Brown Butter Peach Scones Recipe

The Brown Butter Peach Scones are a truly irresistible treat that combines the nutty, rich depth of browned butter with the juicy sweetness of ripe peaches to create a scone experience you’ll want to make again and again. These scones are tender and flaky, with golden brown edges and pockets of buttery peach goodness. The brown butter glaze, made from the browned butter solids, adds a luscious finish that elevates the humble scone into something extraordinary. Whether you’re baking for a cozy breakfast or a special brunch, these Brown Butter Peach Scones bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to any table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These Brown Butter Peach Scones require a handful of straightforward ingredients, but each one plays a key role in building the perfect balance of flavor and texture. From the richness of brown butter to the natural sweetness of fresh peaches, this combination is simple yet spectacular.

• Butter (2 1/2 sticks/10 ounces): Browning the butter first intensifies its flavor and creates those amazing nutty notes.
• Heavy cream (3/4 cup): Adds moisture and richness, helping give the scones a tender crumb.
• Egg (1): Binds the dough and contributes to the scones’ structure and golden color.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract (1 tablespoon): Infuses the dough with a warm, fragrant sweetness.
• All-purpose flour (3 cups plus extra for dusting): The sturdy base that creates the perfect scone texture.
• Light brown sugar (1/3 cup): Adds subtle caramel notes and balances the fresh peaches.
• Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Leavens the dough, giving the scones their lovely rise and airy texture.
• Kosher salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Browned butter, diced and cold (8 ounces): The secret textural element that creates flaky layers throughout the scones.
• Ripe yellow peaches, peeled and diced (1 1/2 cups): Provides juicy bursts of natural sweetness inside every bite.
• Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted): Essential for the luscious glaze that tops these scones.
• Brown butter solids (2 tablespoons): Adds an extra hit of nutty flavor in the glaze.
• Vanilla bean paste or extract (1/2 teaspoon): Brings aromatic warmth to the glaze.
• Milk, half and half, or water (2-4 tablespoons): Adjusts the consistency of the glaze to perfection.

How to Make Brown Butter Peach Scones

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Increase the heat slightly and watch carefully as it foams and sizzles – a magical transformation is happening here. When the noise quiets and you see golden brown bits at the bottom, turn off the heat. This browned butter is the foundation of the scones’ flavor, infusing a deep nuttiness that can’t be beaten. Set aside 8 ounces in the refrigerator to chill while leaving the remainder at room temperature for the glaze.

Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients

Whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla bean paste or extract in a small bowl or liquid measuring cup. This mixture brings moisture, richness, and subtle fragrance to your scones, ensuring every bite melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, stir together the all-purpose flour, light brown sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. These dry ingredients form the canvas that will carry the bright flavors of peach and brown butter deliciously.

Step 4: Cut in Cold Brown Butter

Dice the chilled brown butter into small pieces and work them into the dry mix using your fingers, a pastry cutter, or a fork. The goal is a crumbly texture with pea-sized chunks of brown butter that will create those irresistible flaky layers once baked.

Step 5: Incorporate the Wet Ingredients

Add the cream-egg mixture to the flour and butter crumbs. Gently stir with a fork until the dough becomes moist but not too wet, making sure to reach the bottom so no dry flour hides there.

Step 6: Fold in the Peaches

Carefully add the diced peaches and fold them evenly throughout the dough. The peaches add juicy pockets of sweetness that burst in every bite, complementing the toasty butter flavor perfectly.

Step 7: Form the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently press it into a loose rectangle. Now comes a little trick for flaky scones: cut the rectangle in half, stack the halves, and squish them together back into a rectangle. Repeat this layering a second time to build those tender strata.

Step 8: Shape the Scones

Press the dough to about 1 inch thick. For round scones, use a biscuit cutter to cut out as many scones as possible, reshaping scraps if needed. For triangular scones, cut the rectangle into squares and then diagonally into triangles. This step lets you customize the shape to your liking while maintaining the perfect crumb.

Step 9: Chill and Bake

Place the shaped scones on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each. Pop them in the freezer for 30 minutes to chill, which helps the scones hold their shape during baking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 25 minutes, tenting with foil if they start browning too quickly, so they bake evenly without burning.

Step 10: Prepare the Brown Butter Glaze

Once the scones are cooled, sift powdered sugar into a bowl and blend in the reserved brown butter solids, vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of your chosen liquid. Stir until smooth and thick but pourable, adding more liquid as necessary. Drizzle generously over your scones to finish with a shiny, irresistible glaze.

How to Serve Brown Butter Peach Scones

Garnishes

To enhance these already stunning scones, try fresh peach slices or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze for a crowd-pleasing contrast. A dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg can also amplify the warm flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair the Brown Butter Peach Scones with a bowl of vanilla yogurt or clotted cream for a classic touch. For an indulgent brunch, serve alongside scrambled eggs or a sharp cheddar cheese plate to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange your scones on a tiered cake stand with fresh peach wedges and edible flowers for a stunning presentation at your next gathering. Alternatively, slice the scones and build mini peach shortcake-style sandwiches with whipped cream for a delightful twist that will wow guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any scones left after indulging, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them tender and delicious while preserving their fresh flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked scones by placing them on a parchment-lined sheet in the freezer until solid, then transferring them to a freezer bag for up to three months. This makes it super easy to bake fresh scones whenever you want without starting from scratch.

Reheating

To reheat, warm scones in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes to restore their crisp edges and tender center. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy instead of flaky, which defeats their charm!

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, you can substitute frozen peaches, but be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that can make the dough soggy.

What if I don’t have vanilla bean paste?

Regular vanilla extract works perfectly in this recipe and can be used in the same quantities.

Why do I need to chill the dough before baking?

Chilling firms up the brown butter pieces and dough, helping the scones maintain their shape and produce flaky layers when baked.

Can I make these gluten-free?

While this recipe relies on all-purpose flour for texture, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends designed for baking, but results may vary.

What is the advantage of using brown butter?

Brown butter adds a rich, nutty complexity that regular butter simply can’t match, taking these scones from ordinary to unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend making these Brown Butter Peach Scones enough! They truly bring together the best of summer fruit and rich, buttery warmth in a way that feels both special and comforting. Whether you bake them for a quiet weekend morning or to impress friends at brunch, these scones will leave everyone asking for seconds. Go on—treat yourself to a batch soon. You’ll be so glad you did!

Print