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Position racks in upper and lower third of oven. Preheat oven to 375°F/190°C. Line two baking sheet pans with parchment paper; set aside.
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Stir together the milk and lemon juice in a measuring cup and allow to sit and thicken for about 5 minutes.
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Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, ground nuts, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large mixing bowl to aerate and combine. Add butter pieces and cut in with a pastry blender or fingertips until it takes on the texture of a coarse meal; it is okay for there to be larger pockets of butter. (If you want to do this in a stand mixer, use the flat paddle, which is what we do in the Test Kitchen).
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Drizzle in the soured milk, 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup and beaten egg and stir in until combined (or pulse on and off with machine). Do not over mix.
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Use an ice cream scoop or a 1/4 cup measuring cup to dole out scones, evenly spaced, on the two prepared pans. Press one pecan onto the top of each scone and use your flat palm to press each scone down to about 1/2-inch (12 mm) thickness. Brush scones with reserved 2 tablespoons maple syrup.
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Bake for about 25 to 35 minutes or until very light golden brown on top and bottom and a toothpick just tests clean. Cool on the pan on a rack for about 5 minutes. These are best served warm from the oven or at least the same day they are baked.