Elevate your morning or afternoon tea experience with these Ginger and Pear Buttermilk Scones.
Infused with the warmth of ginger and the sweet juiciness of ripe pears, these scones are both tender and flavorful.
Serve them with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a delightful treat that perfectly balances comfort and sophistication.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, cold
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 cup ripe pears, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons crystallized ginger, finely chopped
- Additional buttermilk for brushing
- Turbinado sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Incorporate Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to quickly incorporate the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
Pour in the cold buttermilk and add the vanilla extract.
Gently stir until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix.
5. Fold in Ginger and Pears:
Fold in the ground ginger, diced pears, and chopped crystallized ginger until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
7. Cut into Wedges:
Using a sharp knife or a floured biscuit cutter, cut the dough into wedges or rounds.
8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each.
9. Brush with Buttermilk:
Brush the tops of the scones with a little buttermilk for a golden finish.
Optionally, sprinkle turbinado sugar over the tops for added sweetness and texture.
10. Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
The bottoms should sound hollow when tapped.
11. Cool and Serve:
Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.
Serve warm with clotted cream and your favorite jam.
Tips:
Handle the dough as little as possible to ensure tender scones.
For extra ginger flavor, you can add a touch of ground ginger to the buttermilk before incorporating it into the dough.
Conclusion:
These Ginger and Pear Buttermilk Scones are a delightful fusion of warm spices and sweet, juicy pears.
Whether enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones offer a comforting and sophisticated treat.
With their tender texture and flavorful profile, they are sure to become a favorite in your repertoire of baked goods.
Share these scones with loved ones and savor the perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.