Cherry Almond Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping) - 1 tablespoon milk (for brushing) Each ingredient plays a special role in making scones. The flour gives structure. Sugar adds sweetness and helps with browning. Baking powder and baking soda create lift, making the scones light. Salt enhances the flavors. Butter makes the scones rich and flaky. Heavy cream adds moisture and creaminess. The egg binds the dough. Vanilla extract gives a lovely flavor. Cherries provide juicy bursts, and almonds add crunch. For the best results, choose quality brands. Use King Arthur Flour for consistent baking. For sugar, Domino is a reliable choice. For butter, look for Kerrygold or Land O'Lakes, as they have great flavor. For cherries, try organic varieties when available. For sliced almonds, Blue Diamond is a good option. These brands help you create the most delicious Cherry Almond Scones. For the full recipe, check the complete guide above. To start, gather your ingredients. You will need flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, butter, heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, fresh cherries, and sliced almonds. Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix creates a base for your scones. Next, add the cold, cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step adds richness and flaky texture. In another bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this creamy mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Now, fold in the halved cherries and sliced almonds. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the scones light. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut it into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place the wedges on your prepared baking sheet. Before baking, brush the tops with milk. Then, sprinkle extra sliced almonds on each scone for texture. Bake them in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes. They should be golden brown. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean. To achieve the best scone texture, keep your butter cold. This helps create flaky layers. Avoid overmixing the dough. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Use a light touch when folding in the cherries and almonds. Also, consider chilling the dough briefly before baking. This can enhance the scone's rise and texture. Lastly, serve them warm for the best taste experience. Enjoy your Cherry Almond Scones with your favorite jam or clotted cream! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section above. One common mistake is overmixing the dough. This makes scones tough instead of light. Mix just until the ingredients combine. Another mistake is using warm butter. Cold butter creates flaky layers. Always cube your butter before adding it. Finally, don’t skip the chilling step. Chilling the dough helps the scones rise better. For the best flavor, use fresh ingredients. Fresh cherries bring a burst of taste. Almond extract can also enhance the almond flavor. Just a little goes a long way. You can also add lemon zest for a nice twist. It brightens the overall taste and adds freshness. To get fluffy scones, make sure your baking powder is fresh. Old baking powder won’t provide enough lift. Also, avoid pressing the dough too hard when shaping. Gentle handling keeps the air in the dough. Lastly, bake on a preheated baking sheet. This helps create a crisp outer layer while keeping the inside soft and tender. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. {{image_2}} You can switch out the cherries for other fruits. Try blueberries, raspberries, or peaches. Each fruit adds a unique taste and texture. Blueberries offer a sweet burst, while raspberries bring a tart flavor. Peaches add a juicy softness that pairs well with almonds. Almonds are great, but you can change them up. Try walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts. Walnuts add a rich, earthy flavor. Pecans bring a buttery crunch, making each bite delightful. Hazelnuts add a sweet, nutty twist that surprises the palate. You can create gluten-free scones easily. Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. Look for blends that include xanthan gum for better texture. This way, everyone can enjoy these scones without worry. Don't forget to check the ingredients in the baking powder too, as some brands may contain gluten. This recipe is adaptable and allows for creativity. Experimenting makes baking more fun, and you can find your perfect flavor! For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. To keep your cherry almond scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to lock in moisture and flavor. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to extend their shelf life, place them in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember, refrigeration can dry them out a bit. If you want to keep them soft, wrap them in plastic wrap before placing them in the container. Freezing scones is super easy and a great way to enjoy them later. Start by letting the baked scones cool completely. Once cool, wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap. Then, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. You can freeze scones for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours. To reheat scones and keep them fresh, I suggest using the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This method helps restore their texture and flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can use the microwave. Heat each scone for about 15-20 seconds. However, the microwave can make them a bit soft, so the oven is a better choice for a crisp finish. You can make Cherry Almond Scones ahead by mixing the dry ingredients. Store them in a sealed bag. Next, prepare the wet ingredients. When you're ready, mix them and bake. This plan saves time. You can also freeze the scones before baking. Just wrap them well and place them in the freezer. Bake them straight from the freezer. It’s easy and quick! Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just remember to thaw and drain them first. This step helps keep the dough from getting too wet. Frozen cherries work well and can still taste great. They can add a nice burst of flavor. Use them if fresh cherries are not available. Cherry Almond Scones are wonderful on their own. You can add clotted cream or butter for a rich touch. They also pair well with jams like raspberry or apricot. A hot cup of tea or coffee complements them beautifully. These pairings bring out the cherry flavor. For the complete recipe, check out the Cherry Almond Scones section. It includes all the steps and tips to make them just right. Enjoy baking and sharing these delightful treats! Cherry almond scones are simple to make and delicious to eat. We covered key ingredients and their roles, plus tips for the perfect bake. I shared ideas to avoid common mistakes and ways to enhance flavor and texture. You can also try different fruits and storage tips for fresh scones later. By following these steps, you can enjoy tasty scones any time. Baking is fun, and now you have the tools to make it great!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cherry Almond Scones! This easy recipe combines fresh cherries and crunchy almonds for a tasty treat perfect for breakfast or brunch. With simple steps and just 35 minutes total time, you'll create golden, tender scones that will impress everyone. Don’t miss out on this delicious bakery-style recipe! Click to explore the full recipe and enjoy baking this sweet delight today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved

1/2 cup sliced almonds (plus extra for topping)

1 tablespoon milk (for brushing)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir until just combined.

Gently fold in the halved cherries and sliced almonds, taking care not to overmix.

Transfer the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick.

Cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza) and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops with milk and sprinkle extra sliced almonds over each scone for added texture.

Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Allow the scones to cool on a wire rack for a few minutes before serving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm on a decorative plate, dusted with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar and garnished with a few fresh cherries for a pop of color. Enjoy with a side of clotted cream or your favorite jam!