Mulberry Scones – Best Easy Flaky Recipe

Mulberry scones are one of the most delightful ways to enjoy fresh, juicy mulberries in a simple baked treat. With their tender crumb, buttery flavor, and bursts of sweet-tart berries, mulberry scones strike the perfect balance between rustic comfort and bakery-style elegance. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea, these homemade mulberry scones deliver flavor, texture, and visual appeal in every bite.

If you enjoy baking with seasonal fruit, you’ll appreciate how versatile mulberries are. Not only do they add natural sweetness, but they also bring a vibrant purple color that makes these scones stand out beautifully on any table. In this complete guide, you’ll learn exactly how to make the best mulberry scones from scratch, how to keep them soft and flaky, and how to customize them with simple variations.

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Why You’ll Love These Mulberry Scones

There are many berry scone recipes out there, but mulberry scones have a unique charm. Because mulberries are naturally sweet and less tart than raspberries, they create a smoother, more balanced flavor profile.

What Are Traditional Scones?

Scones are lightly sweet baked goods that originated in the United Kingdom. However, American-style scones tend to be slightly richer and sweeter than traditional British scones. While British scones are often served with clotted cream and jam, American versions typically include fruit mixed directly into the dough.

Mulberry scones follow the American-style approach. They’re tender, slightly crumbly, and filled with fresh fruit. Unlike biscuits, which are more savory and flaky, scones are richer and slightly denser.

Flavor Profile of Mulberry Scones

Mulberry scones combine buttery dough with juicy berry bursts. When baked, the mulberries soften and release subtle sweetness, creating pockets of flavor throughout the scone.

Here’s what makes them irresistible:

ComponentFlavor & Texture
MulberriesSweet, mild tartness
ButterRich, tender crumb
CreamMoist, soft interior
SugarLight sweetness
Golden crustSlight crisp exterior

Because mulberries are less acidic than other berries, they create a more mellow and rounded taste.

Why Mulberries Work So Well in Scones

Mulberries have a soft texture and natural juiciness. According to USDA FoodData Central, mulberries contain vitamin C, iron, and antioxidants. While scones are still a baked treat, using fresh fruit adds real flavor and nutrients.

Additionally, mulberries blend easily into dough without overpowering it. Their delicate skin means they break slightly during mixing, creating beautiful streaks of purple throughout the scones.

Ingredients for the Best Mulberry Scones

One reason mulberry scones are so popular is their simplicity. You likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh mulberries

Each ingredient plays an important role. Baking powder ensures lift, butter creates flakiness, and cream adds moisture.

Fresh vs Frozen Mulberries

Fresh mulberries provide the best texture. However, frozen mulberries also work well if handled properly.

If using frozen berries:

  • Do not thaw before adding to dough
  • Toss lightly in flour to prevent sinking
  • Add quickly to avoid excess moisture

Because frozen berries release more juice, working quickly keeps the dough from becoming too wet.

Optional Add-Ins

While classic mulberry scones are delicious on their own, you can enhance them with:

  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup white chocolate chips
  • Simple powdered sugar glaze

These additions complement the natural sweetness of mulberries without overpowering them.

How to Make Mulberry Scones Step by Step

Making mulberry scones from scratch is straightforward. However, technique matters.

Preparing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Whisk flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt together.

Proper mixing ensures even distribution of leavening.

Cutting in the Butter

Add cold cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers:

  • Work butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Small butter pieces create steam during baking, resulting in flaky layers.

Keep everything cold. Warm butter leads to dense scones.

Adding the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl:

  1. Whisk cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  2. Pour into dry mixture.

Mix gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing, as this develops gluten and makes scones tough.

Folding in Mulberries

Gently fold mulberries into the dough using a spatula. Because mulberries are delicate, mix carefully to avoid crushing them too much.

If berries break slightly, that’s fine. It creates beautiful streaks in the dough.

Shaping and Baking

  1. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
  2. Gently form into a circle about 1 inch thick.
  3. Cut into 8 wedges.
  4. Place on a lined baking sheet.
  5. Brush tops lightly with cream.

Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, or until golden brown.

Allow mulberry scones to cool slightly before serving.

Tips for Soft and Flaky Mulberry Scones

Even simple recipes benefit from small adjustments.

Keep Ingredients Cold

Cold butter and cold cream are essential. They create steam pockets during baking, leading to flakier texture.

Avoid Overmixing

Overworked dough results in dense scones. Mix only until ingredients come together.

How to Get Golden Tops

Brushing with cream before baking encourages browning. You can also sprinkle a little sugar on top for sparkle and crunch.

Storage and Reheating

Store mulberry scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage:

  • Refrigerate up to 5 days
  • Freeze up to 2 months

Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5 minutes to restore freshness.

Delicious Variations of Mulberry Scones

Once you master the base recipe, experiment with these ideas.

Mulberry Lemon Scones

Add lemon zest to brighten the flavor. The citrus enhances berry notes beautifully.

Mulberry White Chocolate Scones

Fold in white chocolate chips for extra sweetness and texture contrast.

Glazed Mulberry Breakfast Scones

Mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk and drizzle over cooled scones.

Whole Wheat Mulberry Scones

Substitute half the flour with whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor.

Nutritional Benefits of Mulberries

Mulberries are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, according to USDA FoodData Central. While mulberry scones are still a baked treat, incorporating real fruit provides natural sweetness and nutrients.

Compared to bakery scones loaded with artificial flavors, homemade mulberry scones allow full control over ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mulberry Scones

Can I use frozen mulberries?

Yes. Add them directly from frozen and mix quickly to avoid excess moisture.

Why are my scones dry?

Dry scones often result from too much flour or overbaking. Measure flour carefully and monitor baking time.

Can I make scones ahead of time?

You can prepare dough and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh for best texture.

How do I store mulberry scones?

Store at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.

Conclusion: Why These Mulberry Scones Are Worth Baking

Mulberry scones combine buttery richness with the natural sweetness of fresh berries in a simple yet impressive baked treat. Because they require minimal ingredients and no complicated techniques, they’re accessible to bakers of all skill levels.

Whether you serve them warm with tea or enjoy them as a breakfast pastry, mulberry scones bring seasonal flavor and homemade comfort together beautifully.

If you’re looking for a reliable, flavorful way to bake with mulberries, this mulberry scones recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

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Mulberry Scones – Best Easy Flaky Recipe

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Mulberry scones made with fresh mulberries, cold butter, and cream for a soft, flaky, and buttery texture. This easy homemade recipe is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.

  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 8 scones 1x
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus 1 tablespoon for brushing)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup fresh mulberries (or frozen, added unthawed)
  • Optional: 1 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
  3. Add cold cubed butter and cut it into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined.
  6. Carefully fold in mulberries (and lemon zest if using), avoiding overmixing.
  7. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently form into a 1-inch thick circle.
  8. Cut into 8 wedges and transfer to prepared baking sheet.
  9. Brush tops lightly with cream.
  10. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown.
  11. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Keep butter and cream cold for flakier texture.
  • Avoid overmixing to prevent dense scones.
  • If using frozen mulberries, do not thaw before mixing.
  • Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
  • Freeze baked scones for up to 2 months and reheat in oven before serving.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 scone
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 55 mg

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