🌼 Vanilla Bean Cream Scones
Buttery, Tender & Filled with Warm Vanilla Aroma
Vanilla bean cream scones are the kind of baked good that feels quietly luxurious. They don’t shout for attention with chocolate chips or fruit, yet the moment you take a bite, you understand their charm. Soft and tender inside, lightly crisp on the edges, and infused with real vanilla bean, these scones are all about texture, balance, and pure comfort.
Unlike traditional scones that rely on cold butter and heavy handling, cream scones are beautifully simple. The cream provides both fat and moisture, resulting in a delicate crumb and rich flavor with minimal effort. When paired with real vanilla bean, the result is a scone that tastes like it came straight from a high-end bakery.
🧈 What Makes Cream Scones Special?
Cream scones differ from classic British scones in one important way: heavy cream replaces butter and milk. This creates:
- A softer, more cake-like crumb
- Less risk of overworking the dough
- A richer, smoother flavor
Because the dough is more forgiving, cream scones are perfect for home bakers who want consistent, professional-quality results every time.
🛒 Ingredients (Makes 8 large or 12 small scones)
Dry Ingredients:
- 320 g (2½ cups) all-purpose flour
- 65 g (⅓ cup) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 360 ml (1½ cups) heavy cream (cold)
- 1 vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
(or 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract)
For Brushing & Finishing:
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream (for brushing)
- 1–2 tablespoons coarse sugar (optional)
- Vanilla glaze (optional, recipe below)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Oven & Pan
Preheat your oven to 200°C / 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high initial heat helps the scones rise quickly and bake evenly.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisking evenly distributes the leavening agent, which is crucial for a good rise.
3. Infuse the Cream with Vanilla
Pour the cold heavy cream into a small bowl. Add the vanilla bean seeds and the scraped pod if you like (remove before mixing). Stir gently to disperse the seeds throughout the cream.
If using vanilla extract, simply stir it into the cream.
4. Bring the Dough Together
Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the vanilla-infused cream. Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix until just combined.
The dough will look slightly shaggy and soft—this is exactly what you want. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the scones tough.
5. Shape the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a circle about 2–2.5 cm (1 inch) thick.
Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges (for large scones) or into 12 smaller pieces. Transfer them to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one.
6. Brush & Finish
Lightly brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream. Sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired for a subtle crunch and bakery-style appearance.
7. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, until the scones are puffed, lightly golden on top, and just set in the center.
Remove from the oven and let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
🍽️ How to Serve Vanilla Bean Cream Scones
These scones are wonderful on their own, but even better with simple accompaniments:
- Soft butter
- Clotted cream or mascarpone
- Strawberry or raspberry jam
- Honey or vanilla-scented whipped cream
They pair beautifully with tea, coffee, or even a glass of cold milk.
✨ Optional Vanilla Glaze
For a slightly sweeter finish, drizzle with a light vanilla glaze.
Ingredients:
- 120 g (1 cup) powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Method:
Whisk everything together until smooth and drizzle over cooled scones.
🔄 Delicious Variations
✔️ Vanilla Almond Cream Scones
Add ½ teaspoon almond extract and sprinkle sliced almonds on top before baking.
✔️ Lemon Vanilla Scones
Add 1 tablespoon lemon zest to the dry ingredients for a bright twist.
✔️ Vanilla Bean & White Chocolate
Fold in 80 g (½ cup) white chocolate chunks just before shaping.
💡 Baker’s Tips for Perfect Scones
- Handle the dough as little as possible
- Always use cold cream
- Use a sharp knife for clean edges
- Do not overbake—cream scones should stay tender
- Fresh vanilla bean makes a noticeable difference
❄️ Storage & Make-Ahead
- Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days
- Freeze unbaked scones and bake directly from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes
- Rewarm gently in the oven for best texture
❤️ Final Thoughts
Vanilla Bean Cream Scones are proof that simplicity can be stunning. Soft, fragrant, and effortlessly elegant, they’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Whether enjoyed plain or dressed up with a glaze, these scones deliver pure comfort with every bite.