Vanilla Bean Scones with Almond Glaze

Apr 28, 2011 by Lindsey

It’s coming…It’s almost here….Just a few more days away…Is my DVR set?… Is my alarm set?…Are there any new Lifetime Specials I haven’t seen?…How’s my British accent sounding? I mean, ‘ow’s my Bri’ish accen’ soundin’? If you’ve asked yourself any of these questions this week, then you know what I’m talking about……

……..The Royal Wedding! Ahhhh!!

Although the Royal Wedding will have little to no influence over my life, I am irrationally excited about it.  I will be awake bright-and-early this Friday morning to study for my evidence final watch Kate Middleton become a princess on my DVR and have an English breakfast tea party with Jason with two dogs. What a party! These Vanilla Bean Scones with Almond Glaze are certainly a fit pairing with a cup of Earl Gray for a Friday morning wedding.

We all know that one of my favorite treats ever with a hot cup of tea is a scone. I’ve already posted my maple-oat walnut scones here, which are delightful in the wintertime.  These are slightly different and a more suitable springtime treat. Freshly scooped vanilla bean curd, crunchy almonds, and just the right amount of sugar and salt are the high notes of this breakfast recipe. If you are having a tea party for the Royal Wedding (or am I the only one?), whip yourself up a batch. They would also make a darling mother’s day gift for your favorite lady next Sunday.

Vanilla Bean Scones with Almond Glaze

Ingredients

2 whole vanilla beans

3 cups flour

2/3 cups granulated sugar

5 teaspoons of baking powder

¼ teaspoon of salt

2 sticks cold, unsalted butter

1 large egg

½ cup heavy cream

¾ cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk (for glaze)

3 cups powdered sugar (for glaze)

Shaved almonds for topping

 

Directions:

For the Scones

Preheat to 350

Cut the vanilla bean lengthwise and scoop out the grainy  paste inside.

 

Stir the paste into ½ cup of heavy cream and let it sit for 15 minutes to completely vanill-ify the heavy cream.

 

In separate, large bowl, mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt).

Slice two sticks of butter into pats. Using two knives, finely “cut” the butter into the flour mixture. This will take approximately 10 minutes and really work your arms. I You-Tubed a video of it to make sure I was doing this step correctly.

The final result will look like crumbs. Be patient and get rid of any large butterballs that are looming in there.

Whisk an egg in a separate bowl and pour in the vanilla-cream mixture.

Incorporate the egg/vanilla-cream over the flour/butter crumbs. Gently combine with a fork.

Set the dough onto a floured surface and gradually work the dough into a rectangle with your hands. This is the fun part!

Then, use a rolling pin until you have a ½ inch thick rectangle of dough.

I used measuring tape to ensure uniformity, but that isn’t necessary. Cut twelve to sixteen squares of dough, and then cut these into triangles.

 

Bake triangles at 350 for 18 minutes on a non-stick cookie sheet (I use a Sil-Pat Liner on my cookie sheets and love it! Thanks Patti!). These scones rise by about 25%, so space accordingly.

Let cool for 15 minutes before glazing.

For the Almond Glaze

In a medium-sized bowl, mix the Almond Milk , the contents of the second vanilla bean, and 3 cups of powdered sugar

Side note – Personal endorsement for almond milk. Only 40 calories per serving, protein-rich, low-sugar, and no gluten or dairy. It’s great with some oatmeal or a homemade chocolate chip cookie! I’m a fan.

Dip the scones face-down into the glaze and immediately top with some almonds. Set on a wire rack to cool.

If desired, spoon some extra glaze on top at the end. Don’t even feel guilty about it.. just do it. Kate Middleton is marrying a prince. You can have a little extra glaze if it makes you feel better!

I hope you enjoy these! Scones are one of the few baked goods that I genuinely enjoy making (read: no swear words, no  flour in my hair). You should try it and share with those you love! I think I’ll give a few to my Prince of Lakewood, Jason, and a few to my Grandmother for an early Mother’s Day surprise. And maybe eat about 20 myself.

I’m off to the store to stock up on Kleenex and plastic tiaras for Friday. Strongly considering switching to Mimosas instead of tea. Cheerio!

Lindsey