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Rhubarb Scones

May 26, 2021 by Tristin 22 Comments

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Rhubarb Scones are full of tart rhubarb and balanced with just a pinch of sweetness. If you have ever wanted to know how to make scones from scratch this rhubarb scone recipe is what you are looking for.

These Rhubarb Scones make a delicious and quick breakfast or brunch. We love sweet breakfast recipes like this Apple Cinnamon Crunch Bread or Bakery Style Strawberry Muffins. If you are running behind in the mornings, you definitely need this Omelet in a Mug breakfast recipe in your life!

A whole ring of rhubarb scones placed together on a pizza stone with a red coffee cup and black and white striped towel.
Serve Tangy Rhubarb Scones for Breakfast, Brunch, or Afternoon Tea

Once you make this rhubarb scones recipe, you will no longer be ordering scones from Starbucks or making scones with Bisquick. You will see just how easy they are to make in your own kitchen and they taste better, too because you can control exactly what goes into them.

I am not in any way claiming that these scones are a traditional British recipe. But the scones you find in the United States are typically super sweet due to added sugars, glazed toppings, and mix-ins. Absolutely nothing wrong with sweet scones, this just happens to be an unsweet version like cheese scones.

These scones are made from scratch and only have a hint of sweetness, but you can really taste the tanginess of the rhubarb coming through. If you want an unsweet scone recipe that goes great with a cup of coffee or tea, these are the perfect fruit scones.

In Europe, scones aren’t very sweet (sometimes some raisins get thrown in) and are often served with jam or clotted cream. What is clotted cream, you may ask? It is a cream that has the same consistency as cream cheese and most beloved due to its creamy nature rather than its flavor. Making your own clotted cream can take a bit of time, but it may be worth it as I don’t know how easily it is found in the states.

Six triangles of rhubarb scones alternating in the way they are facing on a black pizza stone with a cup of coffee and towel.
Scones with Fruit are a Delicious Breakfast Treat

Where do Scones Originate?

If you are curious who invented scones, they say there is not one particular person who invented them but that they originated in Scotland, England, or Ireland. There is a debate as to where they originally started, but the earliest written mention of them is in a poem written by a Scottish poet.

Can You Use Frozen Rhubarb?

Rhubarb only sticks around for a short amount of time when it’s in season, so buying a bunch and freezing it is a great idea to be able to use it year round. If you use frozen rhubarb in this scone recipe, add it in still frozen.

How to Freeze Rhubarb

Clean the rhubarb by washing it. Dry off rhubarb completely. Cut off the leafy part and the ends of the rhubarb stalks. Slice the stalks into 1/2″ pieces and place them on a lined baking sheet. Freeze the pan of rhubarb for an hour, then place in an airtight container for 6 months to a year.

Three triangles of cooked scones up close.
Frozen Rhubarb Can be Used in Place of Fresh Rhubarb

Scones vs. Biscuits

The difference between scones and biscuits is mostly in the texture of the baked good. Scones are more tender and biscuits are more flakey. When making scones you want the butter to be well combined with the dry ingredients.

With biscuits you want bigger chunks of butter to create flaky, delicious layers. In the U.K., British scones are more like American biscuits. Usually more savory than sweet and will occasionally include cheese, raisins or dates mixed into the dough.

Rhubarb can be used in cake too, just check out this rhubarb cake with buttery cream frosting or these rhubarb cookies.

Can Scones be Frozen?

Scones freeze well. Just let them cool and place in an airtight container. They will last about 3 months. Also, scone dough freezes really well, so you can make a couple batches of dough, shape them up and freeze them up to use at a later time.

Scones Ingredients

  • Flour: These are scones with plain flour, all-purpose flour is all you need.
  • Brown Sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar.
  • Baking Powder: Make sure your baking powder is fresh.
  • Salt: I like to use sea salt.
  • Butter: You will want to use unsalted butter.
  • Egg: You will need one large egg.
  • Heavy Whipping Cream
  • Vanilla Extract: Make sure to use vanilla extract and not vanilla flavoring.
  • Rhubarb: You will need 2-3 stalks of fresh or frozen rhubarb.
All of the ingredients to make rhubarb  scones such as brown sugar, butter, heavy cream, and rhubarb.
Use Cold Eggs and Cold Butter For the Best Rhubarb Scones

How to Make Scones

  1. Preheat your oven. Preheat the oven and line a baking sheet with parchment. You can also use a round pizza stone with or without parchment.
  2. Prepare the rhubarb. Wash the rhubarb and cut off the leafy stalk and the end. Cut the rhubarb into 1/4″ pieces
  3. Combine dry ingredients. In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Cut in Butter. Add butter into the dry ingredients. Use your hands to massage the mixture until it is a fine sand. You could use a pastry cutter or forks to cut the butter until mixture is will blended. My favorite way to combine the butter with the dry ingredients is to pulse it a few times in the food processor, until the mixture is crumbly.
  5. Combine wet ingredients. In a large bowl, combine whipping cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
  6. Fold in delicate ingredients. Gently fold in rhubarb.
  7. Flour a surface. Add flour to a counter or a cutting board. Place the dough on the floured surface. If dough is too sticky, add in a little flour to help the consistency.
  8. Shape the dough. Press the dough out into a circle that is about 1/2 inch thick. Place onto prepared baking sheet, separating the wedges by about 1/4 inch.
  9. Bake the scones. Bake scones until they are a light golden brown.
All of the steps needed to make rhubarb scones.
Scones Freeze Well, so Make a lot and Freeze for Later

Rhubarb Scone Recipe Tips

  • Cold butter. Make sure to keep your butter in the refrigerator until you are just about to use it. This recipe requires cold butter.
  • Cold eggs. Use cold eggs for the best scones.
  • Using fresh baking soda. It is key to use fresh ingredients especially fresh baking soda. Test to make sure your baking soda is still fresh by adding a pinch to a little vinegar. If it fizzes, it is still good to use.
  • Cooking. Make sure to separate the scone dough triangles at least 1/4″ apart from each other so they cook evenly.

Commonly Asked Questions

  1. Are scones healthy? Unfortunately, I would not categorize scones in the healthy department. Even though there is some fruit in these, they still contain sugar, butter, and flour. But, I believe that enjoying everything in moderation is a must.
  2. Are scones supposed to be dry? Yes, scones are a lot like biscuits. They are kind of dry and crumbly. But that is what we love about them!! Spread on some jelly or butter or clotted cream to make them less dry.
  3. How to eat scones? Because scones are kind of like biscuits, they make a delicious small bite to eat at either breakfast, brunch, or with afternoon tea. I just pick mine right up and eat like a danish, but feel welcome to use a fork if you like. Scones are perfect when accompanied with coffee or tea. In Europe, scones are spread with clotted cream or jelly and always served with tea.

Scones Variations

  • Add fruit. Add 1 cup of diced up strawberries to make these strawberry rhubarb scones. Check out this lemon blueberry scone recipe for another fruit scone.
  • How to make a glaze. Add a simple powdered sugar glaze to these scones after they have cooled down from cooking. Take 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Either spoon it over the scones or put it in a plastic zip bag, snip a small amount off of one of the corners and drizzle it on the scones.
  • Add more rhubarb. If you are a rhubarb lover, try adding an extra 1/4 cup to these scones.

Storage Instructions for Scones

It is best to enjoy rhubarb scones on the day they were prepared. If you happen to have some left over, just follow these instructions to store scones.

  • How to Refrigerate: Let the scones cool and put in a glass container or BPA-free airtight plastic container or zipper bag. They should last about a 5-6 days in the fridge.
  • How to Store Scones at Room Temperature: Store baked scones at room temp for 1-2 days in an airtight container.
  • How to Freeze Scones: Scones freeze well. Let them cool off completely before putting into an airtight glass, BPA-free freezer-safe bag or freezer-safe plastic container. Make sure to label with the recipe and the date. The scones should last about 3 months in the freezer.
  • How to Thaw Scones: Thaw the frozen scones at room temperature until thawed.
  • How to Reheat Scones: Reheat scones in the microwave for a few seconds at a time until desired warmth is reached. You can also reheat them at 350° F for 8-10 minutes.
A whole ring of rhubarb scones placed together on a pizza stone with a red coffee cup and black and white striped towel.
If you Love Rhubarb Add an Extra 1/4 Cup Into the Batter

Try these other breakfast favorites!

  • Bakery Style Strawberry Muffins
  • Mini Banana Muffins
  • Omelet in a Mug
  • Apple Cinnamon Loaf
  • Rhubarb Muffins
  • Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict

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A whole ring of rhubarb scones placed together on a pizza stone with a red coffee cup and black and white striped towel.
Print Recipe
5 from 11 votes

Rhubarb Scones

Rhubarb Scones are full of tart rhubarb and balanced with just a pinch of sweetness. If you have ever wanted to know how to make scones from scratch this rhubarb scone recipe is what you are looking for.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Total Time35 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast and Brunch
Cuisine: British
Servings: 8
Calories: 359kcal
Author: Tristin @ Home Cooked Harvest

Ingredients

  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter cold and cut in cubes
  • 1 large egg
  • 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups rhubarb 1/2" pieces

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.  You can also use a round pizza stone with or without parchment.
  • Wash the rhubarb and cut off the leafy stalk and the end. Cut the rhubarb into 1/2" pieces.
  • In a large bowl or food processor, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add butter into the dry ingredients.  Use your hands to massage the mixture until it is a fine sand. You could use a pastry cutter or forks to cut the butter until mixture is well blended.  Or combine the butter with the dry ingredients and pulse it a bunch of times in the food processor, until the mixture is crumbly.
  • In a large bowl, combine whipping cream, egg, and vanilla. Pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined. Gently fold in rhubarb.
  • Add a sprinkling of flour to a counter or a cutting board.  Place the dough on the floured surface. 
  • Press the dough out into a circle (or separate into two circles) that is about 1/2 inch thick.  Place onto prepared baking sheet, separating the wedges by 1/4-1/2 inch. 
  • Scones need to be baked for 22-25 minutes.  They should be a light golden brown.

Notes

  • Add 1 cup of diced up strawberries to make these strawberry rhubarb scones.
  • Add a simple powdered sugar glaze to these scones after they have cooled down from cooking. Take 3/4 cup of powdered sugar and mix in 1-2 tablespoons of milk. Either spoon it over the scones or put it in a plastic zip bag, snip a small amount off of one of the corners and drizzle it on the scones.
  • Use cold butter and eggs.
  • Cooked scones will last 5-6 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator or 1-2 days at room temperature.
 
* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for most accurate results. 

Nutrition

Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 13g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 84mg | Sodium: 427mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 740IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 142mg | Iron: 2mg

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Please let me know how it turned out!

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Comments

  1. Gloria

    May 31, 2021 at 11:40 am

    5 stars
    Freshly baked scones are the best for my afternoon latte. These look and sound delicious. I need to get some rhubarb at the market and give this recipe a try.

  2. Tristin

    May 31, 2021 at 11:45 am

    These rhubarb scones are so good with lattes. Thanks so much, I hope you enjoy, Gloria!

  3. Bernice

    May 31, 2021 at 12:13 pm

    5 stars
    Gotta admit, I do love sweet scones as much as I love the UK style. Now I have another great recipe to use up all my homegrown rhubarb.

  4. Tristin

    May 31, 2021 at 12:35 pm

    I love that you have homegrown rhubarb, Bernice. This would be the perfect way to use it!!

  5. Chef Dennis

    May 31, 2021 at 3:57 pm

    5 stars
    Hmmm yum! My wife will love these Rhubarb Scones, that’s for sure! A delicious and mouthwatering recipe will be pefect.

  6. Tristin

    May 31, 2021 at 4:00 pm

    Great! I hope your wife loves these rhubarb scones, Chef Dennis. Thanks.

  7. Zuzana Paar

    June 1, 2021 at 10:19 am

    5 stars
    I have just bought 2 big batches of rhubarb and had no idea what to do with them. Searching in google gave me your recipe. And this is exactly what I needed. Thanks a lot

  8. Tristin

    June 1, 2021 at 10:25 am

    You will get to try out so many rhubarb recipes with all of that rhubarb! Thanks so much Zuzana, I hope you really like these rhubarb scones.

  9. Heather

    June 1, 2021 at 5:08 pm

    5 stars
    Love rhubarb and this was a fun recipe to try it with! Super yummy and easy too!

  10. Tristin

    June 1, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    Me too, rhubarb is so tangy and delicious. I am happy that these scones worked out well for you, Heather.

  11. Denise

    June 3, 2021 at 4:30 pm

    5 stars
    I can’t wait to try your rhubarb scones. I love that its a quick and easy recipe, and that they can be frozen!

  12. Tristin

    June 3, 2021 at 4:40 pm

    Isn’t it great that these can be frozen, Denise? I can make a double batch of these rhubarb scones and freeze one of them.

  13. Eva

    June 4, 2021 at 2:40 am

    5 stars
    Rhubarb season is already upon us and I still have last year’s in the freezer! Time to use it up and you just gave me the perfect suggestion 🙂

  14. Tristin

    June 4, 2021 at 2:55 am

    This is a great way to use up all of your rhubarb, Eva. I hope you enjoy these scones.

  15. Farrukh Aziz

    June 5, 2021 at 6:25 am

    5 stars
    Me and my family love scones, and this was really tasty! I love the flavor of this recipe, and it was not too hard to make.

  16. Tristin

    June 5, 2021 at 6:35 am

    Furrukh, I am beyond happy that your family loved this scone recipe! We are big scone lovers over here, too. Give us all the scones!!

  17. Ramona

    June 6, 2021 at 4:04 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, these rhubarb scones look amazing and I would definitely make these just to try something new! This looks really interesting and I love how you made this in a cake form rather than a normal scone form. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

  18. Tristin

    June 6, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Thanks so much, Ramona! I hope you try them out and love them.

  19. Elaine

    June 6, 2021 at 4:56 pm

    5 stars
    I just never get tired of scones! There is something magical about having a batch of them every morning. These rhubarb scones are fantastic!

  20. Tristin

    June 6, 2021 at 5:00 pm

    Elaine, you are the sweetest! We love having fresh scones around here, so great to make breakfast special.

  21. Enriqueta E Lemoine

    June 6, 2021 at 8:19 pm

    5 stars
    I didn’t know you can freeze rhubarb. The thing is, I didn’t have any rhubarb handy, so I made my scones with strawberries. Your dough is simply perfect. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

  22. Tristin

    June 6, 2021 at 8:25 pm

    Strawberry scones are just as delicious as the rhubarb scones!! I bet they turned out great. Let me know if you try out the rhubarb, I am curious how you like them!! Thanks so much Enriqueta.

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