If you are searching for a heartwarming treat that sings love in every bite, the I-Love-You Scones Recipe is the perfect partner for your baking adventures. These tender, subtly sweet scones are infused with a delightful almond essence and crowned with fruity preserves that peek through a golden crust. This recipe strikes an ideal balance between a melt-in-your-mouth texture and a comforting, homemade feel that will have everyone asking for your secret. Cozy mornings, afternoon tea, or special moments, these scones turn ordinary days into cherished memories.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting your ingredients together for the I-Love-You Scones Recipe is a breeze because each one is simple yet crucial for creating the flawless texture and irresistible flavor. From the soft richness of butter to the sweet burst of preserves, every item plays a starring role.
- 1 egg: Acts as a binder and adds richness to the dough.
- 1/3 cup milk: Provides moisture for a tender crumb.
- 1/4 cup applesauce: Adds natural sweetness and keeps the scones moist without extra fat.
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted: Brings buttery flavor and a delicate crumb.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Infuses a fragrant, nutty aroma that makes these scones truly special.
- 2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour: Gives structure and a light, fluffy texture that holds the scone’s shape.
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds: Adds crunch and a lovely contrast to the soft scone.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering the nutty flavor.
- 3 teaspoons baking powder: Leavens the dough for a tender rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.
- 4 1/2 teaspoons strawberry or raspberry preserves: A sweet, fruity center that surprises with every bite.
- Powdered sugar: For an elegant dusting that adds a touch of sweetness and style.
How to Make I-Love-You Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start off by heating your oven to 400°F and greasing a cookie sheet. This step ensures your scones won’t stick and will bake evenly with a perfectly golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, lightly beat the egg before stirring in the milk, applesauce, melted butter, and almond extract. Blending these wet ingredients together creates a smooth base that will keep your scones tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Form Dough
Add the flour, sliced almonds, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir just until everything is moistened — overmixing can toughen the dough, and that’s not what we want here!
Step 4: Shape Your Scones with Love
Drop the dough by 1/4 cupfuls onto the greased cookie sheet, about 3 inches apart. Using fingers dusted with flour, gently pat each into a heart shape roughly 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch high. This charming detail makes the I-Love-You Scones Recipe extra special. Next, press a shallow well in the center of each heart with the back of a spoon dipped in flour, and fill it with 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen preserves.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the scones for 12 to 15 minutes until they turn a lovely golden brown. Remove them from the oven and transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, sprinkle generously with powdered sugar for that irresistible finishing touch.
How to Serve I-Love-You Scones Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling powdered sugar over these scones while they are still warm gives a snowy, delicate finish that’s as pretty as it is delicious. For extra flair, try adding a few extra sliced almonds or a tiny dollop of fresh cream on the side to highlight the almond notes.
Side Dishes
I love pairing these scones with a steaming cup of tea or freshly brewed coffee. A little bowl of clotted cream or lemon curd complements the fruity preserves spectacularly, turning your snack into a decadent mini feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the I-Love-You Scones Recipe on a charming rustic platter lined with a linen napkin to bring out the homey vibe. For gatherings, add edible flowers or fresh berries around them. Heart-shaped napkins or little love notes make the presentation perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to express affection.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps their texture just right without becoming dry or crumbly.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy your I-Love-You Scones Recipe later, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They freeze beautifully for up to two months, preserving freshness and flavor.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, reheat frozen or stored scones in a 350°F oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm, soft, and lightly crisp on the outside again. Avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess and keep that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I substitute the almond extract with vanilla?
Absolutely! Vanilla extract works wonderfully if you don’t have almond on hand, although the scones will have a milder aroma and a slightly different, more classic flavor.
What can I use instead of applesauce?
Applesauce adds moisture while keeping fat levels low. You can swap it with an equal amount of yogurt or mashed banana, but each will impart its own delicate twist to the flavor.
Are these scones gluten-free?
This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. For a gluten-free version, you’d need to use a suitable gluten-free flour blend and possibly adjust the liquid content slightly to maintain the right dough texture.
Can I make these scones without sliced almonds?
Yes, you can omit the sliced almonds if you prefer or have allergies. Consider adding a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for extra texture and sweetness instead.
How do I get perfect heart shapes every time?
Dust your fingers with flour before shaping the dough to prevent sticking, and gently pat the dough into the heart shape rather than stretching. Using a spoon to create the preserve well helps keep the shape intact while baking.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the I-Love-You Scones Recipe is like offering a warm hug through food — simple, sweet, and full of charm. Whether you bake it for yourself, family, or someone special, these scones have an undeniable way of making moments brighter and hearts fuller. So go ahead, grab your apron, and bring a little love and joy into your kitchen today.
Print
I-Love-You Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 9 scones 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These I-Love-You Scones are delightful heart-shaped treats perfect for sharing with loved ones. Soft and tender with a hint of almond extract and a sweet center of strawberry or raspberry preserves, they bake quickly to a golden brown and finish with a dusting of powdered sugar for a charming presentation.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 1 egg
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup applesauce
- 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups Gold Medal™ all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- 4 1/2 teaspoons strawberry or raspberry preserves
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Heat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Grease a cookie sheet to ensure the scones do not stick during baking.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a medium bowl, lightly beat one egg. Stir in the milk, applesauce, melted butter or margarine, and almond extract until combined.
- Combine dry ingredients and form dough: Add the flour, sliced almonds, sugar, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently just until the dough is moistened; avoid overmixing to keep scones tender.
- Shape scones with preserves: Drop about 1/4 cup of the dough onto the prepared cookie sheet about 3 inches apart. Using floured fingers, pat each portion into a heart shape approximately 3 inches wide and 1/2 inch thick. Make a shallow well in the center of each heart using the back of a spoon dipped in flour, then place 1/2 teaspoon of your chosen strawberry or raspberry preserves into each well.
- Bake the scones: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until the scones turn golden brown on top.
- Cool and finish: Remove from the baking sheet and transfer to a wire rack. While still warm, sprinkle each scone with powdered sugar for an elegant, sweet finish. Serve warm to enjoy their best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use slightly flour-dusted fingers and spoon to prevent sticking while shaping the scones.
- Choose your favorite preserves for the centers to personalize the flavor.
- Do not overmix the dough to avoid tough scones; gentle stirring until moistened is sufficient.
- Serve these scones warm for the best texture and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
