Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Scones

Featured in: Snacks Appetizers

Sweet tea and dill pickles merge for a Southern-inspired savory brunch treat. These tender scone-biscuits combine strong black tea, cold buttermilk, and chopped dill pickles, yielding a bright, balanced flavor with subtle tang and sweetness. The crumbly dough is accented by butter and fresh dill, then brushed with melted butter and flaky sea salt for a crisp finish. Ideal for brunch or snacking, serve warm with cream cheese or salted butter to highlight their unique fusion. Quick to prepare, vegetarian-friendly, and full of unconventional deliciousness.

Updated on Thu, 30 Oct 2025 08:16:00 GMT
Southern-inspired Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Biscuit Scones served warm with creamy butter.  Save
Southern-inspired Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Biscuit Scones served warm with creamy butter. | griddleglory.com

A unique fusion of Southern sweet tea & tangy dill pickles, these scone-biscuits are tender, slightly sweet, & surprisingly refreshing. Perfect for brunch or as a savory-sweet snack.

I first served these Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Biscuit Scones at a family brunch & everyone was wowed by their flavor. The combination of sweet tea & dill pickle adds a unique punch that keeps people talking!

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Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour: 2 cups (250 g)
  • Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
  • Baking powder: 2 tsp
  • Baking soda: 1/2 tsp
  • Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp
  • Strong sweet black tea, cooled: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Cold buttermilk: 1/2 cup (120 ml)
  • Unsalted butter, cold & cubed: 1/3 cup (75 g)
  • Egg: 1 large
  • Finely chopped dill pickles (well-drained): 1/3 cup (50 g)
  • Pickle brine: 2 tbsp
  • Chopped fresh dill (optional): 2 tbsp
  • Lemon zest (optional): 1 tsp
  • Melted butter: 1 tbsp
  • Flaky sea salt: 1 tsp

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Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, & salt.
Add Butter:
Add cold cubed butter. Cut in with a pastry cutter or fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together egg, sweet tea, buttermilk, pickle brine, & (if using) lemon zest.
Combine Wet & Dry Mixtures:
Add wet ingredients to dry mixture. Fold gently until just combined (do not overmix).
Fold in Mix-ins:
Fold in chopped pickles & fresh dill.
Shape & Cut Dough:
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into 8 wedges.
Prepare for Baking:
Place wedges on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter & sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Bake:
Bake 16-18 minutes, until golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
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| griddleglory.com

My daughter loves helping cut the dough into wedges & always sneaks a taste of the dill pickle pieces. It's become a fun family tradition!

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Required Tools

Mixing bowls, pastry cutter or fork, whisk, baking sheet, parchment paper, pastry brush, knife

Nutritional Information

Per scone: 215 calories, 8 g total fat, 31 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein

Notes

For more pickle flavor, add extra chopped pickles or drizzle with a little extra brine after baking. Substitute sour cream for buttermilk if desired. Delicious served warm with whipped cream cheese or salted butter.

Tender Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Biscuit Scones, a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors.  Save
Tender Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Biscuit Scones, a delightful mix of sweet and savory flavors. | griddleglory.com

Serve immediately for the freshest flavor, or store in an airtight container for up to two days.

Cooking Questions

Can I substitute sour cream for buttermilk?

Yes, sour cream makes a suitable alternative for buttermilk. It will add creamy richness to the dough.

How can I intensify the pickle flavor?

Add extra chopped dill pickles or drizzle a little extra pickle brine over scones after baking.

What should I serve alongside these scones?

Try whipped cream cheese or salted butter for a savory spread. Both complement the flavor nicely.

Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, all listed ingredients fit a vegetarian diet. Always confirm labels for hidden animal-based additives.

What kind of sweet tea should I use?

Use strong black tea, cooled, and sweetened for classic Southern flavor. Adjust sugar for your taste.

How do I achieve a tender crumb?

Work the butter into the flour until coarse crumbs form and avoid overmixing the dough for soft scones.

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Sweet Tea Dill Pickle Scones

Soft, flavorful scones blend sweet tea and dill pickle for a bright, savory brunch treat. Vegetarian, easy Southern twist.

Prep duration
20 min
Cook duration
18 min
Complete duration
38 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Medium

Heritage American Southern-inspired

Output 8 Portions

Nutrition specifications Meat-free

Components

Dry Ingredients

01 2 cups all-purpose flour
02 1/4 cup granulated sugar
03 2 teaspoons baking powder
04 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

Wet Ingredients

01 1/2 cup strong sweet black tea, cooled
02 1/2 cup cold buttermilk
03 1/3 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
04 1 large egg

Mix-ins and Flavors

01 1/3 cup finely chopped dill pickles, well-drained
02 2 tablespoons pickle brine
03 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (optional)
04 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)

Topping

01 1 tablespoon melted butter
02 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt

Directions

Phase 01

Prepare Oven and Sheet: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Phase 02

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Phase 03

Cut in Butter: Add cold cubed butter to the dry mixture. Cut in with a pastry cutter or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Phase 04

Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, cooled sweet tea, buttermilk, pickle brine, and optional lemon zest.

Phase 05

Combine Mixtures: Pour wet ingredients into dry mixture. Fold gently just until combined. Avoid overmixing.

Phase 06

Add Mix-ins: Fold in chopped dill pickles and fresh dill, if using.

Phase 07

Shape and Cut Dough: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. Pat into a 1-inch thick round. Cut into 8 wedges.

Phase 08

Prepare for Baking: Place wedges on prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with melted butter and sprinkle flaky sea salt over each.

Phase 09

Bake and Cool: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Cool slightly on the sheet before serving.

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Necessary tools

  • Mixing bowls
  • Pastry cutter or fork
  • Whisk
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Pastry brush
  • Knife

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (gluten), milk, eggs, and butter.
  • Review pickle and buttermilk packaging for additional allergen or additive information.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 215
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Proteins: 4 g

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