These Easy Fig Scones are light and fluffy, with yummy bites of sweet figs throughout. Topped with a sticky honey glaze, they make a great breakfast treat or snack!
Honestly, who can resist that perfect drizzle of honey? I love serving these warm with a cup of tea—it feels fancy, but they’re super easy to whip up in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your scones. If you want to make them gluten-free, feel free to use a gluten-free flour blend. I’ve had great results with a blend that includes almond flour!
Dried Figs: Chopped dried figs give a lovely sweetness. If figs aren’t available, dates or raisins work well too! I often mix them for a variety of flavors.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness, but you can substitute with milk or a plant-based cream if you prefer a lighter option. Just know that the texture may slightly change.
Honey: The glaze’s star! Maple syrup can work as a wonderful alternative if you want a different flavor profile. I sometimes add a bit of vanilla to the glaze for a hint of warmth!
What’s the Key to Making Light and Fluffy Scones?
The secret to perfect scones is handling the dough gently. Over-mixing can lead to tough scones. Follow these tips:
- Use cold butter and cold heavy cream. This helps create flaky layers as the butter melts in the oven.
- Mix just until combined. It’s okay if there are a few lumps! Mixing too much can lead to density.
- Pat the dough instead of rolling it. This keeps the air pockets that help the scones rise.
By taking care in these steps, your scones will come out beautifully fluffy every time!
How to Make Easy Fig Scones with Sweet Honey Glaze
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
- 3/4 cup chopped dried figs
- 3/4 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Sweet Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional: a pinch of cinnamon or lemon zest for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 10 minutes of preparation and 15-18 minutes of baking time. Make sure to allow for cooling, and in total, you could have delicious scones ready in about 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Don’t forget to line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. This blend is the base of your scone!
3. Cut in the Butter:
Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. It’s okay to have some small pieces of butter for flakiness.
4. Add the Figs:
Gently stir in the chopped dried figs until they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This is where all the yummy moisture comes from!
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture and stir gently until just combined. Don’t overmix—you want a light and fluffy scone!
7. Shape the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it a couple of times to bring it together. Flatten it into a round about 1 inch thick.
8. Cut the Scones:
Using a knife or a pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 wedges. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece.
9. Brush with Cream:
For a golden finish, brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream before baking.
10. Bake:
Bake the scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
11. Prepare the Honey Glaze:
While the scones are baking, make the glaze by combining honey, butter, and water in a small saucepan. Heat it over low until melted and well mixed. If you want an extra kick, add a pinch of cinnamon or some lemon zest!
12. Glaze the Scones:
As soon as you take the scones out of the oven, use a brush to generously coat them with the warm honey glaze.
13. Serve and Enjoy:
Let the scones cool slightly before serving them warm, ideally with a cup of tea or coffee. They are best enjoyed right away while they’re still warm and sticky with glaze!
FAQ for Easy Fig Scones with Sweet Honey Glaze
Can I Use Fresh Figs Instead of Dried Figs?
While dried figs work best for this recipe due to their chewy texture and concentrated sweetness, you can use fresh figs if you prefer. Just chop them into small pieces and reduce the amount of heavy cream slightly, as fresh figs add more moisture.
How Should I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. To keep them fresh longer, you can refrigerate them for up to a week or freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!
Can I Make the Dough Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough and cut the scones, then cover them tightly and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If you chill them, they may take an extra minute or two to bake.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Keep in mind that the scones may be slightly less rich but will still turn out delicious!
