Scones are a beloved pastry often enjoyed during breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. Typically made with butter and cream, they can sometimes feel like an indulgence. This healthier version of the classic blueberry scone uses lighter ingredients but retains the same delicious flavor and flaky texture. By incorporating Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and honey, these scones are lower in fat and calories while still providing a moist and tender crumb.
Why Lightened Up Blueberry Scones? These scones are perfect for those seeking to enjoy baked goods while maintaining a healthier lifestyle. By replacing heavy ingredients with nutritious alternatives, such as Greek yogurt for moisture and whole wheat flour for fiber, this recipe reduces fat content without compromising on taste.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (cold and cubed)
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (plain, nonfat or low-fat)
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- Optional: zest of 1 lemon for added citrus flavor
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice or milk
Directions:
- Prepare Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Keep the butter cold until you are ready to use it to help achieve a flaky texture. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. - Cut in Butter
Add the cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, leaving small chunks for flakiness. - Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, egg, vanilla extract, and almond milk. Stir in lemon zest if desired. - Bring Dough Together
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined—avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender. - Fold in Blueberries
Gently fold the blueberries into the dough without crushing them. - Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle and cut it into 8 wedges. - Bake the Scones
Arrange the wedges on the baking sheet, brush the tops with milk or an egg wash, and bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and fully cooked. - Cool and Glaze (Optional)
Let the scones cool on a wire rack. If desired, drizzle with a glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
Nutrients:
- Reduced Fat: Thanks to the use of Greek yogurt and less butter, these scones have lower fat content compared to traditional versions.
- Higher Fiber: The whole wheat flour increases the fiber content, helping with digestion.
- Lower Sugar: Honey provides natural sweetness, reducing the need for refined sugar.
- Protein-Packed: Greek yogurt and almond milk contribute to a higher protein content, making these scones more satisfying.
Scones, with their tender crumb and flaky texture, have long been a beloved part of breakfast and afternoon tea menus. Traditionally made with butter, cream, and refined flour, scones can sometimes feel indulgent, making them a less frequent treat for those trying to maintain a balanced diet. However, this Lightened Up Blueberry Scone recipe offers a healthier alternative without sacrificing the flavor or texture that makes scones so irresistible. By incorporating wholesome ingredients like Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and honey, these scones offer a lower-fat, lower-calorie option that’s perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a sweet pastry without the guilt.
The Appeal of Healthier Scones
Scones are often associated with indulgence, thanks to their rich, buttery texture and deliciously sweet flavor. However, for many, the desire to eat healthier can sometimes conflict with the enjoyment of such pastries. With this recipe, it is possible to indulge in a delightful baked treat while still prioritizing health and nutrition. By making small but impactful substitutions, this version of blueberry scones becomes a more mindful choice that fits seamlessly into a balanced diet. Here’s how:
Greek Yogurt for Moisture and Protein
One of the standout ingredients in this recipe is Greek yogurt. Unlike traditional scone recipes that rely on heavy cream or buttermilk for moisture, Greek yogurt adds richness while also boosting the protein content. This tangy addition helps maintain a tender crumb, giving the scones the moisture they need without the added fat of butter or cream. Additionally, Greek yogurt provides a healthy dose of probiotics, which can benefit gut health.
Whole Wheat Flour for Fiber
Whole wheat flour serves as another key modification in this recipe. While all-purpose flour is the norm for scones, whole wheat flour adds an element of fiber, which helps promote digestion and keep you feeling fuller for longer. The nutty flavor of whole wheat flour complements the sweet blueberries beautifully, creating a more robust taste that elevates the scone’s flavor profile. Plus, swapping in whole wheat flour ensures that these scones are more nutrient-dense compared to their traditional counterparts.
Honey Instead of Sugar
In place of refined sugar, this recipe uses honey, a natural sweetener that adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the scones. Honey is not only lower on the glycemic index compared to white sugar, but it also provides antioxidants and antimicrobial properties. While honey still contains sugar, it is considered a healthier alternative due to its additional health benefits. By reducing the amount of added sugar, this version of blueberry scones offers a balanced treat that doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels as much as traditional pastries might.
Reduced Fat with Almond Milk and Butter
In keeping with the goal of making this recipe healthier, almond milk is used in place of whole milk or cream. Almond milk is a great plant-based alternative that is naturally lower in fat and calories. If you prefer dairy, you can use skim or low-fat milk as an alternative. Similarly, reducing the amount of butter and opting for cold, cubed unsalted butter helps achieve the signature flakiness of scones without overloading the recipe with saturated fat.
The Role of Blueberries
Blueberries are an essential ingredient in this scone recipe, not just for their flavor but also for their health benefits. Blueberries are packed with antioxidants, particularly anthocyanins, which help fight oxidative stress and inflammation. Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as dietary fiber, blueberries add a burst of nutrition to these scones, making them an even better choice for those looking to eat mindfully. Whether fresh or frozen, blueberries fold seamlessly into the dough, providing little pockets of juiciness and natural sweetness in each bite.
Optional Lemon Zest: A Citrusy Twist
While not essential, the addition of lemon zest brings a delightful brightness to the scones. The citrus flavor complements the blueberries perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast to the sweetness. The zest also enhances the overall flavor profile, making these scones feel even more special. For those who prefer a more robust citrus flavor, a splash of lemon juice in the glaze can also work wonders.
The Secret to Perfect Scones
Achieving the ideal scone texture requires a delicate balance of ingredients, mixing, and baking technique. While the ingredients are important, how they’re handled can make all the difference. One key to making perfect scones is to avoid overmixing the dough. The less you handle the dough, the more tender your scones will be. Overworking the dough can result in dense, tough scones, which defeats the purpose of the light, flaky texture you’re aiming for.
When cutting in the cold butter, it’s important to leave small, pea-sized chunks of butter in the dough. This is what creates the flaky layers that are characteristic of a perfect scone. These small pockets of butter melt during baking, releasing steam and creating layers in the dough that puff up and become flaky.
Baking Tips for Success
- Chill the Dough: After mixing the dough, chill it in the refrigerator for about 10-15 minutes before shaping it. This step helps the butter firm up again, which aids in the creation of those flaky layers.
- Avoid Overbaking: Scones should be golden brown on the outside but still soft and tender on the inside. Overbaking can lead to dry, crumbly scones. Keep a close eye on them as they bake, and pull them out when they’re golden and firm to the touch.
- Don’t Skimp on the Flour: When shaping your scones, make sure to flour your work surface and hands lightly. This prevents the dough from sticking and helps you form the dough without adding too much extra flour, which could dry out the dough.
Glaze or No Glaze?
The optional glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finish to the scones, but it’s by no means necessary. If you’re looking to keep things on the healthier side, you can skip the glaze altogether or make a lighter version by using lemon juice or almond milk to keep it lower in calories. A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can also work as a lighter alternative to a full glaze.
Serving Suggestions
These lightened-up blueberry scones are perfect for a variety of occasions. Serve them at breakfast with a cup of tea or coffee, or enjoy them as an afternoon snack with a dollop of clotted cream or Greek yogurt. If you’re looking for a more substantial treat, pair them with fresh fruit and a protein source, such as scrambled eggs or cottage cheese, for a balanced meal. For a fun twist, try serving them at a brunch gathering alongside other healthier baked goods, like whole grain muffins or fruit-based bars.
Conclusion: A Healthier Way to Enjoy Scones
These lightened-up blueberry scones provide a healthier option for anyone looking to enjoy a traditional pastry while still keeping their nutritional goals in check. By making simple substitutions—such as using Greek yogurt, whole wheat flour, and honey—these scones reduce the fat and calorie content while preserving the rich, tender texture that makes scones so delightful. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these healthier scones are sure to satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Enjoy them as part of a balanced meal or on their own, and savor the taste of a healthier take on a beloved classic.