Pistachio Scone Recipe Perfect for Breakfast or Tea Time

There’s something truly magical about a freshly baked scone. Warm, crumbly, and slightly buttery with just the right amount of sweetness, scones are a perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

Among the many varieties, pistachio scones stand out with their delightful crunch and subtle nutty flavor that complements the tender, flaky texture of the dough. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a kitchen novice, this pistachio scone recipe will guide you through making bakery-quality scones right at home.

These scones are a wonderful way to incorporate the rich taste and vibrant color of pistachios, creating a deliciously unique twist on a classic favorite. Enjoy them plain or with a smear of clotted cream, honey, or your favorite jam.

Plus, they pair beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee to brighten any moment of your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pistachio scone recipe is designed to be simple, quick, and incredibly rewarding. You’ll love it because:

• Quick preparation: Ready from start to finish in under 40 minutes.
• Perfect texture: Tender, flaky, and moist on the inside with a lightly crisp exterior.
• Nutty flavor: Roasted pistachios add a distinctive crunch and earthiness that elevates every bite.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak with add-ins like dried fruit, white chocolate chips, or citrus zest.
• Great for all skill levels: Step-by-step instructions make it accessible for beginners and pros alike.

Plus, this recipe uses everyday ingredients and requires minimal equipment, making it an accessible baking project for anyone craving a cozy homemade treat.

Ingredients

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup (65g) granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 3/4 cup (180ml) heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup (100g) shelled pistachios, roughly chopped
• Optional: 1 tbsp turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Pastry cutter or two forks (for cutting butter)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Mixing spoon or spatula
• Whisk
• Knife or bench scraper (for cutting dough)
• Cooling rack

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine the dry ingredients: Mix together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter: Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
4. Stir in the chopped pistachios: Reserve a small handful for topping if desired.
5. Mix the wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth.
6. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold together using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to overmix — the dough should just come together and be slightly sticky.
7. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 8 inches in diameter and approximately 1 inch thick.
8. Cut the scones: Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out slightly.
9. Brush with cream and sprinkle pistachios: Lightly brush the tops of the scones with extra heavy cream. Sprinkle the reserved pistachios and, if using, turbinado sugar on top for a lovely crunch and sparkle.
10. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Cool and serve: Remove the scones from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack. Let them cool slightly before serving warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

“For the best scones, keep your butter cold and handle the dough gently to ensure a flaky, tender texture.”

• Use chilled ingredients: Keep your butter and cream cold until mixing to prevent the dough from becoming greasy.
• Don’t overwork the dough: Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together.
• Add flavor twists: Enhance your pistachio scones with lemon zest, orange zest, or a handful of dried cranberries for a fruity note.
• Make them vegan: Substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water) instead of the egg.
• Glaze option: For a sweet finish, drizzle a simple icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of milk once the scones have cooled.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

Pistachio scones are wonderfully versatile and pair well with many accompaniments:

• Classic: A dollop of clotted cream and your favorite jam, such as raspberry or apricot.
• Breakfast: Serve warm alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit for a balanced morning meal.
• Tea time: Enjoy with a hot cup of Earl Grey or green tea for a moment of calm indulgence.
• Savory twist: Try them with cream cheese and smoked salmon for a delicious savory snack.

For more delightful baking ideas, check out these recipes: Clean Eating Breakfast Vegetarian Recipes for Every Morning, Chocolate Chippy Pumpkin Bread Mix Vegan Recipe Made Easy, and Best Vegan Chocolate Recipes for Decadent Desserts.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of pistachio scones is a rewarding way to bring a touch of elegance and comfort into your kitchen. This recipe balances simplicity with rich flavors, resulting in scones that are both delicious and visually appealing thanks to the vibrant green pistachios.

Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just to brighten up an ordinary day, these scones provide a delightful experience from the first bite to the last crumb.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with this basic recipe—swap in your favorite nuts, add dried fruits, or even a hint of spice. Baking is all about creativity and joy, and pistachio scones are a perfect canvas for your culinary imagination.

So grab your mixing bowl and enjoy the warm, nutty goodness of homemade scones fresh from your oven!

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