Cherry Almond Scones Flaky and Delightful Treat

If you crave a warm, flaky treat, you’ll love these Cherry Almond Scones! With fresh cherries and a hint of almond, each bite is a delight. In this post, I’ll walk you through easy steps to make these delicious scones from scratch. Whether you’re a baking novice or a kitchen whiz, you’ll find tips to ensure your scones turn out perfect every time. Let’s get baking!

Ingredients

To make Cherry Almond Scones, you need to gather some simple ingredients. Each item plays a key role in the flavor and texture of these treats. Here’s the list you’ll need:

– 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 heavy cream

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon almond extract

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved

– 1/4 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping

– 1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with a splash of water)

Each ingredient serves a purpose. The all-purpose flour forms the base. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, while salt boosts flavor. Cold unsalted butter gives the scones their flaky texture. Heavy cream adds richness and moisture.

The large egg binds the mixture together. Almond extract enhances the nutty flavor. Cherries bring a burst of juiciness. Sliced almonds add crunch and visual appeal. Finally, the egg wash gives your scones a lovely golden color when baked.

By using fresh or frozen cherries, you can enjoy this recipe any time of year. These ingredients work together to create a delightful treat that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Baking Sheet

First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for getting the scones nice and flaky. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep the scones from sticking and makes cleanup easy.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This mix gives the scones a good rise and sweet flavor.

Incorporating the Butter

Now, take 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Add it to your flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour. You want to break it down until the mix looks like coarse crumbs. This step creates that flaky texture we all love.

Combining Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract. Mixing these wet ingredients well is important. This mix will bring moisture and flavor to your scones.

Forming the Dough

Pour the wet mix into the dry mix. Stir gently until everything just comes together. Next, fold in 1 cup of pitted and halved cherries and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds. Be careful not to overmix; you want to keep the chunks of fruit intact.

Shaping and Baking the Scones

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Lightly knead it just enough to form a ball. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a disc about 1-inch thick. Cut each disc into 6 wedges. Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet with space between them. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg and a splash of water. Sprinkle extra sliced almonds on top. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until they turn golden brown. Remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before enjoying!

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Perfect Scones

To make the best cherry almond scones, cold butter is key. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. When your butter is cold, it doesn’t fully mix with the flour. Instead, it stays in small pieces. This leads to a tender scone.

Avoiding overmixing is also very important. When you mix too much, the dough gets tough. Mix just until the dry ingredients and wet ingredients come together. Then, gently fold in the cherries and almonds. This keeps your scones light and airy.

How to Store Leftover Scones

Store leftover scones in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

Serving Suggestions for Cherry Almond Scones

Serve cherry almond scones warm for the best taste. Pair them with butter or jam for extra flavor. A cup of tea or coffee makes a lovely match. You can also top them with a light glaze for a sweet finish. Enjoy these scones at breakfast or as a snack!

Variations

Substituting Ingredients

You can switch up the fruit in your scones. Instead of cherries, use blueberries, raspberries, or diced peaches. Each fruit brings a fresh twist. If you want a berry burst, try a mix of different berries.

For gluten-free options, you can use a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it has a good binding agent, like xanthan gum. This blend keeps your scones tender and fluffy.

Enhancing Flavor with Spices

Spices can take your scones to the next level. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry mix. These spices add warmth and depth to the flavor. You can also add a dash of cardamom for a unique twist.

Adding Icing or Glaze

A simple glaze can add sweetness and shine. Mix powdered sugar with a splash of vanilla and milk. Drizzle this over the warm scones for a lovely finish. For a fruity touch, add cherry juice to the glaze. This gives a nice color and flavor.

Feel free to experiment with these ideas for your perfect Cherry Almond Scones!

Storage Info

Storing Scones at Room Temperature

You can store your scones at room temperature. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Make sure to eat them within two days. If you leave them out too long, they can get dry.

Freezing Instructions

Freezing is a great option for scones. To freeze them, let the scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. They will stay good for up to three months. When you want to eat one, just take it out and let it thaw.

Reheating Tips

Reheating scones is easy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This makes them warm and flaky again. You can also microwave them for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your freshly warmed scones with a cup of tea!

FAQs

How do I make Cherry Almond Scones moist?

To keep your Cherry Almond Scones moist, use cold butter and heavy cream. This helps create a tender texture. Also, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients blend. Overmixing can make the scones tough.

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure to thaw them first and drain any excess liquid. This helps keep the dough from becoming too wet. Frozen cherries can still give you that sweet flavor and lovely color.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If you don’t have almond extract, you can use vanilla extract instead. Vanilla adds a nice flavor, but it won’t taste quite the same. You could also try using a splash of orange zest for a fruity twist.

How long do Cherry Almond Scones last?

Cherry Almond Scones stay fresh for about two days at room temperature. If you want to keep them longer, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze them for up to three months. Just make sure to wrap them well!

You learned how to make delicious cherry almond scones. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. Remember to use cold butter for the best texture. You can also try different fruits or add a glaze for fun twists. Store your scones properly to keep them fresh. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats with friends or famil