Name: Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 24 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted brown butter (cold); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring; 1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring; 2 cups pastry flour (can substitute all purpose flour); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 cup sliced almonds; Sliced almonds (for sprinkling); Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 2 reviews

There is something truly magical about the rich, nutty aroma that fills your kitchen when you bake up a batch of these delightful treats. This Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe brings together the warm, caramel notes of brown butter and the delicate crunch of almonds in a tender, flaky scone that feels both indulgent and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying them fresh from the oven with a steaming cup of tea or sharing them with friends on a cozy morning, these scones have a way of making every bite feel special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with a mixture of pale dough and small chunks of butter or fat, some parts appearing crumbly and others slightly moist, sitting on a white marbled surface. The dough has a rough texture with uneven pieces before being fully combined. No utensils or hands are present in the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet incredibly purposeful, balancing one another to create the perfect texture, flavor, and appearance. From the nutty depth of browned butter to the subtle sweetness of vanilla and almond flavoring, every element plays a vital role in crafting these wonderful scones.

1/2 cup unsalted brown butter (cold): This adds a rich, nutty flavor that elevates the scones beyond ordinary.
1/2 cup heavy cream: Provides moisture and contributes to a tender crumb.
1 large egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: Enhances the overall sweetness and depth of flavor.
1/2 teaspoon almond flavoring: Delivers a delicate almond aroma that complements the nuts.
2 cups pastry flour: Offers a lighter texture than all-purpose flour, resulting in fluffier scones.
1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps with browning.
1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives lift and lightness to the dough.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and heightens the almond flavor.
1 cup sliced almonds: Adds crunch and beautiful nutty bites throughout.
Sliced almonds for topping: Adds eye-catching texture and a toasty finish.
Powdered sugar (for dusting): A delicate, sweet finishing touch.

How to Make Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Brown Butter

Start by melting your unsalted butter over medium heat until it turns a lovely golden brown and smells nutty—this is where all the magic begins. Once browned, chill the butter in the fridge until it’s completely solid, then cut it into small chunks. This cold, nutty butter will create the tender, flaky texture every great scone needs.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla flavoring, and almond flavoring. These wet ingredients add moisture, richness, and a subtle fragrance to the dough that complements the brown butter perfectly. Set this mixture aside for now, as it will soon be combined with the dry ingredients.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the pastry flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. This blend of dry ingredients forms the backbone of the scone dough by balancing sweetness and helping the scones rise just right.

Step 4: Incorporate the Brown Butter

Add your cold chunks of brown butter to the dry mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour until the texture resembles pea-sized crumbs. This step is key to that buttery flakiness that makes these scones so irresistible.

Step 5: Fold in the Almonds

Next, toss the sliced almonds into the flour and butter mixture. Coating them in flour ensures even distribution throughout the dough and prevents them from sinking to the bottom during baking. Those crunchy almond bits are crucial for delightful texture contrasts.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly drizzle the wet cream mixture over the dry ingredients while gently mixing with a spatula or your hands. Stir just until the dough begins to come together – it should be slightly sticky but cohesive. If it’s too dry, add a splash of extra cream, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency.

Step 7: Shape the Dough

Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently press it into an 8-inch round disc. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into eight equal triangles. Alternatively, you can shape the dough into a metal scone pan for a slightly different look and texture.

Step 8: Prepare for Baking

Place the scones a few inches apart on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the tops with cream for a beautiful golden finish and sprinkle with additional sliced almonds for extra crunch and eye appeal.

Step 9: Chill Before Baking

Pop the baking sheet with your scones into the freezer for 20 to 30 minutes. This chilling step firms up the dough, helping the scones keep their shape and develop a flakier texture during baking.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

While chilling, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the scones for 18 to 24 minutes until their tops are beautifully golden brown. Once baked, transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly before the final touch.

Step 11: Final Touch

Once cooled, dust the scones lightly with powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet finish. Now your Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe is ready to shine!

How to Serve Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe

Three golden brown triangular almond scones are placed on a white plate with a white marbled texture surface. Each scone is topped with a thin layer of lightly toasted almond slices and dusted with a white powder of powdered sugar. Behind the scones, a small white bowl filled with more sliced almonds is visible. The background is soft and light, enhancing the warm tones of the scones. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of honey makes a lovely topping that enhances the scones’ nutty flavor and adds a touch of sparkle. For a bit of color and added flavor, you can also serve with fresh berries or a spread of almond butter.

Side Dishes

These scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, perfect for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon treat. For a more indulgent experience, try them alongside a small bowl of lemon curd, clotted cream, or jam – the slight tartness cuts through the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch or special event, arrange your scones on a tiered cake stand with a few sprigs of fresh herbs or edible flowers for a charming presentation. You can also slice them horizontally and fill with mascarpone and sliced fruit for a fancy twist everyone will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any scones left over (though that rarely happens), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them fresh and tender without becoming dry or stale.

Freezing

The Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To enjoy frozen or leftover scones, reheat them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through and slightly crisp on the edges. Avoid microwaving, as that can make them chewy instead of flaky.

FAQs

Can I substitute all-purpose flour for pastry flour?

Yes! While pastry flour gives a lighter, fluffier texture, you can absolutely use all-purpose flour if that’s what you have on hand. The scones will be slightly denser but still delicious.

What does browning the butter add to the scones?

Brown butter adds a deep, nutty flavor that regular melted butter can’t match. It transforms the scones by adding complexity and richness, making each bite more flavorful.

Can I make these scones dairy-free?

You could substitute a non-dairy cream alternative and use a plant-based butter to brown, but results may vary slightly in texture. The traditional recipe shines best with real dairy ingredients.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

The tops should be golden brown and the scones should feel firm to the touch but still tender inside. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Can I add other nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries would all be wonderful additions. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins close to one cup to maintain the dough’s balance.

Final Thoughts

If you love classic baked goods with a little twist, this Brown Butter Almond Scones Recipe will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both everyday breakfasts and special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try, and get ready to enjoy scones that are crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, with a nutty richness that’s absolutely irresistible.