If you're craving a sweet treat that's both scrumptious and easy, you've come to the right place! This Cherry Almond Scones recipe is simple to follow and perfect for breakfast or snacks. With just a few basic ingredients, you can whip up soft, buttery scones bursting with juicy cherries and a hint of almond flavor. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that will impress your friends and family!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart flavor of fresh cherries perfectly complements the nutty almond taste, creating a delightful balance in every bite.
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers. The steps are simple and require minimal equipment.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: These scones are versatile and can be enjoyed for breakfast, tea time, or as a sweet treat at any gathering or celebration.
- Freezable for Later: You can easily freeze the unbaked scones, so you can enjoy fresh-baked goodies whenever the craving strikes!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cherries (pitted)
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- Additional sugar for sprinkling (optional)
To make Cherry Almond Scones, you need both dry and wet ingredients. Start with the dry ones. Use all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These create the base for your scones.
Next, gather your wet ingredients. Cold unsalted butter gives the scones a flaky texture. Heavy cream adds richness, while the large egg helps bind everything. Almond extract brings that lovely nutty flavor.
Now for the add-ins. Chopped fresh cherries give sweetness and juiciness. Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You can sprinkle a little extra sugar on top if you want a sweet finish. With these ingredients, you are set to create delicious Cherry Almond Scones.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the scones bake evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This keeps the scones from sticking.
Now, it's time to mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure these ingredients are well blended. This step is key for good texture.
Making the Dough
Now, let's incorporate the cold butter. Take 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed, and add it to your dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This process creates a flaky texture for your scones.
Next, gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cherries and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Be careful not to mash the cherries. You want them to stay whole for bursts of flavor.
In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. This adds richness and flavor to your scones. Pour this wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently with a spatula. Mix until just combined; overmixing can make them tough.
Shaping and Baking
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. This helps create even cooking. Next, cut the circle into wedges, like slicing a pizza.
Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet. If you want, sprinkle a bit of sugar on top. This adds a nice crunch. Bake the scones for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown.
Once done, remove them from the oven. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. Enjoy the warm, delicious flavors of cherry and almond!
Tips & Tricks
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Using cold butter is key. Cold butter keeps the scones flaky. It creates little pockets of air as they bake. This results in a tender scone. Make sure to cube the butter and keep it chilled until you mix it in.
Don’t overmix the dough. When you combine the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want a light, crumbly texture, which means gentle handling is essential.
Enhancing Flavor
For almond extract, use one teaspoon. This amount gives a nice almond flavor without overpowering the cherries. If you want a stronger taste, consider adding a tiny bit more. Always taste as you go!
You can add other flavors too. Cinnamon or lemon zest brightens the scones. A pinch of nutmeg can also add warmth. Get creative with your favorite flavors!
Baking Tips
Check for doneness by looking for a golden-brown color. When the tops are brown, they are ready. You can also insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are done.
Cooling is important for flavor. Let the scones cool on a wire rack. This keeps them from getting soggy. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma as they cool.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Butter: Ensure the butter is very cold to achieve a flaky texture in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to keep the scones light and tender.
- Fresh Cherries Are Best: Use fresh cherries for the best flavor and juicy texture; frozen ones can make the dough too wet.
- Experiment with Toppings: Try adding a glaze or different nuts for a unique twist on your scones.
Variations
Flavor Substitutions
You can change the fruit in these scones. Use peaches, blueberries, or raspberries for a new twist. Each fruit adds its own unique taste.
You can also swap the almonds. Walnuts or pecans work well too. They bring different flavors and textures to your scones. Just make sure to chop them for even mixing.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need gluten-free scones, try almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. These options will give you a soft and tasty scone. Just follow the same steps in the recipe.
For vegan scones, replace the butter with coconut oil. Use plant-based milk instead of cream. You can also use a flax egg. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your scones with jams or spreads. Strawberry or apricot jam complements cherry almond flavors. Cream cheese also adds a rich touch.
You can serve scones with tea or coffee for a cozy breakfast. For a fun twist, try them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Serve them warm on a rustic board. Add fresh cherries and a sprinkle of almonds for a nice look. You can drizzle a light glaze made from powdered sugar and almond extract for an elegant finish.
Storage Info
Storing Scones
To keep your cherry almond scones fresh, store them properly. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. Place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. If you want to store them longer, put them in the fridge. They can last up to a week there.
Here are some tips to keep them fresh:
- Use parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking.
- Don’t slice the scones until ready to eat. This keeps them moist.
- Reheat in the oven for a few minutes to regain their fresh-baked flavor.
Freezing Instructions
Freezing baked scones is a great way to enjoy them later. To freeze, let the scones cool completely. Wrap each one in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer.
When you want to enjoy a scone, here’s how to thaw for the best results:
- Take a scone out of the freezer and unwrap it.
- Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- For a warm treat, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes. This restores their texture and taste.
Follow these tips for delicious cherry almond scones, even days after baking!
FAQs
How can I make cherry almond scones gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free flour blends instead of all-purpose flour. Look for blends that include rice flour, potato starch, and tapioca flour. These blends mimic the texture of regular flour. Make sure to check for a blend that contains xanthan gum. This helps bind the ingredients. You can also use almond flour for a nutty flavor, but adjust the liquid in the recipe since almond flour absorbs more moisture.
Can I add chocolate to my cherry almond scones?
Yes, adding chocolate is a great idea! You can mix in chocolate chips or chunks with the cherries and almonds. Dark chocolate pairs well with cherries. Milk chocolate adds sweetness, while white chocolate gives a creamy touch. Be sure to adjust the sugar in the recipe if you use sweet chocolate. This way, your scones won’t be overly sweet. Experiment with different types of chocolate to find your favorite mix!
What’s the best way to reheat scones?
The best way to reheat scones is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps the outside crisp while warming the inside. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Microwaving can make scones chewy. If you use the microwave, heat them for short bursts, about 10-15 seconds at a time. Enjoy your warm scones with a cup of tea or coffee!
You learned how to make delicious cherry almond scones. We covered the key ingredients, such as flour and butter, and how to mix them. The baking steps were outlined clearly. You also discovered tips for the best texture and flavor. Plus, I shared ways to customize the recipe. Now you can enjoy these scones fresh or stored for later. Try different flavors to keep it exciting. Happy baking!
