These Fresh Fig Scones are tender, crumbly, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or to serve with tea when entertaining friends.

Fall has always been my favorite season. When I bake these Fig Scones, it always reminds me that Summer is coming to an end. Not only that, but that glorious Fall is close at hand.
For those who don't know, figs ripen at the end of Summer, at least here in San Diego. And when they ripen, look out; you end up having an explosion of figs that have to be used all at once.
I always start with eating the figs right off the tree. Eventually, I start using them in my favorite fresh fig recipes.
I think people assume baking scones is a difficult process. But actually, it's very simple! Just follow these simple steps.
How to Make This Recipe
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
1. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cardamom, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Using a pastry knife, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
2. Mix in pecans and figs, until they're evenly coated. This keeps the pecans and figs from sinking to the bottom of the scones.
3. Whisk buttermilk, orange juice, vanilla, and egg. Make a well in the center of the flour mix and pour the liquids in the center.
4. Use a fork to gradually mix the liquids into the flour. Don't overwork the dough.
5. Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, and form into an 8" circle.
6. Divide dough into 8 sections using a dough scraper. If the dough is too sticky, dip the scraper into flour first. Press a slice of fig into each piece.
7. Transfer scones to a baking sheet that's covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Leave plenty of room between them, as they will expand. Brush with half and half and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they start to brown.
8. Cool scones on a cooling rack while you make the glaze.
GLAZE
9. Mix glaze ingredients until you reach a smooth consistency. Drizzle over cooled scones, and enjoy!
Having Scones in Christchurch
I've always wanted to visit the UK, and while there, have tea and scones. So when I finally visited the UK a few years ago for my 50th birthday, tea and scones were on top of my list.
While we were strolling the streets of Christchurch, I saw a quaint tearoom straight out of my imagination. Of course, we had to go inside to investigate. Not only was it just like I imagined, but the scone was huge and delicious!
The New Forest Perfumery Tearooms
My huge scone was not a "Fig Scone," but it certainly was delicious, and yes, I ate every bite!
Even though we weren't allowed outdoor seating, I managed to sneak out there for a quick picture.
Interesting Scone Related Facts
The word "scone" made its appearance in the 1500s. Scones originated in Scotland, where they were cooked in a griddle, like a pancake, then divided into sections after they were cooked.
It wasn't until the mid-1800's when baking powder became available, that scones were cooked in the oven. Scones are generally lightly sweetened and served with jam and clotted cream.
Some add-ins include raisins, dates, and currants. There are also savory scones with ingredients like cheese, bacon, chives, and potatoes.
Related Recipes
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & a review in the comments section further down the page.
Stay in touch with me through social media @ Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Facebook. Don't forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe
Cardamom and fig scones
Ingredients
Scones
- 2½ cups flour
- â…“ cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cardamom powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- ½ cup unsalted butter chilled
- ½ cup pecans chopped
- 1 cup fresh figs chopped
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg beaten
- 2 tablespoon half and half (to brush the tops with)
Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoon orange juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cardamom, baking powder, salt, and orange zest. Using a pastry knife, cut in the butter until the mixture is crumbly.
- Mix in pecans and figs, until they're evenly coated. This keeps the pecans and figs from sinking to the bottom of the scones.
- Whisk buttermilk, orange juice, vanilla, and egg. Make a well in the center of the flour mix and pour the liquids in the center.
- Use a fork to gradually mix the liquids into the flour. Don't overwork the dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a floured surface, and form into an 8" circle.
- Divide dough into 8 sections using a dough scraper. If the dough is too sticky, dip the scraper into flour first. Press a slice of fig into each piece.
- Transfer scones to a baking sheet that's covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Leave plenty of room between them, as they will expand. Brush with half and half and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until they start to brown.
- Cool scones on a cooling rack while you make the glaze.
Glaze
- Mix glaze ingredients until you reach a smooth consistency. Drizzle over cooled scones, and enjoy!
Nutrition
This Fig Scones post was originally posted on 8/7/2018 and edited on 11/12/2019 by editing the post's copy, but not the recipe.
Caroline C says
Our fig tree was loaded with tons of figs this year. Thanks for your recipe that I was able to use the figs to make delicious scone for family and friends. ♡♡♡
HildaSterner says
Thanks, Caroline, I'm glad you liked it! My fig tree had a late start, but it's doing pretty well now. Just froze some today, as a matter of fact! I'm going to need them when I make the final move from San Diego to Montana!