Buttermilk Lavender Scones: 5 Irresistible Brunch Treats

🌿 Introduction: A Scone Like No Other

There’s something undeniably special about starting your morning with a warm, buttery scone. But when you take that classic comfort and infuse it with the delicate aroma of dried lavender and the tangy richness of buttermilk—you get a baked good that borders on magical. Buttermilk Lavender Scones aren’t just pastries; they’re a fragrant escape to a cozy tea garden in Provence, right from your own kitchen.

Whether you’re baking for brunch, prepping for a weekend treat, or gifting something elegant, these scones deliver bakery-level beauty and taste without requiring professional skills. In this guide, we’ll show you step-by-step how to make Buttermilk Lavender Scones that are moist in the center, crisp on the edges, and topped with a lemon-lavender icing you’ll want to drizzle on everything.

Ready to elevate your scone game? Let’s get started.

🌸 What Are Buttermilk Lavender Scones?

Buttermilk Lavender Scones are a unique twist on the traditional British scone, blending the floral notes of dried culinary lavender with the rich tang of buttermilk. This pairing creates a pastry that’s delicately aromatic yet deeply satisfying—perfect for those who enjoy something a little special with their morning tea or afternoon coffee.

Unlike overly sweet pastries, these scones strike a beautiful balance between earthy and fresh. The buttermilk ensures the scones stay tender and moist, while the lavender adds a sophisticated fragrance and a subtle floral flavor that doesn’t overwhelm. The result? A flaky, melt-in-your-mouth scone with golden, crumbly edges and a center that’s irresistibly soft.

While traditional scones often lean toward simple or fruit-filled, Buttermilk Lavender Scones stand out with their elegant flavor profile. They’re a fantastic choice for spring and summer brunches, bridal showers, or any time you want to bake something memorable and beautiful.

These scones also come with a citrusy twist thanks to lemon zest in the dough and a zippy lemon-lavender icing on top. The combination is fresh, balanced, and utterly crave-worthy.

🧾 Ingredients You’ll Need (and Why They Matter)

Creating the perfect batch of Buttermilk Lavender Scones starts with high-quality, well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in flavor, texture, and aroma. Here’s what you’ll need—and why it matters:

🥣 Dry Ingredients

• All-Purpose Flour (2 cups)
  This forms the base of your scones. Spoon and level it for accuracy to avoid dense results.
• Granulated Sugar (½ cup)
  Adds subtle sweetness, balancing the floral and citrus elements.
• Baking Powder (2½ teaspoons)
  Gives the scones their lift and fluffy interior—no need for yeast here.
• Dried Culinary Lavender (2 teaspoons)
  The star of the show. Use food-grade lavender for a clean, floral flavor. Don’t substitute with potpourri lavender—it’s often chemically treated.
• Lemon Zest (2 teaspoons)
  Fresh lemon zest amplifies the lavender and adds a bright, citrusy edge.
• Salt (½ teaspoon)
  Enhances all the other flavors, especially the lavender and lemon.

🧈 Wet Ingredients

• Frozen Unsalted Butter (½ cup / 8 Tbsp)
  Grating frozen butter into the dry mix ensures tender, flaky layers as it melts during baking.
• Buttermilk (½ cup + 2 Tbsp)
  Adds moisture and a slight tang that contrasts beautifully with the floral lavender. You can use heavy cream or a DIY buttermilk substitute (milk + lemon juice) in a pinch.
• Large Egg (1)
  Helps bind the ingredients and enriches the dough for better texture.
• Pure Vanilla Extract (1½ teaspoons)
  Deepens the flavor profile and pairs well with both lavender and lemon.
• Optional: Coarse Sugar for Topping
  A sprinkle before baking adds crunch and sparkle—especially nice for presentation.

💡 Ingredient Swap Tips:

• No Buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice or vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter and milk, but expect slightly more spread.
• Gluten-Free Version: Swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend; add 1 Tbsp more liquid if needed.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Buttermilk Lavender Scones (Step-by-Step)

Making Buttermilk Lavender Scones is easier than you think! Follow these clear steps to create flaky, fragrant scones with bakery-quality results.

🔪 Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2½ tsp baking powder
• 2 tsp dried culinary lavender
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt

This evenly distributes your rising agent and flavorings, so every bite tastes just right.

🧈 Step 2: Grate the Butter

Grate ½ cup (1 stick) of frozen unsalted butter directly into the flour mix using a box grater.
Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.

🔥 Pro Tip: Grated frozen butter melts slowly in the oven, creating those buttery, flaky layers.

🥣 Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

Drizzle this wet mixture over the dry ingredients and gently mix until a shaggy dough forms. Don’t overmix—just until everything is moistened.

✋ Step 4: Shape the Dough

Turn dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands:

• Form into one 8-inch disc and cut into 8 wedges for large scones
• Or divide into two 5-inch discs and cut each into 8 wedges for 16 mini scones

🌀 Too sticky? Add a bit more flour.
💧 Too dry? Add 1 tbsp more buttermilk.

For drop scones: Skip shaping. Drop ¼ cupfuls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.

❄️ Step 5: Chill the Dough

Place shaped scones on a baking sheet and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes.
This helps prevent spreading and improves texture.

🔥 Step 6: Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Brush scones with the extra 2 tbsp buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake for 18–26 minutes, until golden on top and edges. Mini scones bake faster than large ones.

⏳ Step 7: Cool and Ice

Let scones cool slightly before icing. You’ll drizzle on a luscious lemon-lavender glaze in the next section.

🍋 Lemon Lavender Icing: The Perfect Finishing Touch

No Buttermilk Lavender Scones are complete without a drizzle of this luscious, citrusy icing. It’s simple to make, but it elevates each bite with floral complexity and a bright lemony zing. The secret? Letting dried lavender steep in warm cream or milk to infuse every drop with delicate aroma and flavor.

🌼 Ingredients for the Icing:

• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk
  This is the base that carries the lavender flavor. Heavy cream makes the icing richer; milk is lighter.
• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender
  Steep this in the warm milk to extract flavor without overpowering the icing.
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  Adds freshness and acidity that balances the floral notes.
• 1¼ cups confectioners’ sugar
  Gives the icing a smooth, pourable texture. Adjust to thicken or thin as needed.

🥄 How to Make It:

1. Simmer the milk or cream over low heat—just until warm.
2. Remove from heat and stir in the lavender.
3. Steep for 15 minutes to fully infuse the flavor.
4. Strain the milk using a fine-mesh sieve to remove lavender buds.
5. Whisk in the lemon juice and confectioners’ sugar until smooth.
6. Drizzle over slightly warm or fully cooled scones.

💡 Pro Tip: Want a thicker icing? Add more sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.

⏳ Make-Ahead Friendly:

This icing can be made 1–2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just stir or whisk before using.

🍰 Flavor Pairing Tip: The icing also works beautifully on pound cake or lemon loaf!

🧁 Pro Tips for Perfect Buttermilk Lavender Scones Every Time

Even though these Buttermilk Lavender Scones look fancy, they’re surprisingly simple to master—especially when you know a few key tricks. These tips ensure your scones come out flaky, golden, and fragrant every time.

❄️ 1. Start with Frozen Butter

Cold butter is the backbone of perfect Buttermilk Lavender Scones. Grating it into the dry ingredients creates small pockets of fat that melt during baking, giving your scones their signature flakiness.

🥶 2. Always Chill the Dough

Before baking, chill the shaped dough for at least 15 minutes. Cold dough helps your Buttermilk Lavender Scones rise higher and hold their shape, reducing spreading in the oven.

🍪 3. Handle with Care

Over-mixing is the enemy of soft, fluffy scones. For tender Buttermilk Lavender Scones, mix just until the dough comes together—no kneading necessary.

🧂 4. Add Buttermilk and Sugar on Top

Brushing the tops with extra buttermilk and sprinkling coarse sugar gives your Buttermilk Lavender Scones that irresistible bakery-style crunch and gloss.

🌡️ 5. Look for Golden Edges

Scones are done when the tops are lightly browned and the edges have turned a rich golden color. For Buttermilk Lavender Scones, a clean toothpick test helps confirm doneness without drying them out.

🧊 6. Freeze Now, Bake Later

Want fresh Buttermilk Lavender Scones anytime? Freeze the shaped dough and bake straight from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time. You can also freeze baked scones and reheat when needed.

🗓️ 7. Make the Dough Ahead

For stress-free mornings, prepare your Buttermilk Lavender Scones the night before and refrigerate. Bake them fresh in the morning for an effortless wow-factor.

✅ Pro Tip: If your Buttermilk Lavender Scones spread too much, gently press them back into shape mid-bake using a spatula.

🌿 Creative Variations of Buttermilk Lavender Scones

Once you’ve mastered the classic Buttermilk Lavender Scones recipe, it’s easy—and fun—to customize it. Whether you’re looking to add fruit, swap ingredients for dietary preferences, or create something a little extra-special, these variations offer fresh inspiration.

🫐 1. Blueberry Lavender Scones

Add ¾ cup of fresh or frozen blueberries to your dough just before shaping. The combination of juicy berries and floral lavender is irresistible in these Buttermilk Lavender Scones. Dust with lemon zest sugar before baking for extra flavor.

🍯 2. Honey Vanilla Lavender Scones

Swap the granulated sugar for ¼ cup of honey and add an extra ½ tsp of vanilla extract. These Buttermilk Lavender Scones come out slightly sweeter with a mellow, creamy flavor that’s perfect for tea time.

🌱 3. Vegan Buttermilk Lavender Scones

Replace the buttermilk with unsweetened almond or oat milk + 1 tsp vinegar. Use plant-based butter and a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water). These vegan Buttermilk Lavender Scones are just as fluffy and flavorful, though they may spread slightly more.

🌾 4. Gluten-Free Buttermilk Lavender Scones

Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour and add 1 extra tablespoon of buttermilk to help bind the dough. This version of Buttermilk Lavender Scones retains the original’s flakiness while catering to gluten-sensitive guests.

🍋 5. Double Lemon Lavender Scones

Amp up the citrus by adding 1 tbsp lemon juice to the dough and extra zest on top. Pair with the lemon-lavender glaze for a bold, bright flavor profile in your Buttermilk Lavender Scones.

💡 Mix & Match: Combine blueberries and lemon zest for a refreshing summer scone, or go vegan and gluten-free in one batch!

Related Article: Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Bars: 7 Easy Steps to Chewy Perfection

☕ How to Serve Buttermilk Lavender Scones (Pairings & Presentation)

You’ve baked a batch of heavenly Buttermilk Lavender Scones—now let’s make the most of them. Whether you’re enjoying a slow morning or impressing guests, these serving ideas take your scone moment to the next level.

🍵 Tea Time Favorites

Pair your Buttermilk Lavender Scones with delicate teas that complement their floral flavor:

• Earl Grey – The bergamot enhances the citrusy icing.
• Chamomile or Lavender Tea – For a soothing, floral pairing.
• Green Tea with Jasmine – A balanced combo of floral and earthy.

☕ Coffee Pairings

If tea’s not your thing, these coffees work beautifully with Buttermilk Lavender Scones:

• Vanilla lattes – Creamy and subtly sweet.
• Cold brew with a splash of oat milk – Adds a smooth contrast to the scone’s crumbly texture.
• Espresso – For a strong, bitter counterbalance to the sweet icing.

🧀 Brunch Board Ready

Dress up your Buttermilk Lavender Scones on a brunch board:

• Fresh berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries)
• Soft cheeses like brie or mascarpone
• Honey or lemon curd
• Sliced citrus and sprigs of fresh lavender

This makes a beautiful centerpiece for baby showers, bridal brunches, or spring holidays.

🎁 Gift & Entertain

Wrap cooled Buttermilk Lavender Scones in parchment and twine for a rustic gift. Add a tag with reheating instructions and a small jar of homemade lemon curd or loose-leaf tea.

💡 Presentation Tip: Serve on a vintage platter with edible lavender buds or lemon curls for an elegant visual touch.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buttermilk Lavender Scones

Have questions about baking, storing, or adjusting Buttermilk Lavender Scones? We’ve got answers! Whether you’re swapping ingredients or baking ahead, this section helps troubleshoot and tailor the recipe to your needs.

🧾 Conclusion: Try These Buttermilk Lavender Scones Today

Whether you’re hosting a weekend brunch, gifting a homemade treat, or simply craving something a little luxurious, Buttermilk Lavender Scones are the perfect blend of elegance and comfort. With their crisp, golden edges, soft flaky centers, and subtle floral sweetness, these scones turn everyday baking into a fragrant, flavorful experience.

The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility—from flavor variations to dietary swaps—so you can make it your own. And once you master the method, you’ll have a go-to bake that’s just as impressive as anything from your favorite café.

So grab your dried lavender and chilled butter—it’s time to create a batch of Buttermilk Lavender Scones that’ll win hearts and compliments. ✨

Have questions? Made a fun variation?
Leave a comment, share it with friends, and follow us on Pinterest for more bake and no-bake dessert inspiration straight to your feed!

Related Article: Homemade Garlic Knots Recipe – 7 Pro Tips for Perfect Flavor

Buttermilk Lavender Scones: 5 Irresistible Brunch Treats

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Olivia Reed
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 large or 16 mini scones 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

These Buttermilk Lavender Scones are buttery, flaky, and delicately floral with a lemon-lavender icing that’s perfect for spring brunches or afternoon tea. Made with dried culinary lavender and rich buttermilk, they offer a café-style treat right from your kitchen.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Scones:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour

• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar

• 2½ tsp baking powder

• 2 tsp dried culinary lavender

• 2 tsp lemon zest

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ cup (113g) frozen unsalted butter, grated

• ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk, plus 2 tbsp for brushing

• 1 large egg

• 1½ tsp pure vanilla extract

• Optional: coarse sugar for topping

For the Icing:

• 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk

• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1¼ cups (150g) confectioners’ sugar

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, lavender, lemon zest, and salt.

• Grate frozen butter into the dry mixture. Combine using a pastry cutter or fingers until crumbly.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk, egg, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix until moistened.

• Shape dough into one 8-inch disc (for 8 scones) or two 5-inch discs (for 16 mini scones). Cut into wedges.

• Place scones on a lined baking sheet. Chill for 15 minutes.

• Brush tops with buttermilk and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.

• Bake for 18–26 minutes until golden. Cool slightly.

• Meanwhile, make icing: Simmer milk, steep with lavender for 15 minutes, strain, then whisk with lemon juice and sugar.

 

• Drizzle icing over warm scones. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

To freeze before baking: Shape and freeze scones on a tray. Bake from frozen, adding a few minutes to the time.

For vegan: Use plant-based milk + butter and a flax egg.

For gluten-free: Use 1:1 GF baking flour and add 1 tbsp extra liquid.

Leftovers stay fresh for 2 days at room temp, or 5 days in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Bars & Bites
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 large scone
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 16g
• Sodium: 170mg
• Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 50mg