Cherry Scones
If you’re on the lookout for a delightful treat that perfectly blends the tartness of cherries with buttery, flaky goodness, then look no further than these delectable Cherry Scones. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon snack, these scones are not only easy to make but will also fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Imagine biting into a warm scone, the sweet-and-sour burst of dried tart cherries mingling with a subtle hint of orange. Pair them with your favorite tea or coffee, and you have a match made in heaven!
Reasons to Love Cherry Scones
Cherry scones are a fantastic choice for several reasons:
- Quick and Easy: They come together in no time, making them perfect for busy mornings or unexpected guests.
- Versatile: Enjoy them plain or dressed up with a drizzle of glaze or a sprinkle of sparkling sugar.
- Flavorful: The combination of tart cherries and citrusy orange zest elevates the flavor profile, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Perfect for Any Season: Whether it’s a sunny spring morning or a cozy winter afternoon, these scones are a delicious treat year-round.
Your Shopping Guide
To make these scrumptious Cherry Scones, you’ll need to gather a few simple ingredients. Here’s a comprehensive list to ensure you’re all set:
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter: Cubed and frozen for the perfect flaky texture.
- 2 large oranges: You’ll need their zest and juice for that vibrant flavor.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Essential for that lovely rise.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors.
- 2 cups flour: Spoon and level for accuracy.
- 11 tablespoons heavy cream: Divided for the dough and glaze.
- 1 large egg: Helps bind the ingredients.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste: Or substitute with vanilla extract for a lovely aroma.
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract: This is optional but adds a nice depth of flavor.
- 3/4 cup dried tart cherries: The star of the show!
- White sparkling sugar: Optional, for a beautiful finish.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the glaze, adding sweetness and a touch of elegance.
Equipment at a Glance
Before you dive into baking, let’s make sure you have the right tools on hand:
- Baking sheet: For baking your scones to golden perfection.
- Mixing bowls: Use these for combining your dry and wet ingredients.
- Whisk: Perfect for mixing the egg and cream.
- Pastry cutter or fork: To cut the butter into the flour mixture.
- Rubber spatula: Great for folding in the cherries and ensuring everything is well combined.
- Cooling rack: Essential for letting your scones cool after baking.
Cooking Cherry Scones: The Process
Ready to bake? Let’s walk through the steps to create your Cherry Scones!
Step 1: Prepare the Butter
Begin by taking your 8 tablespoons of unsalted butter out of the freezer. Cut the butter into small cubes and return it to the freezer while you prepare the other ingredients. Keeping the butter cold is crucial for achieving that perfect flaky texture.
Step 2: Zest and Juice the Oranges
Zest both large oranges into a bowl, ensuring you only take the outer orange layer. Then, juice the oranges and set aside both the zest and juice for later use.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk them together until evenly blended.
Step 4: Cut in the Butter
Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to creating those flaky layers in your scones.
Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together 11 tablespoons of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste, and the juice of the oranges. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until combined.
Step 6: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the 3/4 cup of dried tart cherries. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the dough light and airy.
Step 7: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges or use a round cutter to create individual rounds.
Step 8: Bake the Scones
Place the shaped scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a little more cream and sprinkle with white sparkling sugar if desired. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 9: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, transfer the scones to a cooling rack. Meanwhile, prepare a simple glaze by whisking together 1 cup of powdered sugar and a few tablespoons of heavy cream until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled scones for a sweet finish.
Warm & Cool Weather Spins
These Cherry Scones are versatile and can be adapted for different occasions and weather:
- Warm Weather: Serve them with fresh berries and whipped cream for a refreshing summer treat.
- Cool Weather: Pair them with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot chocolate to make a cozy snack.
- Holiday Twist: Add a hint of nutmeg or cinnamon to the dough for a seasonal twist during the holidays.
Frequent Missteps to Avoid
Baking can be tricky, but here are a few common pitfalls to avoid when making Cherry Scones:
- Overmixing the dough can lead to tough scones. Mix just until combined.
- Using warm butter instead of cold can result in dense scones. Make sure your butter is frozen or very cold.
- Not letting the scones cool before glazing can cause the glaze to melt and lose its shape.
- Skipping the sparkling sugar topping can lead to less visually appealing scones. It adds a nice touch!
Refrigerate, Freeze, Reheat
To keep your Cherry Scones fresh or to prepare them ahead of time, follow these tips:
- Refrigerate: Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Unbaked scones can be frozen. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Reheat: Warm the scones in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds before enjoying.
Cherry Scones FAQs
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?
While fresh cherries are delicious, they contain more moisture and can make the dough too wet. If you prefer fresh, consider drying them slightly first or using less liquid in the recipe.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
You can use whole milk or a dairy-free alternative, but the scones may not be as rich or flaky as they would be with heavy cream.
How do I know when the scones are done baking?
The scones should be golden brown on the top and bottom. You can also insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean, they’re ready!
Can I add other fruits or nuts to the scone mixture?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other dried fruits like cranberries or add nuts like almonds or walnuts for added texture and flavor.
Desserts to Finish
If you’re looking to complete your meal or have something sweet to go along with your Cherry Scones, consider these delightful dessert options:
Bring It to the Table
Cherry Scones are not just a treat; they are an experience. Whether you’re hosting a tea party, enjoying a quiet morning, or celebrating a special occasion, these scones will impress your family and friends. Serve them warm, drizzled with sweet glaze, and watch as they disappear in no time. With their delightful flavor and tender crumb, these Cherry Scones are bound to become a favorite in your household.
The next time you’re in the mood for a little baking adventure, remember this recipe for Cherry Scones. They’re simple yet delicious, and the joy of sharing them with loved ones makes the experience even sweeter. Happy baking!
Cherry Scones
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Prepare the Butter - Take the unsalted butter out of the freezer, cut into small cubes, and return to the freezer.
- Step 2: Zest and Juice the Oranges - Zest the oranges into a bowl and juice them, setting both aside for later use.
- Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients - In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk until blended.
- Step 4: Cut in the Butter - Cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Step 5: Add the Wet Ingredients - In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla bean paste, and orange juice. Pour into dry ingredients and stir gently.
- Step 6: Fold in the Cherries - Gently fold in the dried tart cherries, being careful not to overmix.
- Step 7: Shape the Dough - Turn the dough onto a floured surface, shape into a 1-inch thick circle, and cut into wedges or rounds.
- Step 8: Bake the Scones - Place on a baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with sparkling sugar, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes.
- Step 9: Cool and Glaze - Transfer to a cooling rack and prepare a glaze with powdered sugar and heavy cream, then drizzle over the cooled scones.
Notes
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Unbaked scones can be frozen; bake from frozen with extra time.
- Warm scones in a toaster oven or microwave before serving for best taste.
