about homemade Raspberry White Chocolate Scones. The combination of tart raspberries and creamy white chocolate creates a balance of flavors that’s irresistible. Whether you’re making them for yourself or sharing them with someone special, they’re sure to bring a little extra joy to your morning.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your preferences. I’d love to hear how yours turn out—drop a comment below or share your creation on social media. Let’s keep the scone love alive!
Happy baking, and here’s to breakfast bliss!
FAQs
Can I use frozen raspberries?
Absolutely! Frozen raspberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just use them straight from the freezer to prevent them from bleeding into the dough.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked scones and bake them fresh as needed. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time.
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
Reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Definitely! Dark chocolate adds a richer flavor and pairs beautifully with raspberries.
How do I prevent scones from spreading too much?
Chill the shaped scones in the fridge for 15 minutes before baking. This helps the butter stay cold and prevents excess spreading.
PrintBest Raspberry White Chocolate Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
Description
These Raspberry White Chocolate Scones are the perfect treat to start your day, combining tart raspberries and creamy white chocolate for breakfast bliss.
Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups (315g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen raspberries
- ½ cup (90g) white chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter or fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until a shaggy dough forms.
- Gently fold in raspberries and white chocolate chips, being careful not to crush the raspberries.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch-thick circle. Cut into 8 equal wedges using a sharp knife or bench scraper.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with a little cream for a golden finish.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until lightly browned.
- Let the scones cool on a wire rack for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
Keep ingredients cold for flaky layers. Toss raspberries in flour to prevent bleeding. Chill shaped scones before baking to prevent spreading.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: British
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 4
Keywords: raspberry scones, white chocolate scones, breakfast recipe, easy scones, homemade scones