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To make these scones, gather the following ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 3/4 cup pecans, chopped - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) - 1/4 cup coarse sugar for sprinkling Need to swap some items? Here are some good options: - All-purpose flour: Use whole wheat flour for a nutty flavor. - Granulated sugar: Brown sugar adds a richer taste. - Unsalted butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free version. - Heavy cream: Substitute with milk or almond milk for lighter scones. - Pecans: Walnuts or almonds work well too. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what you need: - Medium saucepan for browning butter - Large mixing bowl for dry and wet ingredients - Whisk for mixing - Spatula for folding dough - Sharp knife or pastry cutter for slicing - Baking sheet lined with parchment paper - Wire rack for cooling scones With these ingredients and tools, you're ready to make some delicious brown butter pecan scones! Start by melting the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Watch it change from yellow to golden brown. This takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once it turns brown and smells nutty, take it off the heat and let it cool slightly. This is the key to rich flavor. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional ground cinnamon. Mix these dry ingredients well. This step helps create a nice, even base for your scones. In another bowl, combine the cooled brown butter, heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk these together. You want a smooth, creamy mix. This adds moisture and flavor to your scones. Now, pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Gently fold them together with a spatula. Stop mixing as soon as the dough is just combined. Overmixing can make the scones tough. Add the chopped pecans and fold them in gently. Lightly flour a clean surface and move the dough onto it. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 wedges. Make sure you cut all the way through the dough so the scones can separate easily. Place the wedges on a lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream. This will give them a nice golden finish. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 to 20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown and smell amazing. After baking, let them cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes before serving. To make brown butter, you need to melt unsalted butter in a pan. Heat it over medium heat. Stir the butter often. This keeps it from burning. Watch closely as the color changes. It should go from yellow to golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma as it cooks. This process takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove it from the heat so it can cool. Brown butter adds a rich flavor to the scones. For soft and tender scones, do not overmix the dough. Mix until the flour is just combined with the wet ingredients. Overmixing makes the scones tough. When adding the pecans, fold them in gently. This keeps the dough light and fluffy. Use cold heavy cream and butter for the best texture. These tips help keep your scones soft and delicious. Always preheat your oven before baking. This ensures even cooking. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream. This gives them a nice golden color as they bake. Sprinkle coarse sugar on top for extra sweetness. Bake until they are golden brown, about 15 to 20 minutes. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack after baking. Serve the scones warm for the best taste. Place them on a rustic wooden platter. Drizzle with honey or add a dollop of clotted cream. This adds a nice touch and enhances the flavors. Garnish with whole pecans on top for a beautiful look. These scones pair well with tea or coffee. Enjoying them with a warm drink makes for a cozy treat. {{image_4}} You can switch up the nuts in your scones. If you want a different flavor, try walnuts or almonds. These nuts add a nice crunch and taste. You can also use pistachios for a fun twist. Just chop them up like you do with the pecans. For extra flavor, think about adding herbs or spices. A bit of rosemary or thyme can give a nice touch. You can also mix in dried fruits like cranberries or apricots. They add sweetness and chewiness. If you love spices, try adding ginger or nutmeg for a warm taste. A glaze can make your scones shine. Mix powdered sugar with milk to create a simple glaze. You can drizzle it over the warm scones for a sweet finish. For a richer taste, use cream cheese icing. Just blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a little vanilla. It makes a nice, creamy topping that pairs well with the nutty flavors. To store leftover scones, place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and soft. Line the bottom with paper towels to absorb moisture. Add another paper towel on top before sealing. This setup helps prevent sogginess. You can freeze scones for up to three months. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag or container. Be sure to remove as much air as possible. When you want one, take it out and let it thaw at room temperature. To reheat scones, use your oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. This warms them up and brings back their crispiness. You can also microwave them for 20-30 seconds, but they may lose some texture. Enjoy your scones warm for the best flavor! To make brown butter, start with unsalted butter. Heat it in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir it often. Watch for the color to change to a golden brown. You will smell a nutty aroma. This process takes about 5-7 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Once it is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool. Yes, you can prepare the scones the night before. Follow all steps up to the baking part. Place the shaped scones on a baking sheet and cover them with plastic wrap. Store them in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, just take them out and bake as directed. This saves time in the morning. If your scones turn out dry, add a splash of cream. Mix it gently into the dough. You can also try adding a bit more butter next time. Make sure not to overmix the dough, as this can cause dryness. Remember, a light touch keeps them tender and fluffy. Brown butter pecan scones pair well with many things. You can serve them warm with honey. Clotted cream also adds a rich touch. A cup of tea or coffee completes the experience. Try adding fresh fruit on the side for a colorful plate. Enjoy experimenting with different toppings! Brown butter pecan scones are a treat worth making. We explored key ingredients, useful tools, and step-by-step instructions to guide you. With tips for perfecting brown butter and ensuring tender scones, you can elevate your baking. We also discussed fun variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t hesitate to try this recipe. Enjoy the warm, nutty flavors of your fresh scones!

Brown Butter Pecan Scones

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Brown Butter Pecan Scones that are easy to make and perfect for any occasion! With a rich nutty aroma and a crunchy pecan topping, these scones promise to elevate your baking game. Follow our simple recipe to create a batch in just 35 minutes! Click through to discover the full recipe and impress your family and friends with your baking skills. Enjoy them warm with tea or coffee!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, browned and cooled

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

3/4 cup pecans, chopped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

1/4 cup coarse sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

Brown the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir frequently as the butter simmers. Watch as it transforms from a pale yellow to a golden brown color, releasing a delightful nutty aroma—this process should take around 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

    Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

      Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and optional ground cinnamon until evenly combined.

        Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, mix the browned butter (cooled), heavy cream, large egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until the ingredients are well blended and unified into a creamy mixture.

          Combine Mixtures: Pour the bowl of wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until they are just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender scone. Gently incorporate the chopped pecans into the dough.

            Shape the Scones: Lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough. With floured hands, pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pastry cutter to divide the dough into 8 equal wedges, cutting through to ensure they separate easily.

              Brush and Sprinkle: Carefully place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream to give them a lovely finish while baking. Generously sprinkle coarse sugar on top for added sweetness and texture.

                Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown and fragrant when done.

                  Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove from the oven and let the scones cool on a wire rack for about 10 minutes. This helps them set and enhances their flavor before serving.

                    Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 35 min | Servings: 8 scones

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the scones warm on a rustic wooden platter, drizzled with honey or a dollop of clotted cream for an elegant touch. Garnish with a few whole pecans on top for visual appeal. Enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee!