Cherry Almond Scones Delightful Treat for Everyone

Cherry almond scones are a sweet treat anyone can enjoy. With their buttery goodness and fruity flavor, they make the perfect snack or breakfast option. I’ll guide you through easy steps to whip up this delightful recipe. You’ll use simple ingredients like dried cherries and almonds to create a warm, flavorful treat. Let’s dive into the world of baking and impress everyone with your skills!

Ingredients

To make delicious cherry almond scones, you need these simple ingredients:

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 cup granulated sugar

- 1 tablespoon baking powder

- 1/2 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

- 1/2 cup sweetened dried cherries, chopped

- 1/2 cup slivered almonds

- 1/2 cup heavy cream

- 1 large egg

- 1 teaspoon almond extract

- 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

- Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Each ingredient plays a key role. The flour forms the base, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise. Salt enhances all the flavors. Cold butter creates a flaky texture. Cherries and almonds bring great taste and crunch. Heavy cream adds richness, and the egg binds everything. Almond extract gives a nice hint of flavor.

You can dust your scones with powdered sugar for a sweet finish. Gather these ingredients for a delightful treat that everyone will love!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheating and Preparing the Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for golden scones. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients well. This ensures your scones rise properly.

Incorporating Butter into the Flour Mixture

Now, it's time to add the cold, cubed butter. Use 1/2 cup of unsalted butter. You can use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix in the butter. Work until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step adds flakiness to your scones.

Adding Cherries and Almonds

Next, fold in 1/2 cup of sweetened dried cherries and 1/2 cup of slivered almonds. Make sure they are evenly mixed into the flour mixture. These add great flavor and texture to your scones.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon almond extract. This mixture adds moisture and flavor. Pour this into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky.

Bringing the Dough Together and Shaping

Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. This helps form your scones.

Cutting and Baking the Scones

Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with a little milk. This helps them brown nicely. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the edges are golden brown.

Cooling and Serving Suggestions

After baking, let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack. If you like, dust the tops with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy your cherry almond scones fresh!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Perfect Texture

To get the best texture for your scones, keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates flaky layers. When you mix it with flour, don’t overwork the dough. You want it to stay slightly chunky. This makes the scones tender. If the dough feels too wet, sprinkle a bit more flour.

Storing and Reheating Scones

Store your scones in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days. If you need to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw them at room temperature. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This restores their lovely texture.

Substitutions for Ingredients

You can swap some ingredients if needed. For the cherries, try blueberries or cranberries. They add a different flavor but still taste great. Instead of heavy cream, use milk or a non-dairy alternative. If you have no slivered almonds, chopped walnuts work well too. Each swap gives a unique twist to your scones.

Variations

Different Fruit Add-ins

You can change the fruit in these scones. Try using blueberries or raspberries. These berries add a nice tartness. Dried apricots are another great option. They bring a sweet and chewy texture. If you prefer fresh fruits, use diced peaches or strawberries. Just remember to adjust the moisture in the dough.

Flavor Enhancements

Adding a twist to the flavor is fun. You can mix in lemon zest for a bright taste. A splash of vanilla extract can also enhance the sweetness. For a nutty flavor, add chopped walnuts or pecans. You might even try a sprinkle of cinnamon to warm things up. Each change can make the scones unique.

Gluten-Free Version

For a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for a mix that includes xanthan gum. This helps keep the scones from crumbling. You may need to adjust the liquid in the dough. Start with less cream and add more as needed. Enjoy the same delicious taste without gluten!

Storage Info

Best Practices for Storing Scones

To keep your cherry almond scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. Place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. Avoid wrapping them in plastic wrap, as it can make them soggy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze scones for later use. First, let the baked scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label and date the bag. They will keep well in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or reheat in the oven.

Shelf Life of Cherry Almond Scones

Cherry almond scones last for about two days at room temperature. After that, they may start to lose their freshness. If stored in the fridge, they can last up to a week. Remember, the fresher you eat them, the better! Enjoy your scones while they are still soft and tasty.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?

Yes, you can use fresh cherries. Just chop them into small pieces. Fresh cherries add a juicy burst to your scones. Keep in mind that fresh cherries have more moisture. You may need to adjust the flour slightly to balance the wetness.

What can I serve with cherry almond scones?

Cherry almond scones pair well with many items. Try serving them with clotted cream or butter. You can also add jam for extra sweetness. A cup of tea or coffee makes a great drink choice too. These scones fit well with breakfast or afternoon snacks.

How do I make scones softer?

To make scones softer, use cold ingredients. Make sure your butter is very cold. Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined. You can also add a bit more cream. This extra moisture keeps the scones tender.

Can these scones be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these scones ahead of time. Prepare the dough and freeze it before baking. When you are ready, bake directly from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. This way, you can enjoy fresh scones anytime!

This blog post covered how to make cherry almond scones from start to finish. We discussed key ingredients like flour, sugar, and butter. The step-by-step guide helps you mix, shape, and bake your scones perfectly. Tips on texture and storage keep them fresh and tasty. Remember, you can customize your scones with different fruits or flavors.

Now, enjoy your baking. Make these scones a treat you'll share with friends!