Blackberry Lemon Thyme Scones

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup fresh blackberries, rinsed and patted dry
• Coarse sugar, for sprinkling (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, lemon zest, and chopped fresh thyme.

3. Cut in the Butter:

   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with some larger pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.

4. Mix Wet Ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

   • Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

6. Add Blackberries:

   • Gently fold the fresh blackberries into the dough, being careful not to crush them too much.

7. Shape the Scones:

   • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a circle that's about 1 inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the circle into 8 wedges.

8. Bake the Scones:

   • Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.

9. Cool and Serve:

   • Once baked, transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool slightly before serving.

10. Enjoy:

    • Serve these delightful blackberry lemon thyme scones warm or at room temperature, with a dollop of clotted cream, lemon curd, or your favorite jam. Enjoy their tender, buttery texture and bursts of fruity flavor for a delightful breakfast or afternoon tea!

Note: These scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Simply reheat them in the oven or toaster oven before serving to refresh them.