• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Chenée Today
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Cookbook
  • Shop
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Cookbook
    • Shop
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Breakfast and Brunch

    Lemon Poppyseed Scones

    February 17, 2021 by Chenée Lewis

    109 shares
    lemon poppyseed scones

    Moist, fluffy lemon poppyseed scones are the perfect breakfast treat! These are the best lemon poppy seed scones with sour cream for an extra rich texture. And if you love these scones, you’ll definitely want to try my Earl Grey Scones with Vanilla Bean Glaze, my Pecan Pastry Braid, and my Iced Sugar Cookie Almond Milk Latte (Starbucks Copycat)!

    stacked lemon poppyseed scones
    Lemon Poppyseed Scones
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe

    *This post contains affiliate links — as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure for details*.

    Best Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Recipe

    I love citrus season! Some of my favorite recipes on this site, like my Orange Rosemary Olive Oil Cake or my Lemon Icebox Pie are full of citrus flavor that is so perfect this time of year. And today I'm so excited to share these lemon poppyseed scones! They're soft and tender, with the perfect amount of tart lemon flavor and crunchy poppy seeds for texture. Then, just top them with a simple lemon glaze and you've got the perfect brunch treat or afternoon snack!

    This lemon poppyseed scones recipe is based on my cinnamon scones recipe, and just like those, you won't be able to stop eating them! They're perfectly sweet and so easy to make!

    lemon poppy seed scones on a rack
    Best Lemon Poppy Seed Scones

    What makes a good scone?

    So what is the secret to making good scones? Well, the number one thing to remember is to keep your ingredients cold. That means starting with frozen butter, and adding cold sour cream and a cold egg. Plus, we're grating our butter into the dry ingredients, which will help it to mix in easily without giving it time to warm up. Finally, when our lemon poppyseed scones are ready to bake, we'll pop the whole baking sheet in the freezer while the oven preheats. This re-chills the butter and makes sure we get the best rise and most tender and flaky texture.

    Should you put eggs in scones?

    What does adding an egg do to scones? An egg is an important ingredient in scones to provide the texture and structure for the best lemon poppy seed scones! Without an egg, your scones will be a bit drier and won't rise as high.

    ingredients for lemon poppyseed scones
    Lemon Poppy Seed Scones Ingredients

    Lemon Poppyseed Scones Ingredients

    Here's what you'll need for this simple lemon poppyseed scones recipe:

    • granulated sugar - adds just enough sweetness to these scones!
    • lemon zest - we're going to rub the zest into the sugar to release the lemon oil and boost the lemony flavor even more! Be sure to only zest the yellow outer part of the lemon rind, avoiding the white pith, which can add bitterness.
    • all-purpose flour - you'll want to measure your flour by weight using a kitchen scale for the most accurate result, or use the spoon-and-level method.
    • baking powder & baking soda - helps to give these lemon poppyseed scones their lift!
    • poppy seeds - these add some nice nutty flavor and texture to these scones.
    • frozen salted butter - because we need the butter to be very cold and stay cold until the scones are in the oven, we're going to use frozen butter grated with a box grater so that it incorporates into the dough quickly without too much manipulation.
    • sour cream - I recommend using full-fat sour cream for the best texture.
    • an egg - unlike in most baking recipes, you'll actually want to use a cold egg for this lemon poppyseed scones recipe!
    • vanilla extract - definitely opt for a good-quality pure vanilla extract. Or better yet, check out my post on how to make vanilla extract at home with just 2 ingredients!

    And for the quick lemon glaze you'll just need:

    • fresh-squeezed lemon juice
    • powdered sugar
    • vanilla extract

    Equipment

    You'll need a box grater to grate your frozen butter, and I like to use a bench scraper to divide the dough into 8 pieces. Other than that, you'll need a large sheet pan to bake your scones. Here are all my tool recommendations:

    Tips and F.A.Q.

    How do I get my scones to rise and be fluffy?

    How do you make scones rise and not spread? Well, as I mentioned, make sure you grate in frozen butter and use cold ingredients!

    Also, don't over mix your dough or handle it too much before baking. We're also using a special ingredient, sour cream, as an additional boost. It interacts with the baking soda in the dry ingredients to add even more lift to these lemon poppyseed scones!

    Finally, make sure your oven is the right temperature and is fully preheated before you begin baking. If your oven temp is a little low, your butter may melt before the outside of the scones have risen and firmed up. I recommend using an oven thermometer to double check your oven temperature and adjust accordingly.

    Do you need to put eggs in scones?

    I think so! Adding an egg gives these lemon poppyseed scones a richer, softer texture and helps them to rise while baking.

    How many calories are in a lemon poppyseed scone?

    One of these scones, including the lemon glaze, has a total of 406 calories. See below for complete nutrition information.

    lemon poppy seed scones on a tray

    Can these lemon poppyseed scones be frozen?

    Yes! They're best frozen prior to baking -- just freeze them solid, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Then just bake straight from frozen and add a few more minutes to the bake time.

    Why do you rest scones before baking?

    The chilling step allows the gluten in the dough to rest so that your lemon poppyseed scones keep their shape as they rise in the oven.

    If you try this recipe, I would love it if you could leave a star review rating and comment below! It’s so wonderful hearing your feedback! And don’t forget to share your creations with me by tagging @chenee_today on Instagram!

    More Lemon Recipes You'll Love

    • Lemon Dump Cake
    • Almond Lemon Cookies
    • Vegan Olive Oil Cake with Lemon and Pistachio
    • Buttermilk Blueberry Muffins with Lemon Zest
    • Lemon Lavender Cupcakes
    • Lemon Icebox Pie
    stacked lemon poppyseed scones

    Lemon Poppyseed Scones with Simple Lemon Glaze

    Print Pin Recipe Rate Recipe
    Moist, fluffy lemon poppyseed scones are the perfect breakfast treat! These are the best lemon poppy seed scones with sour cream for an extra rich texture.
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 16 minutes
    Total Time: 31 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine :American, British
    Servings: 8 scones
    Calories: 406kcal
    Recipe Source: Chenée Lewis

    Equipment you may need

    • ¾ sheet baking pan
    • mixing bowls
    • whisk
    • parchment paper
    • measuring cups and spoons
    • cooling rack
    • food scale
    • silicone baking mat
    • box grater
    • bench scraper

    Ingredients

    • 1 large egg
    • ¾ cup (173 g) full-fat sour cream - or greek yogurt
    • 2 teaspoon (10 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • ½ cup (100 g) granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon (6 g) lemon zest - packed (about one lemon)
    • 2 cup (250 g) all-purpose flour - measured by weight with a kitchen scale or with the spoon-and-level method
    • 2 teaspoon (8 g) baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon (1 g) baking soda
    • 2 tablespoon (18 g) poppy seeds
    • ½ cup (114 g) salted butter - frozen

    Lemon Glaze

    • 2 cups (240 g) powdered sugar
    • ¼ cup (61 g) fresh squeezed lemon juice
    • ½ teaspoon (2 ml) pure vanilla extract
    • pinch salt

    Instructions

    • At least one hour before preparing dough (or the night before), place butter in freezer.
      ½ cup salted butter
    • In a medium bowl, whisk together sour cream, egg, and vanilla. Set aside in fridge to keep cool.
      1 large egg, ¾ cup full-fat sour cream, 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • In a separate large bowl, combine sugar and lemon zest, pressing zest into sugar to release oils.
      ½ cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon zest
    • Whisk in flour, baking powder, baking soda, and poppy seeds and mix well.
      2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoon baking powder, 2 tablespoon poppy seeds, ¼ teaspoon baking soda
    • Grate in frozen butter and combine with dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or a fork, blend butter into flour mixture.
    • Fold sour cream mixture into dry ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined. Use floured hands to continue to lightly knead dough into a ball.
    • Place dough on a lightly floured surface and dust top of dough ball with a little more flour. Gently shape into a 8-inch round flattened disk and cut into 8 wedges. Place wedges in a circle, slightly touching each other, on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking liner.
    • Preheat oven to 400°F and place baking sheet with scones in the freezer to chill while it heats up.
    • Bake for 16-17 minutes or until scones are lightly golden on top and golden brown on bottom. Let cool before adding glaze.

    Lemon Glaze

    • Whisk glaze ingredients together until smooth.
      2 cups powdered sugar, ¼ cup fresh squeezed lemon juice, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, pinch salt
    • Place scones on cooling rack over parchment paper or paper towels to catch drips. Drizzle glaze over cooled scones and allow to set.

    Video

    Notes

    Make Ahead: These lemon poppyseed scones can be frozen prior to baking -- just freeze them solid, then place in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Then just bake straight from frozen and add a few more minutes to the bake time.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1 scone | Calories: 406 kcal | Carbohydrates: 68 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 14 g | Saturated Fat: 8 g | Cholesterol: 54 mg | Sodium: 133 mg | Potassium: 201 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 43 g | Calcium: 99 mg | Iron: 2 mg
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Tags: best lemon poppy seed scones, glazed lemon scones, lemon glaze for scones, lemon poppy seed scones, lemon poppy seed scones buttermilk, lemon poppy seed scones with greek yogurt, lemon poppyseed scones, lemon scone recipe, lemon scones, lemon scones recipe, recipe for lemon scones
    Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can't wait to see (and share) your results! Follow me on Instagram at @chenee_today and tag #cheneetoday!

    Pin this lemon poppyseed scones recipe for later!

    lemon poppyseed scones

    Last Updated on June 17, 2022 by Chenée Lewis

    More Breakfast Recipes and Brunch Ideas

    • Pecan Pastry Braid
    • Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies with Banana and Cacao
    • 24 Thanksgiving Breakfast Ideas to Start Your Day Right
    • Sweet Potato Pop Tarts
    109 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Let Me Know What You Think! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    1. Gary

      January 01, 2023 at 12:52 pm

      5 stars
      I made a comment here back in the summer about how great this recipe is - but I wanted to follow up that comment with another.

      Since then, I have made many different combinations: blueberry, lemon blueberry, maple bacon, orange ginger, cranberry orange, wineberry white chocolate, raspberry white chocolate, and others I can't remember.

      For all of them, I have used your basic recipe and techniques as a starting point, then added various ingredients to make different combinations. It's never failed once. I've had MANY people tell me that they are the best scones they've ever had. One particular friend even mentioned that her aunt was very competitive and had been making her own for years. After the friend tried mine, she said they were better, and even told her aunt. The aunt was very skeptical, but after I shared the recipe, she made them and agreed.

      I can't thank you enough. I think I would have given up on making a decent scone if I hadn't found your recipe!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        January 10, 2023 at 6:17 pm

        Gary you made my day with this comment! I'm so glad you like the recipe and that it works with so many combinations! Thank you so much for trying it and for the feedback! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Gary

      July 25, 2022 at 11:52 am

      5 stars
      This was the second lemon poppy seed scone recipe I tried today. The first was a disaster (which is why I sought out a second). It was poorly written and the directions and ingredients didn't match - on top of which it tasted like crap. It was so bad I started wondering if I had lost my touch.

      Then I found your recipe. I read it through it first and it was obviously written with a lot of thought and care by someone that actually knew something about cooking.

      I followed it to a "T" (with the exception of adding minced fresh rosemary). These are THE best scones I've ever had - and that includes all the ones we had over in Ireland when we visited for two weeks last month (and those were quite good).

      I'm going to be looking for your other recipes and just wanted to say thanks for such a well-written and easy-to-follow recipe (the weights in grams were just a huge bonus!).

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 25, 2022 at 6:17 pm

        Thank you so much Gary! It's great to hear that you enjoyed the scones and that they were able to redeem your scone baking experience from earlier in the day! Really appreciate the feedback. 🙂

        Reply
    3. Erica S

      July 21, 2022 at 9:27 pm

      5 stars
      The scones are tender and delicious with just the right amount of sweetness! What I really appreciate, though, is the hassle-free way you laid out the recipe! The ingredients listed under each step was perfect and something I haven’t seen elsewhere.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        July 22, 2022 at 3:38 pm

        Thanks so much for the feedback! It definitely saves the effort of scrolling up and down!

        Reply
    4. Biana

      March 11, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      5 stars
      These scones look so good, they are perfect for spring! Looking forward to making them.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 11, 2021 at 11:33 pm

        I hope you enjoy them! 🙂

        Reply
    5. Sara Welch

      March 11, 2021 at 6:42 pm

      5 stars
      Enjoyed this for breakfast this morning and started my day off right, indeed! Paired perfectly with my morning cup of coffee; delish!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 11, 2021 at 11:33 pm

        Wonderful! Thanks for giving them a try. I'm so glad you enjoyed them!

        Reply
    6. Jamie

      March 11, 2021 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      I love how this looks with all the poppyseeds! Definitely one of my favorite flavors for scone!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 11, 2021 at 11:34 pm

        Mine too! It's such a great flavor combination!

        Reply
    7. Michelle

      March 11, 2021 at 5:44 pm

      5 stars
      These lemon poppyseed scones were so delicious and easy to make! Thank you!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 11, 2021 at 11:51 pm

        Great! I'm so glad you liked them!

        Reply
    8. Lindsay

      March 11, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      these are so good! I love how lemony and sweet they are, and the crunch from the poppyseeds is totally perfect.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 18, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Thank you! I'm so glad you liked them!

        Reply
    9. Cathleen

      March 05, 2021 at 6:18 pm

      5 stars
      I am OBSESSED with scones, so this is perfect!! Definitely giving this a try this weekend, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 17, 2021 at 11:42 pm

        You're welcome! I hope you enjoy them!

        Reply
    10. Jacqueline Meldrum

      March 05, 2021 at 5:45 pm

      5 stars
      They look so good and I'm really into lemon sweet treats right now. Scottish scones are so different. No eggs and they are always round.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 18, 2021 at 9:02 am

        That's so interesting! I would love to try Scottish scones too!

        Reply
    11. Dannii

      March 05, 2021 at 5:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love any kind of baked good with lemon, and these look delicious. I can't wait to try it.

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 18, 2021 at 9:02 am

        Yes lemon is such a great flavor! Hope you enjoy!

        Reply
    12. Julia

      March 05, 2021 at 5:16 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for sharing this, i have been looking for scone recipe that I’d like to make and i think i found one!

      Reply
      • Chenée Lewis

        March 11, 2021 at 11:50 pm

        Wonderful! I hope you enjoy!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    About Chenée

    I’m Chenée (kinda rhymes with “today”) and I love all types of baking! But my favorite recipes are ones that are quick and easy, and still yield impressive results. The ones you can't help but make again and again! That's what I share here, and I hope I can make your baking life a little easier along the way. MORE ABOUT CHENÉE >>

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
    • Twitter

    Trending Recipes

    • Boursin Pasta - Tiktok Viral Recipe
    • Fried Potatoes and Onions
    • Strawberry Shortcake Crumble

    Valentine's Day Recipes

    • Strawberry Crunch Cheesecake
    • Mini Red Velvet Cake
    • Raspberry White Chocolate Cookies
    • Chocolate Sour Cream Pound Cake

    Get my Cookbook!

    Sweet Summertime Cookbook - recipe book of summer desserts and summer recipes!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    About Chenée
    Shop my Favorite Tools
    Disclosure Policy
    Privacy Policy
    Nutrition Disclaimer
    Contact

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    Subscribe

    As Seen In

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2021 Chenée Today, LLC. All rights reserved.

    109 shares
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Yummly
    • Email
    • WhatsApp