Lavender Lemon Scones with Honey Cream + Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea

An Afternoon Tea for the Soul

The Story

There was a time when afternoons felt like the longest stretch of the day—quiet, lonely, and heavy. I started creating “tea time” as a self-care ritual. A pause. A reward. These scones—gentle, floral, and bright with lemon—became a symbol of that pause. The honey cream, whipped with patience, brought a soft sweetness that reminded me to be kind to myself. And the iced Earl Grey, infused with orange and mint, was cooling and uplifting, like a breath of fresh air.

This afternoon tea isn’t just a treat. It’s a reminder to slow down, savor the moment, and take care of yourself.

What You’ll Need

For the Lavender Lemon Scones (makes 8)

• 2 cups self-raising flour

• ¼ cup caster sugar

• 1 tsp dried culinary lavender (plus extra to sprinkle)

• Zest of 1 lemon

• 1 tsp vanilla extract

• ½ tsp salt

• 80g cold unsalted butter, cubed

• ¾ cup buttermilk (plus extra to brush)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Honey Cream

• ¾ cup thickened cream

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or extract

For the Earl Grey Citrus Iced Tea

• 3 Earl Grey tea bags

• 2 cups boiling water

• Juice of 1 orange

• Zest of ½ orange

• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

• A few mint sprigs

• Ice to serve

Method

1. Make the Scones

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan-forced). Line a baking tray with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift flour and add sugar, lavender, lemon zest, salt. Stir to combine.

3. Add butter. Use fingertips to rub it into the flour until the mixture looks like breadcrumbs.

4. Mix vanilla, lemon juice, and buttermilk. Pour into the dry mix and gently fold until just combined.

5. Turn onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a 2.5cm-thick round. Use a floured cutter (or glass) to cut 8 scones.

6. Place on the tray, just touching. Brush tops with buttermilk and sprinkle a few extra lavender buds.

7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden. Cool slightly on a rack.

2. Whip the Honey Cream

1. In a chilled bowl, whip the cream with honey and vanilla until soft peaks form. Chill until ready.

3. Brew the Iced Tea

1. Steep tea bags in boiling water for 5–7 mins. Remove bags and stir in orange juice, zest, honey (if using).

2. Let cool, then chill in fridge.

3. Serve in glasses with ice, mint sprigs, and a wedge of orange.

Serving Suggestion

Split scones while still warm. Dollop generously with honey cream. Pour a tall glass of iced Earl Grey beside it. Take it to your favorite sunny spot—or a soft blanket by the window. Deep breath. Sip. Bite. Pause.

A Note

Some days are heavy, even when the sun is out. But little rituals—like a cup of tea and a homemade scone—can become small anchors of peace. Let this afternoon tea be your quiet rebellion against the noise.