Why You’ll Love This Decaf Matcha Scones Recipe
You are about to discover a truly special treat. These decaf matcha scones offer the best of both worlds. You get the wonderful, earthy flavor of green tea in a warm, buttery pastry. Yet, you can enjoy them any time of day without a caffeine buzz. The scones are incredibly soft and tender on the inside. They have a satisfying, lightly crisp exterior. This recipe is simple to follow. The results are consistently delicious. It’s perfect for a peaceful morning or a relaxing afternoon tea. Prepare to fall in love with your new favorite scone recipe.
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour: 2 cups (240g)
- Granulated Sugar: 1/2 cup (100g)
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons
- Salt: 1/4 teaspoon
- Decaf Matcha Powder: 2 tablespoons (15g)
- Cold Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (113g), cut into small cubes
- Cold Heavy Cream: 1/2 cup (120ml)
- Cold Large Egg: 1
- Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon
- Optional Egg Wash: 1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of cream or milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and decaf matcha powder until well combined.
- Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces of butter still visible.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Form the Dough: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together just until a shaggy dough begins to form. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape and Cut: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead it two or three times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the circle into eight equal wedges.
- Bake the Scones: Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet. For a golden top, brush them with the optional egg wash. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack. Serve warm.
What is Decaf Matcha?
You might be wondering about decaf matcha. It is real, high-quality matcha green tea. The caffeine has been gently removed. The process used to remove the caffeine is often a natural water method. This helps preserve the matcha’s vibrant color and distinct flavor profile. It means you can enjoy the calming, savory notes of matcha without the stimulating effects of caffeine. It is an excellent choice for those who are sensitive to caffeine. It’s also great for anyone wanting a soothing treat in the evening.
Tips for Making the Best Matcha Scones
Achieving the perfect scone texture is easy with a few key tips. Always use very cold ingredients. Your butter, egg, and cream should be straight from the refrigerator. Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts in the oven. This results in incredibly flaky and tender scones. Do not overwork the dough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make your scones tough instead of soft. A few gentle kneads are all you need. When cutting your scones, press the cutter or knife straight down. Do not twist it. Twisting can seal the edges and prevent the scones from rising to their full potential. These small details make a big difference.
How to Store Your Homemade Scones
These decaf matcha scones are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked. However, you can store them if you have leftovers. Let the scones cool completely first. Then, place them in an airtight container. They will keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze the scones. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, you can warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5 to 10 minutes until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
There are many wonderful ways to serve these scones. They are delicious on their own. You can also serve them with clotted cream and your favorite jam for a classic afternoon tea experience. A simple lemon glaze can also be drizzled on top. The citrus flavor pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha. If you want to add more texture, consider mixing in some white chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts into the dough. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking adds a delightful crunch. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own.
Choosing the Right Decaf Matcha Powder
The quality of your matcha powder will directly impact the flavor and color of your scones. Look for a decaf matcha that has a bright, vibrant green color. A dull, yellowish-green powder is often a sign of lower quality or old matcha. Good matcha should also have a fine, silky texture and a fresh, slightly sweet aroma. While ceremonial grade is the highest quality, a good culinary grade decaf matcha will work perfectly for baking. Investing in a good powder ensures your scones will have that authentic, rich matcha taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular caffeinated matcha for this recipe? Yes, you absolutely can. Simply substitute the decaf matcha powder with the same amount of regular culinary grade matcha. The recipe will work perfectly.
Why are my scones dry or hard? This is usually caused by one of two things. Either the dough was overmixed, or too much flour was added. Be gentle with the dough and measure your flour correctly for the best results.
Can I prepare the dough in advance? Yes. You can prepare the dough, cut the scones, and then place them on a baking sheet. Cover them and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the unbaked scones and bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
