Ingredients
For the Caramelized Peaches
- 3 large peaches, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
For the Scones
- 3 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon culinary lavender, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cups cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 2/3 cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla flavoring
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup raw sugar
For the Glaze
- 1 to 2 cups powdered sugar
- Reserved 1/3 cup caramelized peach slices and syrupy juice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon milk or water (to adjust glaze consistency)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Peaches: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss the peach slices with olive oil and brown sugar, then roast them on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 15 minutes. Toss the peaches again and roast for another 10 minutes until they become golden and caramelized. Remove from the oven and allow to cool.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, culinary lavender, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using your fingers, a fork, or pastry blender, mix until the butter pieces resemble coarse crumbs. This step takes about 2-3 minutes and is key for flaky scones.
- Add Peaches to the Dough: Toss most of the cooled caramelized peach slices (reserving about 1/3 cup along with some juice) into the flour and butter crumbs, coating them evenly to distribute the fruit throughout the dough.
- Form the Dough: Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the buttermilk and vanilla flavoring. Mix gently with a large spoon until a sticky dough forms. Flour your hands and work surface to handle the dough without sticking.
- Shape the Scones: Divide the dough into two equal portions and pat each into a 6-inch circle or create one larger circle for bigger scones. Cut each circle into 6 to 8 wedges.
- Prepare for Baking: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle raw sugar over each.
- Bake the Scones: Bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes for standard sized scones, or about 15 minutes if making larger wedges, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- Make the Glaze: Add the reserved peaches and their syrupy juice to a food processor and blend until smooth. Transfer the puree to a bowl and gradually stir in powdered sugar until you achieve a syrupy glaze consistency. Add more powdered sugar or a teaspoon of milk or water if needed to adjust thickness.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the peach glaze over warm scones before serving. Optionally, sprinkle additional culinary lavender on top for garnish and aroma.
Notes
- Ensure butter is very cold for flaky, tender scones.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones.
- Culinary lavender can be found in specialty food stores or online; use sparingly as it has a strong flavor.
- Adjust the glaze sweetness and consistency according to your preference.
- Scones are best enjoyed fresh the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
- Reheat scones gently before serving to refresh their texture.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American