If you love the taste of sweet cherries and nutty almonds, you’re in for a treat! Cherry Almond Scones are a delightful way to start your day or impress guests. In this article, I’ll share an easy recipe, tips for perfecting your scones, and exciting variations to try. Join me as we explore how to bake these delicious scones that are sure to brighten your morning or afternoon snack!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The sweet and tart cherries paired with the nutty almond extract create a heavenly flavor that is perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: This scone recipe requires minimal effort and ingredients, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon tea, these scones are versatile and delightful.
- Impressive Presentation: With their golden tops and optional dusting of powdered sugar, these scones look beautiful on any table.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
– 1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with vinegar)
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup cherries, fresh or frozen, pitted and halved
– 1/2 cup sliced almonds
– 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
– Optional: powdered sugar for dusting
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making cherry almond scones. Each item plays a vital role.
– All-purpose flour: This is the main base for the scone. It gives structure.
– Granulated sugar: It adds sweetness and helps with browning.
– Baking powder: This helps the scones rise and become fluffy.
– Salt: A little salt enhances all the flavors.
– Unsalted butter: Cold butter creates flaky layers.
– Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a slight tang. You can use milk mixed with vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk.
– Almond extract: This gives a lovely nutty flavor.
– Cherries: Fresh or frozen, they add sweetness and juiciness.
– Sliced almonds: They add crunch and extra almond flavor.
– Egg: This is for the egg wash, which gives a nice glaze.
– Powdered sugar: This is optional for a sweet finishing touch.
Having these ingredients ready lets you bake scones with ease. Each one adds to the charm of this delightful treat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps the scones bake evenly.
2. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined.
3. Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend. Work until the mix looks like coarse crumbs with some butter pieces remaining.
Combining Wet Ingredients
1. In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. This adds a rich flavor to the scones.
2. Gradually pour the buttermilk mix into the flour mix. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this keeps the scones tender.
Shaping and Baking
1. Gently fold in 1 cup of pitted cherries and 1/2 cup of sliced almonds. Ensure they are spread evenly in the dough.
2. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times, then pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. Place each wedge on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
4. Brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg for a nice, golden finish.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, watching closely until they turn golden brown. A toothpick should come out clean when inserted in the center.
6. Cool the scones on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Then, move them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Tricks
Achieving Perfect Scones
To make great scones, cold butter is key. It helps create flaky layers. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers. Work the butter into the flour until it looks like coarse crumbs. Leave some larger pieces for extra texture.
Avoid overmixing the dough. When you mix the wet and dry ingredients, do it gently. Stir just until combined. Overmixing can make scones tough. You want them light and tender.
Flavor Boosting Tips
For a flavor boost, think about adding spices or zest. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can work wonders. Lemon or orange zest adds a fresh twist. Experiment with what you like best.
When choosing cherries, fresh is always great, but frozen works too. If using frozen cherries, do not thaw them first. This helps keep the dough from getting too wet.
Presentation Suggestions
To make your scones look even more inviting, dust them with powdered sugar. It adds a sweet touch and makes them look pretty.
Serve your scones warm with clotted cream or cherry jam. This adds richness and enhances the cherry flavor. It’s a perfect touch for any tea time or brunch gathering.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Make sure your butter and buttermilk are cold; this helps to create flaky layers in your scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones.
- Experiment with Fruits: While cherries are delightful, you can substitute them with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.
- Storage Tip: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage.
Variations
Ingredient Swaps
You can make cherry almond scones even more fun by swapping ingredients. Try using other fruits like:
– Raspberries
– Blueberries
– Peaches
These fruits add different flavors and colors to your scones. Next, if you want to change the almond flavor, replace almond extract with vanilla or lemon extract. This simple switch brings a new twist to your baking.
Dietary Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free flour. This works well with the same amount as regular flour. For a vegan version, replace the buttermilk with almond milk mixed with vinegar. You can also skip the egg wash. Just brush the scones with almond milk for a nice finish.
Additional Toppings
Adding toppings can make your scones even more special. You can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the top. This adds sweetness and a nice shine. If you love chocolate, mix in chocolate chips or nuts. These extras can make each bite even more delightful.
Storage Info
Storage Recommendations
To keep your cherry almond scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps to keep moisture in and prevents them from going stale. Place a piece of wax paper between layers if you stack them. This protects the tops from getting squished.
If you want to keep them for longer, you can freeze scones. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. This method prevents freezer burn and helps maintain flavor. You can freeze them for up to three months.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 5 to 10 minutes. This warms them and makes them crispy again.
You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Place the scone on a microwave-safe plate. Heat it for 15 to 20 seconds. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make them tough. Always check for warmth before serving.
FAQs
Common Questions
How long do cherry almond scones last?
Cherry almond scones last about 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container. They taste best fresh but will remain good for a short time. You can also freeze them for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat when you want to enjoy them.
Can I use non-dairy milk for the scones?
Yes, you can use non-dairy milk for these scones. Almond milk or oat milk works well. Just add a bit of vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s acidity. It helps give the scones a nice rise.
What can I substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix regular milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes. This will create a similar taste and texture to buttermilk.
Baking Questions
Why are my scones dense?
Dense scones often come from overmixing the dough. Be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients. Another reason could be using warm butter. Always use cold butter for light and fluffy scones.
Can I make this dough ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just shape and bake as usual.
Serving Suggestions
What to serve with cherry almond scones?
Cherry almond scones pair well with clotted cream, cherry jam, or even a drizzle of honey. You can enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful snack.
Are these scones good for brunch options?
Absolutely! These scones are perfect for brunch. Their sweet and nutty flavors will impress your guests. Serve them alongside fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced meal.
You learned how to make cherry almond scones. We covered the ingredients, steps, and tips for success. Remember, cold butter and careful mixing are key. You can also play with flavors and swap ingredients to suit your taste. Store them right to enjoy later, and don’t hesitate to reheat! These scones make a delightful treat for any meal or gathering. Enjoy your baking journey and savor every bit
