These Fresh Fig and Walnut Scones are a delightful treat for any time of day! With the sweet, chewy figs and crunchy walnuts, they’re packed with flavor and perfect with tea or coffee.
I love how simple these scones are to make! Just mix, shape, and bake. They fill the kitchen with a wonderful smell, making everyone want to grab one fresh from the oven!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Fresh Figs: These add sweetness and texture. If figs aren’t in season, you could use dried figs—just chop them smaller and soak in warm water for a bit to soften them. Alternatively, try berries like blueberries or chopped apples!
Walnuts: They provide a nice crunch and nutty flavor. If you have nut allergies, feel free to omit them, or replace them with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar texture.
Butter: I prefer unsalted butter for baking so I can control the salt content. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or a plant-based butter can work well too. Just make sure it’s solid, not melted.
Milk: Whole milk gives a rich taste, but you can substitute with buttermilk for a tangy kick. Almond milk or oat milk also work if you’re looking for a non-dairy option.
How Do You Make Scones Light and Fluffy?
Getting scones to be light and fluffy can be tricky, but focusing on a few key techniques helps. First, keep your butter very cold. This creates pockets of steam when baking, making the scones rise beautifully.
- When mixing butter into the dry ingredients, use a light hand. It should resemble coarse crumbs, not a paste.
- Avoid overmixing once you combine wet and dry ingredients. Just mix until everything is barely incorporated; a few lumps are okay!
- Shape the dough gently—don’t over-knead, or your scones may be tough.
- Arrange the scones on the baking sheet with some space between them, giving them room to expand.
Fresh Fig and Walnut Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup fresh figs, chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 2/3 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Optional: coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to bake. Altogether, you can have these delicious scones ready in just about 35-40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This step ensures your scones will bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until all the dry ingredients are well combined. This helps the scones to rise properly while baking.
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, quickly cut the butter into the flour until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This is what gives the scones their flaky texture!
4. Fold in the Figs and Walnuts:
Gently fold in the chopped fresh figs and walnuts. Be careful not to break up the figs too much; you want to keep their lovely texture in the scones.
5. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract until combined. This mixture will add moisture and flavor to the scones.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring just until combined. The dough will be a bit sticky, but that’s okay! Avoid overmixing to keep your scones light and fluffy.
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it just a couple of times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Remember, be gentle so the scones stay nice and airy!
8. Cut and Place on Baking Sheet:
Cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza, and carefully transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each scone to allow them room to expand while baking.
9. Optional Topping:
If you like, sprinkle the tops of the scones with coarse sugar for a delightful crunchy finish.
10. Bake the Scones:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
11. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Enjoy them warm, with butter, jam, or your favorite spread!
These Fresh Fig and Walnut Scones are perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack any time of day. Enjoy!
FAQ for Fresh Fig and Walnut Scones
Can I Use Dried Figs Instead of Fresh Figs?
Yes, you can use dried figs if fresh ones aren’t available! Just chop them into smaller pieces and consider soaking them in warm water for about 10-15 minutes to soften them before adding to the dough.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw them at room temperature and warm them briefly in the oven to refresh!
Can I Substitute the Walnuts with Another Ingredient?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a nut-free option, you can omit the walnuts entirely or replace them with seeds, such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds, for added crunch.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Scones?
The best way to reheat scones is to place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This will help restore their texture and warmth without making them soggy. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven!
