lemon-glazed banana scones with crystallized ginger

Crystallized ginger and lemon zest complement the assertive banana flavor in these scones. While scones are usually best the day they’re made, added moisture from the banana will keep these delicious for an extra day.

YIELDS: 8 Scones

INGREDIENTS:

FOR THE SCONES:

• 9 oz. (2 cups) unbleached all-purpose flour; more as needed
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 1/4 tsp. baking powder
• 1 tsp. finely grated fresh lemon zest
• 3/8 tsp. table salt
• 2 3/4 oz. (5 1/2 Tbs.) cold unsalted butter, cut into pieces
• 1 small ripe (but not mushy) banana, cut into 1/4-inch dice (1/2 cup)
• 1 Tbs. minced crystallized ginger
• 3/4 cup plus 2 Tbs. heavy cream; more for brushing
• Coarse white sanding sugar (optional)

FOR THE GLAZE:

• 3 oz. (3/4 cup) confectioners’ sugar
• 1 1/2 Tbs. freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1/2 oz. (1 Tbs.) unsalted butter, softened
• Pinch of table salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

MAKING THE SCONES:

1. Position a rack in the top third of the oven and heat the oven to 375°F. Stack two rimmed baking sheets and line the top one with parchment.
2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, sugar, baking powder, lemon zest, and salt. With your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture until a few pea-size lumps remain. Stir in the banana and the ginger. Add the cream; with a fork, gradually stir until the mixture just comes together.
3. Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat gently into a 7-inch circle about 1 inch high. Using a chef’s knife or bench knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges. Transfer to the baking sheet, spacing the wedges 1 to 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with heavy cream and sprinkle liberally with sanding sugar (if using).
4. Bake until the tops are golden, 19 to 25 minutes, rotating halfway through baking for even browning. Transfer the scones to a wire rack and cool slightly, 3 to 4 minutes.

GLAZING THE SCONES:

1. In a small bowl, stir the confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, butter, and salt until smooth.
2. Drizzle the warm scones with the glaze.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature.

NOTES:

• Crystallized ginger and lemon zest complement the assertive banana flavor in these scones.
• While scones are usually best the day they’re made, added moisture from the banana will keep these delicious for an extra day.
• Heavy cream can be substituted with whole milk in this recipe.