Vanilla Cream Scones

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These tender vanilla cream scones are easy to make and perfect for brunch, tea time, or a sweet afternoon snack. The heavy cream adds richness and moisture, while the generous amount of vanilla gives the scones a warm, aromatic flavor.

With no need to cut in butter, the dough comes together quickly. A brush of melted butter and a sprinkle of sugar on top create a golden, slightly crisp finish. Enjoy them warm with jam, lemon curd, or clotted cream.

Why You’ll Love These Scones

• Soft and tender texture. Heavy cream makes the scones moist and rich without fussing with cold butter.
• Quick to make. Just 10 minutes of prep and under 15 minutes of baking time.
• Delicious vanilla flavor. A double dose of vanilla gives these scones their warm, sweet aroma.
• Perfect with toppings. Serve with jam, lemon curd, or a pat of butter for a simple treat.

Ingredient Notes

• Flour, baking powder, and salt: A simple dry base for structure and lift.
• Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness—plus more on top for sparkle.
• Vanilla extract: The star flavor—use pure vanilla if possible.
• Heavy cream: No butter in the dough—cream provides all the fat and richness.
• Melted butter: Brushed over the tops to help the sugar adhere and promote browning.
• Vanilla or coarse sugar: Optional but adds a lovely crunch and sparkle on top.

Steps to Make Vanilla Cream Scones

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it. In a large bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar.
2. In a measuring cup, stir together the cream and vanilla. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined. Don’t overmix.
3. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it just 2 or 3 times until it comes together. Pat into two 1/2-inch thick circles. Brush the tops with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Cut each circle into 6 wedges.
4. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown on top. They’re delicious served warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

• Add dried fruit. Mix in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries, cherries, or currants before shaping.
• Use vanilla sugar. Sprinkle the tops with homemade or store-bought vanilla sugar for extra flavor.
• Try almond extract. Substitute 1/2 teaspoon of almond extract for a twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with cherry or strawberry preserves, lemon curd, or clotted cream.
• Add to a brunch spread with eggs, bacon, and fresh fruit.
• Pair with tea, coffee, or a glass of milk for an afternoon treat.

Vanilla Cream Scones

Diana Rattray

Tender vanilla cream scones are made with heavy cream—easy to bake and perfect with jam or lemon curd.

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Servings 12 servings

Calories 184

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 24 minutes mins

Ingredients

  

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• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp fine salt
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 ½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
• 2 tbsp melted butter, for brushing
• Vanilla sugar or demerara (optional), for topping

Recommended Equipment

• Parchment paper
• Pastry brush https://amzn.to/4pGwU7M
• 11-by-17-inch Baking sheet

Instructions

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• Heat the oven to 375°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Whisk or stir to blend ingredients. Combine the 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cream and the vanilla extract in a small bowl or cup, then add the mixture to the dry ingredients.
  2 cups all-purpose flour | 2 1/2 tsp baking powder | 1/2 tsp fine salt | 1/3 cup granulated sugar | 2 1/2 tsp vanilla extract | 1 cup plus 2 tbsp heavy cream
Tip: Use heavy cream, not milk or half-and-half, because the cream supplies much of the fat in this no-butter dough.
• Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times, or just until it forms a soft dough. Avoid overworking the dough. Pat the dough into 2 circles about 3/4 inch thick. Brush them generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with vanilla sugar or demerara, if using. Cut each circle into 6 wedges.
  2 tbsp melted butter | Vanilla sugar or demerara (optional)
• Arrange the scones on the baking sheet and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the edges look set.

Nutrition

Calories: 184kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 27mgSodium: 206mgPotassium: 43mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 350IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 66mgIron: 1mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

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