When Life Gives You Lemons… Add Blueberries and Bake Scones!
Jump to RecipeThere are days when the world feels just a little too loud, when the to-do list grows faster than your ability to keep up, and when even choosing what to eat feels like too much. On those days, I turn to my trusty kitchen counter, a big mixing bowl, and a fragrant lemon. Because when stress knocks, my answer is almost always: bake it out. Today, I’m sharing one of my favorite low-effort, high-satisfaction bakes — lemon blueberry scones. These scones are bright, fresh, and soft — a delightful treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or kickstart a cozy morning. They also double as a perfect entry point into the world of stress baking. Why? Because they only require one large bowl, one measuring cup, and very little cleanup.
And if you’re anything like me, minimal mess equals maximum peace.
A Lemon Blueberry Quick Bread in Scone Form
Scones walk the delicious line between a tender biscuit and a sweet quick bread. Think of these lemon blueberry scones as the playful cousin of your favorite blueberry quick bread — they’re just as flavorful, but bake up faster and with less fuss. If lemon isn’t your jam, I have a cinnamon scone recipe as well – with instructions on how to make the cozy flavors match your vibe!
I originally discovered this recipe on a-kitchen-addiction.com and have made a few little tweaks to match what I typically have in my pantry and what works best for my anxiety-baking days. These scones don’t demand perfection. You don’t need to carefully measure every blueberry (honestly, I never do) or stress about the lemon zest amount. One large lemon is plenty, and a generous handful of blueberries does the trick.
Messy Hair, Big Bowl, and a Lemon Zest High
One morning this weekend, while I was stuck at home dealing with the effects of tonsillitis, I had hit my limit of being cooped up and feeling stir crazy. I pulled my hair into the world’s worst bun, and opened my fridge. There, I saw a lone lemon and a what was left of a pint of blueberries.
That lemon sparked something. Within 10 minutes, I was elbow-deep in flour, with soft music playing and the hum of the oven warming the kitchen. By the time the lemon blueberry scones came out of the oven — golden, speckled with bursting blueberries, and steaming gently — I felt like I could finally exhale.
Stress baking isn’t about the final product (though this one is delicious). It’s about grounding yourself in the process: measuring, mixing, shaping. Letting your hands move while your brain catches up. It’s a form of therapy that comes with warm, citrus-scented results.
Lemon Blueberry Scones: The Recipe
Adapted from a-kitchen-addiction.com
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup milk (plus extra for brushing tops)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or… you know, measured with your heart)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
- On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a bit of milk. Optional: sprinkle a little sugar for crunch.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly and enjoy!
Pro tip: These freeze wonderfully. Pop a few in the freezer and reheat on a lazy morning when you need a hug in baked form.

FAQs: Can I Use Frozen Blueberries?
Absolutely! Frozen blueberries work beautifully here. Just don’t thaw them before folding into the dough — doing so can cause them to bleed and make the dough soggy. Use them straight from the freezer, mix gently, and be prepared for slightly cooler dough and a longer bake time by a couple of minutes.
The Mindful Magic of Baking with Citrus
There’s something about citrus that wakes up the senses. The act of zesting a lemon is a grounding experience. It fills the room with brightness and gives your hands something to do while your mind slows down.
For me, lemons are like the little yellow suns of the kitchen. When paired with blueberries — nature’s most underrated anti-anxiety snack — the combination feels like summer morning energy wrapped in pastry.
These scones, like blueberry quick bread, aren’t just baked goods. They’re comfort you can hold. And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.
Let’s Talk About You
I’ve shared my stress baking moment — now I want to hear from you.
What’s your go-to recipe when you’re feeling overwhelmed? Do you reach for something sweet like banana bread, something warm like a cinnamon scone, or something entirely savory?
Drop your answer in the comments or tag @ConfessionsOfAStressBaker on Instagram — I’d love to know what brings you peace in the kitchen.
In the Mood for More Blueberry Goodness?
If you love these scones, you might also enjoy experimenting with a classic blueberry quick bread recipe. Try folding in a swirl of lemon curd or a crumble topping for a delicious twist. Better yet, freeze slices for stress-snack moments later in the week. It’s like leaving little care packages for your future self.
Take This Recipe on the Road
Traveling soon? These scones travel surprisingly well. I’ve wrapped a couple in parchment, tucked them in my backpack, and brought them on sunrise hikes, long flights, and even train rides through Italy. (Yes, there’s something extra magical about eating a homemade scone while watching olive trees blur past your window.)
The next time you’re packing for a trip — whether it’s a solo escape or a stressful family reunion — consider taking a homemade snack that comforts and nourishes you. Because sometimes, the world feels a little less overwhelming when you’ve got carbs and citrus in your carry-on.
Feeling Inspired? Let’s Connect!
If you ever need baking inspiration, travel tips, or someone to talk to about managing anxiety on the road — you’re not alone. I started Confessions of a Stress Baker to share not just recipes, but real-life moments of mess and magic.
Connect with me for more stress-friendly recipes, travel guides, or just a virtual hug. You deserve something sweet — whether that’s a scone, a solo trip, or a slow morning with tea.
Until next time, happy baking (and breathing).
Lemon Blueberry Scones
Ingredients
- 2 Cups Flour
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 1 TBSP Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1 Zest of Large Lemon
- 1/2 Cup Butter cold & cut in to pieces
- 1 Large Egg
- 1/4 Cup Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 Cup Blueberries (or however many you want!)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and lemon zest.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla. Add to the dry ingredients and mix just until combined.
- Gently fold in the blueberries, being careful not to overmix.
- On a lightly floured surface, shape the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with a bit of milk. Optional: sprinkle a little sugar for crunch.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly and enjoy!