Earl Grey Honey Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• A fragrant combination of honey and Earl Grey tea
• Light, fluffy scones with a golden crust
• Simple ingredients that come together easily
• Elegant enough for special occasions yet easy for everyday baking
• Pairs beautifully with tea, coffee, or clotted cream

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Honey Scones
1 cup buttermilk + 1 tablespoon
3 tablespoons honey
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, very cold

For the Earl Grey Glaze
2 to 3 tablespoons Earl Grey (1 tea bag + 1/3 cup boiling water, steeped and cooled)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and sea salt.
3. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and honey.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
6. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape into a circle about 1-inch thick.
7. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with the extra tablespoon of buttermilk.
8. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
9. For the glaze, steep Earl Grey tea in boiling water, then cool. Whisk 2–3 tablespoons of tea into powdered sugar until smooth and pourable.
10. Drizzle glaze over cooled scones and garnish with extra tea leaves if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 scones. Prep time is 15 minutes, bake time is 18 minutes, and the total time is about 35 minutes.

Variations

• Add dried fruit such as currants, raisins, or cranberries to the dough.
• Use lavender or chamomile tea for a different glaze flavor.
• Replace honey with maple syrup for a richer sweetness.
• Add lemon zest to the dough for a bright, citrusy touch.
• Make mini scones for serving at parties or tea gatherings.

Storage/Reheating

Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5–7 minutes to restore freshness. Scones can also be frozen (unglazed) for up to 2 months; thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk to make a quick buttermilk substitute.

What type of honey works best?

Mild varieties like clover or wildflower honey work well, but you can use stronger honey for more flavor.

Can I make the glaze ahead of time?

Yes, but whisk it again before using, as it may thicken while sitting.

Do I have to glaze the scones?

No, the scones are delicious on their own, but the glaze adds a lovely Earl Grey flavor.

Can I make these scones vegan?

Yes, use plant-based butter, non-dairy milk with lemon juice, and maple syrup instead of honey.

How do I prevent dry scones?

Don’t overmix the dough and avoid overbaking; pull them out once golden brown.

Can I make these scones without tea?

Yes, simply skip the glaze or make a plain sugar glaze instead.

How do I get tall, fluffy scones?

Keep butter very cold, and don’t overwork the dough when shaping.

What should I serve with these scones?

They pair beautifully with clotted cream, whipped cream, or extra honey.

Can I add spices to the dough?

Yes, a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom can complement the honey flavor.

Conclusion

Earl Grey Honey Scones are an elegant and flavorful treat, combining buttery pastry, natural honey sweetness, and a fragrant tea glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these scones are simple to make yet feel delightfully refined. They’re sure to impress guests or make any day feel a little more special.

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