Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman, is beloved for her approachable and delicious recipes, and her cream scones are no exception. This recipe for Pioneer Woman Scones delivers perfectly tender and buttery scones that are ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this guide will walk you through creating classic cream scones and exciting variations like Lemon Rosemary and Maple Bacon.
Close-up of Pioneer Woman Cream Scones on a Plate
Pioneer Woman Cream Scones Recipe: Your Step-by-Step Guide
This recipe, inspired by Ree Drummond’s cookbook, focuses on simplicity and flavor. The base recipe is for classic cream scones, which are incredibly versatile. From there, we’ll explore how to transform them into zesty Lemon Rosemary scones and savory Maple Bacon delights.
Ingredients for Perfect Pioneer Woman Scones
Scones:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅔ cups sugar
- 4 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
Lemon Rosemary Glaze:
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup milk, plus more if needed
- 2 lemons
- Leaves from 2 rosemary sprigs, finely minced
Maple Bacon Glaze:
- 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ½ cup milk, plus more if needed
- 2 tablespoons maple extract
- 8 thin slices bacon, fried crisp and chopped
Baking Instructions for Light and Fluffy Scones
- Prep Time: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, sift together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt using a sifter or fine mesh strainer. This ensures a light and airy texture for your pioneer woman scones.
- Incorporate Butter: Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or two forks until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for creating flaky scones.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, measure the heavy cream and add the egg. Whisk to combine. For lemon rosemary scones, add the zest of one lemon and half of the minced rosemary to this cream mixture.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gently drizzle the cream mixture over the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix; a slightly shaggy dough is perfect.
- Shape the Dough: On a lightly floured surface, press the dough into a rectangle shape and roll it out to about ⅓ inch thickness. Try to maintain a rectangular shape for even scones.
- Cut into Scones: Use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut the rectangle into 12 smaller rectangles, then cut each rectangle diagonally to form 24 triangles. These classic triangle shapes are iconic for scones.
- Bake: Transfer the scones to a baking sheet and bake for 18 minutes, or until they are just beginning to turn golden brown.
- Cool and Glaze (Optional): Let the scones cool slightly before serving plain, with your favorite jam or jelly, or glazing with one of the delicious options below.
Elevate Your Scones with Flavorful Variations
While the classic cream scone is delightful on its own, these variations inspired by Pioneer Woman Ree Drummond will add exciting twists to your baking repertoire.
Lemon Rosemary Pioneer Woman Scones: Zesty and Aromatic
To make lemon rosemary scones, follow the base recipe, remembering to add lemon zest and rosemary to the cream mixture as instructed in step 4. For the glaze:
- Prepare Lemon Rosemary Glaze: Combine the sifted powdered sugar and milk in a large bowl.
- Add Lemon and Rosemary Flavor: Stir in the juice and zest of one lemon and the remaining minced rosemary. Mix until smooth, adding more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Glaze the Scones: Once the scones are cooled, dunk them completely in the lemon rosemary glaze and place them on a cooling rack until the glaze is set. The combination of lemon and rosemary creates a bright and sophisticated flavor profile.
Maple Bacon Pioneer Woman Scones: Sweet and Savory Indulgence
For a truly decadent treat, try the maple bacon variation. Follow the basic scone recipe and then prepare the maple bacon glaze:
- Prepare Maple Bacon Glaze: Combine the sifted powdered sugar, milk, and maple extract in a bowl. Stir until smooth, adding more milk to thin if necessary.
- Glaze and Garnish: Once the scones are cooled, drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of maple glaze over each scone.
- Add Bacon Crunch: Sprinkle the chopped, crisp bacon over the glazed scones. Allow the glaze to set completely before serving. The salty bacon perfectly complements the sweet maple glaze and buttery scone.
Conclusion: Baking Bliss with Pioneer Woman Scones
Ree Drummond’s pioneer woman scones recipe is a fantastic foundation for creating a variety of delicious baked goods. From the simple elegance of cream scones to the vibrant Lemon Rosemary and the indulgent Maple Bacon, there’s a scone for every palate. Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy the delightful taste of homemade pioneer woman scones fresh from your oven!
