Apricot Scones

Are you looking for a delightful treat to enjoy with your afternoon tea or coffee? Look no further than these scrumptious Apricot Scones! These scones are perfect for a cozy morning at home or for impressing guests at a brunch gathering. With a buttery, flaky texture and bursts of sweet apricot flavor in every bite, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Let’s get started on making these irresistible Apricot Scones!

**Apricot Scones**

**Ingredients:**
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
– 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Zest of one lemon
– Optional: 1-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar for sprinkling on top

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Add the cold butter pieces to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

4. Stir in the chopped dried apricots until evenly distributed in the flour mixture.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined.

6. Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the wet ingredients. Gently mix the ingredients together until a shaggy dough forms.

7. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough.

8. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges.

9. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone. If desired, sprinkle the tops with turbinado sugar for a sweet crunch.

10. Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

11. Remove the scones from the oven and let them cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

12. Serve the Apricot Scones warm or at room temperature, and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful treat!

These Apricot Scones are a wonderful addition to any breakfast or brunch menu, and they also make a lovely homemade gift for friends and family. Experiment with different mix-ins like nuts or spices to customize the scones to your taste. We hope you enjoy baking and savoring these delicious Apricot Scones as much as we do!