Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Total Time: 30-33 minutes
Intensity: Easy
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 large ripe banana, mashed (about 1/2 cup)
- 1/3 cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional: walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins (optional)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
- Add the cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, mash the ripe banana with a fork until smooth.
- Stir in the heavy cream (or milk) and vanilla extract.
- Pour the banana mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined. The dough should be slightly sticky.
- If using, gently fold in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips or raisins.
- Shape the Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
- Gently shape the dough into a 7-8 inch round disc, about 1-inch thick.
- Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
- Bake the Scones:
- Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze (optional):
- While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (or cream), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones once they come out of the oven.
- Serve:
- Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.
- Enjoy them warm or at room temperature with a cup of coffee or tea.
Note: These Banana Scones are soft, tender, and full of banana flavor. They make a great breakfast treat or snack, and the optional glaze adds a sweet finishing touch. Customize them with your favorite mix-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit for added texture and flavor!