If you’re on a quest for the perfect breakfast or teatime treat, look no further than this delightful Cherry Scone recipe. Combining the sweetness of fresh cherries with a buttery, flaky texture, these scones offer a heavenly taste that can brighten any day.
Ideal for both novice and seasoned bakers, this recipe will guide you through creating a batch of irresistibly tender scones that are just as perfect for a cozy family breakfast as they are for impressing guests at a brunch gathering.
Personal Experience
I still remember the first time I made these cherry scones. It was a rainy morning, perfect for baking. As the aroma filled the kitchen, it felt like a warm, comforting hug. These scones turned out so wonderfully tender and flavorful that they’ve become a staple in my home, especially when cherries are in season.
Equipment List
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Measure out 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, and keep some extra on hand for the final sprinkle.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Slice 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter into small cubes.
- Pour 3/4 cup of heavy cream into your mix, and have a little extra ready for a final brush over the top.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
Cherry Scone Recipe – Step by Step Preparation
Step 1:
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Step 2:
In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Step 3:
Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4:
In a different bowl, blend the heavy cream with an egg and a dash of vanilla extract. Pour this over the flour mixture, add the chopped cherries, and stir until just combined.
Step 5:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently until it comes together. Form the dough into a round disc, about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.
Step 6:
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Gently brush the tops of the scones with some cream and dust lightly with sugar.
Step 7:
Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, transfer the scones to a cooling rack to cool.
Tips For Success
- Ensure your butter is very cold to help achieve flaky scones.
- Do not overwork the dough; mix until just combined to keep the scones tender.
- Use fresh, not frozen, cherries to avoid excess moisture.
- If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour; if too dry, add a bit more cream.
- Let the scones cool slightly before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Variations
- Almond Cherry Scones: Add 1/2 cup sliced almonds to the dough.
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones: Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips with the cherries.
- Lemon Glaze Cherry Scones: Drizzle with a glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
- Coconut Cherry Scones: Substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with coconut flour and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
- Spiced Cherry Scones: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm spice flavor.
Conclusion
This Cherry Scone recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the vibrant flavors of fresh cherries wrapped in a soft, tender pastry. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned baker, these scones are straightforward to make and are sure to delight anyone who tries them. Enjoy these cherry scones fresh out of the oven with a dollop of cream or your favorite jam for an extra special treat.
FAQs
What can I serve with cherry scones?
Cherry scones are versatile and can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Classic pairings include clotted cream, butter, or your favorite jam. For a savory twist, try serving them with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I store cherry scones to keep them fresh?
To keep cherry scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate the scones for up to a week or freeze them for as long as three months. When ready to eat, simply reheat them in the oven or microwave for a few seconds to bring back their original texture.
Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries for making scones. Make sure to thaw and drain them well before use to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough’s consistency.
Are cherry scones gluten-free?
Typical cherry scone recipes are not gluten-free as they contain all-purpose flour. However, you can make them gluten-free by substituting the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend designed for baking.
How can I tell when the cherry scones are done baking?
Cherry scones are done when they turn golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center of a scone comes out clean or with only a few crumbs attached. It’s important not to overbake them to keep the scones moist and tender.
Cherry Scone Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry cutter or two forks
- Sharp knife
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- Measure out 1/3 cup of granulated sugar and keep some extra on hand for the final sprinkle.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Slice 6 tablespoons of cold unsalted butter into small cubes.
- Pour 3/4 cup of heavy cream into your mix and have a little extra ready for a final brush over the top.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and chopped
Instructions
- Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients: flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the cold butter and use a pastry cutter or forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a different bowl, blend the heavy cream with an egg and a dash of vanilla extract. Pour this over the flour mixture, add the chopped cherries, and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and knead gently until it comes together. Form the dough into a round disc, about 1 inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.
- Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet. Gently brush the tops of the scones with some cream and dust lightly with sugar.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown. Once baked, transfer the scones to a cooling rack to cool.
Notes
- Almond Cherry Scones: Add 1/2 cup sliced almonds to the dough.
- Chocolate Chip Cherry Scones: Mix in 1/2 cup chocolate chips with the cherries.
- Lemon Glaze Cherry Scones: Drizzle with a glaze made from lemon juice and powdered sugar.
- Coconut Cherry Scones: Substitute 1/4 cup of the flour with coconut flour and add 1/4 cup shredded coconut.
- Spiced Cherry Scones: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg to the flour mixture for a warm spice flavor.