Matcha Scones

Introduction

Matcha Scones are a delightful twist on the traditional scone, offering a delicate balance of earthy green tea flavor and buttery richness. These scones are perfectly crumbly on the outside and soft on the inside, with just the right amount of sweetness to complement the subtle bitterness of matcha. The fragrant, vibrant green color of matcha adds a beautiful touch, making these scones not just delicious, but visually appealing as well. The slight bitterness of the matcha, combined with the sweet, flaky texture, creates a harmonious flavor profile that’s both unique and satisfying.

These scones bring me back to a peaceful afternoon spent with friends over tea. The smell of freshly baked scones, infused with the calming scent of matcha, fills the room and sets the tone for a relaxing time together. The addition of a light glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds an extra layer of sweetness, making each bite even more decadent. Whether served with jam, clotted cream, or enjoyed on their own, these scones are a treat that never disappoints.

Matcha Scones are perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea. Their delicate yet bold flavor is ideal for those who appreciate the taste of matcha and want something a little more special than the usual pastry. Pair them with a cup of hot tea, and you’ve got yourself a comforting, elegant snack that’s sure to impress. If you’re in the mood for something unique yet familiar, these scones will become your go-to recipe.

Perfect for:

Afternoon tea gatherings or casual get-togethers
A sweet and unique breakfast option
A healthy and indulgent treat
Matcha lovers looking for a baked good with a twist
Anyone looking for a beautiful, colorful addition to their dessert table

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Matcha Scones are not only delicious but also an exciting variation on a classic favorite. Here’s why you’ll love making these scones:

Unique Flavor: The bitterness of matcha perfectly complements the sweetness of the scone dough, creating a complex and satisfying taste.
Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow, even for beginners, and requires minimal effort for maximum flavor.
Healthy Twist: Matcha is packed with antioxidants, offering a healthier alternative to other traditional baked goods.
Customizable: You can modify the recipe to suit your taste by adjusting the sweetness or adding additional flavorings such as vanilla, lemon zest, or white chocolate chips.
Versatile: These scones can be served as a snack, breakfast, or dessert, and pair wonderfully with clotted cream, jam, or fresh berries.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 45 minutes
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Baking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 8-10 scones
Calories per serving: Approximately 200-250 calories

Ingredients

For the Scone Dough:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon matcha powder (ceremonial grade is preferred for best flavor)
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
2/3 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing on top)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
1/4 cup white chocolate chips or dried fruit (optional, for added sweetness)

For the Glaze (optional):

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon water or milk (adjust to achieve desired consistency)
1 teaspoon matcha powder (optional, for an extra matcha glaze)

Ingredient Highlights

Matcha Powder: Matcha is a finely ground powder made from specially grown green tea leaves. It is known for its vibrant green color and rich, earthy flavor. In addition to its distinct taste, matcha is packed with antioxidants, which may provide health benefits, such as enhanced focus and increased metabolism.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the scone dough. All-purpose flour provides structure and texture, making the scones light and fluffy.
Sugar: Granulated sugar adds a subtle sweetness that balances the bitterness of the matcha. You can adjust the amount to your liking.
Baking Powder: A leavening agent that helps the scones rise and become light and airy.
Cold Butter: The key to making scones flaky. The cold butter is cut into small cubes and mixed with the flour mixture to create a crumbly texture.
Heavy Cream: The rich liquid base for the dough that helps create a moist scone. It adds to the buttery richness of the scones.
Egg: The egg helps bind the dough together and contributes to the scones’ tender texture.
Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor to the scones. It complements the matcha flavor without overpowering it.
White Chocolate Chips/Dried Fruit: These are optional add-ins that provide extra sweetness and texture to the scones.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Dry Ingredients

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, matcha powder, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until they are evenly combined. Make sure to sift the matcha powder to avoid any clumps, as this ensures a smooth and even distribution of flavor throughout the scone dough.

2. Cut in the Butter

Next, add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour mixture. You should aim for a crumbly texture with pea-sized chunks of butter still visible. This step is essential for creating the scones’ signature flaky texture. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can also use a food processor to quickly pulse the butter into the flour mixture.

3. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract (if using). The egg helps bind the dough, while the heavy cream provides richness and moisture. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together. Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can lead to tough scones. If you’re adding white chocolate chips or dried fruit, fold them in at this stage.

4. Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times to bring it together, being careful not to overwork it. Shape the dough into a round disc about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Using a sharp knife, slice the dough into 8-10 wedges, like you would for a pizza. If you prefer, you can also use a biscuit cutter to make round scones. Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

5. Brush with Cream

To achieve a golden, glossy finish, brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking. This will give them a beautiful golden color and a slightly crisp exterior.

6. Bake the Scones

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the scones during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t brown too quickly. If needed, you can rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

7. Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the scones are cooling, prepare the optional glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and water (or milk) until smooth. If you’d like to enhance the matcha flavor, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder to the glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for a finishing touch.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Once the scones have cooled slightly, serve them with clotted cream, jam, or fresh berries for a classic British tea experience. They can be enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or dessert and are sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of matcha.

How to Serve

Matcha Scones can be served in a variety of ways depending on your personal preferences:

Classic Afternoon Tea: Serve the scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam for a traditional afternoon tea experience.
Breakfast: Enjoy the scones with a hot cup of tea or coffee in the morning for a comforting start to your day.
Dessert: Pair the scones with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a sweet treat after dinner.
Chilled Beverage Pairing: Matcha Scones also pair well with iced lattes, iced teas, or lemonades, creating a refreshing contrast to the richness of the scones.

Additional Tips

Keep the Butter Cold: For the best texture, it’s essential that the butter is cold when added to the dough. If necessary, you can place the cubed butter in the freezer for a few minutes before using it.
Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the dough can result in dense scones. Mix until the dough just comes together, and no more.
Customize the Flavor: Experiment with adding other flavors, such as lemon zest, almond extract, or even dried cranberries, to enhance the taste of the scones.
For a Crispier Texture: Bake the scones for a few extra minutes if you prefer them to be more crisp on the outside.
Vegan Option: For a vegan version, substitute the butter with vegan butter, and use a plant-based milk in place of the heavy cream. You can also use a flax egg or chia egg as a substitute for the egg.

Recipe Variations

Lemon Matcha Scones: Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon zest to the dough for a zesty citrus twist that pairs wonderfully with the matcha flavor.
Matcha and White Chocolate Scones: Add more white chocolate chips to the dough for an extra sweet and indulgent touch.
Chai-Spiced Matcha Scones: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ginger, or cardamom to the dough for a spiced variation that pairs perfectly with the matcha.
Coconut Matcha Scones: Add shredded coconut to the dough for a tropical flavor that complements the matcha perfectly.

FAQ Section

Can I use matcha powder other than ceremonial grade? While ceremonial grade matcha is preferred for its smooth flavor, culinary grade matcha can also be used. Keep in mind that culinary grade matcha has a stronger, sometimes more bitter taste.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How can I store leftover scones? Store the cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones for up to 2 months.
Can I add other ingredients to the scones? Absolutely! Dried fruits such as cranberries, apricots, or raisins, as well as chopped nuts, can be added to the dough for extra texture and flavor.
How do I make vegan Matcha Scones? Use plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk, such as almond milk or coconut milk. You can also substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg.

Conclusion

Matcha Scones are a delightful fusion of tradition and modern flavor, making them the perfect treat to elevate any tea time or breakfast gathering. The subtle bitterness of matcha beautifully balances the rich, buttery texture of the scone, offering a refined yet comforting experience with every bite.

What sets this recipe apart is its versatility; whether you prefer your scones with a simple glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar, the matcha flavor shines through, adding depth and complexity. Pair them with a cup of your favorite tea or a splash of cream for the ultimate indulgence.

Ideal for those who appreciate the finer flavors in life, Matcha Scones are sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. I’m excited for you to experience this elevated take on a classic treat—be sure to share your creations with me on social media, I’d love to see how you make them your own! Enjoy every heavenly bite!