Go Back
The right ingredients make the best scones. Here’s what you need to create these brown butter pecan scones: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, browned and cooled - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 3/4 cup chopped pecans - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) - 1/4 cup coarse sugar for sprinkling Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour gives structure. The sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise. Salt balances the flavors. Browned butter adds a rich, nutty taste that makes these scones special. Heavy cream provides moisture. The egg binds everything together. Pecans add crunch and flavor. Vanilla extract enhances sweetness. Cinnamon offers a warm spice, but it’s optional. Coarse sugar gives a nice finish on top. Finding fresh ingredients matters. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels. Fresh pecans will bring out the best taste. Each bite should be flavorful and satisfying. Enjoy gathering these ingredients, as they are the base of your delicious scones! To start, we need to brown the butter. In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir it often. Keep cooking until the butter turns a golden brown and smells nutty. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove it from the heat. Let it cool slightly before using it in the recipe. Cooling is important so your scones do not end up too greasy. Now, let’s mix our dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon if you choose to use it. This helps the scones rise and adds flavor. In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together until they blend well. This mixture will add moisture and richness to the scones. Next, we will combine the wet and dry ingredients. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to mix gently. Be careful not to overmix. It’s okay if some flour is still visible. Now fold in the chopped pecans, which add a nice crunch and nutty flavor. Now it’s time to shape the dough. Transfer the mixture to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a circle that is about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pastry cutter, slice the dough into 8 wedges. This will help the scones bake evenly. Before baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar. This gives them a beautiful, shiny finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them. They should turn golden brown when done. You can test doneness by gently pressing the tops. If they spring back, they are ready. Enjoy the wonderful aroma as they bake! - Avoiding overmixing: Mixing too much makes scones tough. Stir gently until just combined. It's okay if the dough looks a little lumpy. - Correct dough thickness: Aim for a dough thickness of about 1 inch. This will ensure even baking and fluffy scones. - Butter alternatives: You can use coconut oil or vegan butter if you want a dairy-free option. Both will still give your scones a nice texture. - Gluten-free options: If you need a gluten-free version, try a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best results. - Best beverages to pair with scones: Hot tea or coffee pairs well with these scones. The nutty flavor of pecans shines through in both drinks. - Optional toppings and spreads: Try serving with honey, butter, or jam. A drizzle of maple syrup is also a tasty choice! {{image_2}} You can change the scone flavor with fun add-ins. For a sweet twist, try chocolate chips. They melt and make the scones rich and tasty. You can also add dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. These fruits add a burst of flavor and a chewy texture. If you want to play with nuts, walnuts or almonds work well. Each nut brings its own taste, giving you a new scone experience. You can mix different nuts and seeds for a delightful crunch. This way, you can customize your scones to your liking. Seasonal flavors can make your scones unique. In fall, add spices like nutmeg or pumpkin spice. These spices give warmth and make each bite cozy. You can also add citrus zest, like from an orange. This adds a fresh and bright flavor that wakes up your taste buds. You can freeze the scone dough for later use. Shape the dough as directed. Wrap each wedge in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag and remove excess air. Label the bag with the date. The dough can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to bake, no need to thaw. Just add a few extra minutes to your bake time. To keep baked scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them in foil or plastic wrap. This helps prevent them from drying out. They will stay fresh for about two to three days at room temperature. For longer storage, place them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes, until warm. This method helps keep the scones soft and flaky. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit chewy. If you choose the microwave, heat them in 10-second bursts. Enjoy your warm, flavorful treat! Yes, you can use salted butter. Just skip the added salt in the recipe. Salted butter will make the scones taste a bit different. If you like that flavor, go for it! The scones are done when they turn golden brown on top. You can also check by gently pressing the center; it should feel firm. Another sign is a nice, nutty aroma filling your kitchen. Yes, you can make the dough ahead. Just shape the scones and freeze them. When you’re ready, bake them straight from the freezer. This method keeps them fresh and tasty! Brown butter has a rich, nutty flavor. You make it by cooking butter until it turns golden brown. This process adds depth to your scones. It creates a warm, toasty flavor that is hard to resist! Absolutely! Walnuts or almonds work well in these scones. You can even use a mix of your favorite nuts. Just chop them up as you would the pecans. Enjoy the new flavors! In this post, we covered key ingredients and steps for perfect scones. You learned how to make brown butter, choose the right texture, and explore fun variations. Enjoy adding your favorite flavors or spices to make these scones your own. Follow my tips for storage and reheating, so your scones stay fresh. Baking scones is fun and rewarding. Now, you have all you need to create delicious scones at home! Get started and impress your family and friends.

Brown Butter Pecan Scones

Indulge in the delightful taste of Brown Butter Pecan Scones with this easy recipe! Discover how to achieve the perfect balance of nutty flavor and buttery goodness. You'll love the crunch of pecans paired with a golden-brown finish. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are a must-try! Click to explore the full recipe and treat yourself to this delicious baked delight.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

3/4 cup pecans, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

1/4 cup coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

    Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

        Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, combine the browned butter, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well blended.

          Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped pecans.

            Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Using a sharp knife or a pastry cutter, slice the dough into 8 wedges.

              Brush and Sprinkle: Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar.

                Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown.

                  Cool and Serve: Once done, remove from the oven and let the scones cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 8 scones