Why You’ll Love This Decaf Matcha Scones Recipe

Get ready to discover a truly special treat! These decaf matcha scones offer the best of both worlds: the wonderful, earthy flavor of green tea in a warm, buttery pastry that you can enjoy any time of day without a caffeine buzz. With an incredibly soft, tender inside and a satisfying, lightly crisp exterior, this simple recipe is 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?

Decaf matcha is real, high-quality matcha green tea that has had its caffeine gently removed, often through a natural water process. This method helps preserve the matcha’s vibrant color and distinct, calming flavor profile, so you can enjoy its savory notes without the stimulating effects. It’s an excellent choice for anyone sensitive to caffeine or for those wanting a soothing treat in the evening.

Secrets to the Perfect Scone

Achieving the perfect scone texture is easy with a few key tips. First, always use very cold ingredients—your butter, egg, and cream should be straight from the fridge. Cold butter creates steam pockets as it melts in the oven, resulting in incredibly flaky, tender scones. Next, do not overwork the dough. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined to keep your scones soft, not tough. Finally, when cutting your scones, press straight down without twisting to help them rise to their full, beautiful potential.

How to Keep Your Scones Fresh

These scones are always best enjoyed fresh on the day they’re baked. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container, where they will keep at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can freeze them individually wrapped for up to three months. Simply reheat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes to warm them through.

Get Creative! Serving Ideas & Variations

These scones are delicious on their own, but they’re also a perfect canvas for your creativity! Serve them with clotted cream and jam for a classic afternoon tea experience, or drizzle them with a simple lemon glaze that pairs beautifully with the earthy matcha. For more texture, try mixing white chocolate chips or chopped macadamia nuts into the dough. A sprinkle of coarse sugar on top before baking also adds a delightful crunch.

How to Choose Your Decaf Matcha

The quality of your matcha powder will directly impact the flavor and color of your scones. Look for a decaf matcha with a bright, vibrant green color, as a dull, yellowish powder is often a sign of lower quality. While ceremonial grade is the highest quality, a good culinary grade decaf matcha will work perfectly for baking, ensuring your scones have that authentic, rich matcha taste.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I use regular caffeinated matcha for this recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the decaf matcha powder with the same amount of regular culinary grade matcha.

Why are my scones dry or hard?
This is usually caused by overmixing the dough or adding too much flour. Be gentle when mixing and measure your flour correctly for the best results.

Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes! You can prepare and cut the scones, then refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze the unbaked scones and bake them directly from the freezer—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.