We can’t resist the charm of homemade scones, especially our cherry and almond twist that’s perfect for a cozy breakfast or afternoon tea. Drawing from classic British traditions, we’ve infused these flaky treats with juicy cherries and crunchy almonds for a delightful burst of flavor that elevates the ordinary.
What makes our recipe stand out is its simplicity and fresh ingredients, letting you whip up a batch that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Whether you’re baking for family or friends, these scones promise to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
In our recipe for Cherry and Almond Scones, we focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients that bring out the nutty crunch of almonds and the tart sweetness of cherries. This combination creates a delightful, wholesome treat perfect for your baking routine. We’ll list the ingredients in the order they’re used, with prep notes for precision.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Sifted for even texture, forming the base of our scones.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Ensures our scones rise perfectly for that fluffy bite.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors without overpowering the almond notes.
- 1/2 cup ground almonds: Finely ground for a subtle nutty flavor and added moisture.
Wet Ingredients and Add-Ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter: Chilled and cubed, to create flaky layers when mixed.
- 1/2 cup dried cherries: Chopped coarsely for even distribution and a burst of fruity tang.
- 2/3 cup milk: We prefer whole milk for richness, but you can use almond milk for a dairy-free twist.
- 1 large egg: Beaten lightly to bind everything together.
- 1 teaspoon almond extract: Pure extract for an authentic, aromatic almond essence that ties the flavors.
| Nutrient | Per Scone (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our delicious cherry and almond scones, let’s gather the essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient. Having the right equipment ensures even mixing, proper shaping, and perfect baking, building on the high-quality ingredients we discussed earlier.
We recommend the following items to get started:
- Mixing bowls: Two medium-sized bowls—one for dry ingredients like flour and baking powder, and another for wet ingredients such as milk and egg—to keep everything organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Baking sheet: A standard half-sheet pan, lined with parchment paper, for even heat distribution and easy cleanup while baking our scones to golden perfection.
- Pastry cutter or fork: Ideal for cutting cold unsalted butter into the flour mixture, creating that flaky texture we love in homemade scones.
- Measuring cups and spoons: A set of dry measuring cups (for flour and sugar) and spoons (for baking powder and salt) to ensure precise measurements, as accuracy is key for the best results.
- Rolling pin: A lightweight wooden or silicone pin to gently roll out the dough without overworking it, helping maintain the tender crumb.
- Biscuit cutter or knife: A 2-inch round cutter for shaping scones into uniform circles, or a sharp knife for wedges, allowing for consistent baking times.
- Oven thermometer: To verify your oven reaches the exact temperature needed (typically 400°F), guaranteeing our scones bake evenly every time.
- Cooling rack: Essential for letting the scones cool post-bake, preserving their crisp exterior and moist interior.
With these tools in hand, we’re all set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps, making our cherry and almond scones a breeze to create.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our high-quality ingredients and essential tools, let’s create these irresistible cherry and almond scones with ease. We will walk you through each step using precise techniques to achieve a flaky texture and a burst of tart-sweet cherries paired with nutty almonds.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, it’s crucial to prepare our ingredients for optimal results. Start by measuring out 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 cup of ground almonds into a large mixing bowl—ensure the flour is sifted for a lighter dough. Next, chop 1/2 cup of dried cherries into small pieces to distribute their tangy flavor evenly, and set them aside. For the wet components, cube 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and chill it in the refrigerator to keep it cold, which helps create those signature flaky layers. Finally, in a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of milk, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of almond extract until well combined, allowing the nutty aroma to build anticipation for the final treat.
Mix the Dough
With ingredients prepped, we now combine them to form a cohesive dough. In the bowl with the dry ingredients, use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step is key for achieving that tender, buttery texture we love in scones. Once done, gently fold in the chopped dried cherries using a spatula to maintain the crumb structure. Pour the wet mixture—milk, egg, and almond extract—into the dry ingredients and stir with a spoon just until the dough comes together; avoid overmixing to prevent tough scones, resulting in a soft, aromatic blend that hints at the almonds’ crunch and cherries’ sweetness.
Shape and Bake
Now we shape and bake our scones for golden perfection. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently 2-3 times to bring it together, then roll it into a 3/4-inch thick circle using a rolling pin—this ensures even baking and a rise that showcases the scones’ flaky layers. Use a biscuit cutter or sharp knife to cut out 8-10 scones, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart for proper air circulation. Preheat your oven to 400°F and bake for 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and the kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of toasted almonds and cherries. Once baked, transfer the scones to a cooling rack for 5 minutes to set their crisp exterior while preserving the warm, tender inside.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
As we perfect our cherry and almond scones recipe, let’s explore smart ways to prepare and preserve them for maximum freshness and flavor. These strategies ensure cherry and almond scones retain their flaky texture, nutty crunch, and tart sweetness, making them ideal for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
Make-Ahead Options
To streamline your baking, we recommend preparing components in advance without compromising quality:
- Prepare the Dough Ahead: Mix the dough as outlined in our step-by-step instructions, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This allows the flavors of the cherries and almonds to meld, resulting in even more aromatic scones when baked.
- Freeze Unbaked Scones: Shape the dough into scones, place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze until solid (about 1-2 hours). Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for storage up to 1 month. When ready, bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the original baking time for that golden-brown perfection.
- Pre-Bake for Quick Reheating: Bake the scones fully, cool them completely, then wrap individually in foil and freeze. This method lets you enjoy warm scones with minimal effort—just reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore their crisp exterior and tender interior.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining the delightful nutty almond flavor and moist crumb of our cherry and almond scones. Here’s how we handle it:
- Room Temperature Storage: Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh for immediate enjoyment, preserving the subtle tartness of the cherries.
- Refrigeration for Extended Freshness: For storage beyond 2 days, refrigerate scones in an airtight container for up to 5 days. We suggest warming them in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes before serving to revive their flaky layers and prevent sogginess.
- Freezing Baked Scones: Freeze cooled scones in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 1 hour or overnight in the fridge, and reheat as needed to lock in that irresistible almond crunch.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Up to 2 days | Use an airtight container to maintain texture. |
| Refrigeration | Up to 5 days | Reheat to restore freshness and flavor. |
| Freezing (Unbaked) | Up to 1 month | Bake from frozen with extra time. |
| Freezing (Baked) | Up to 3 months | Thaw and reheat for best results. |
Conclusion
We’ve truly enjoyed guiding you through this cherry and almond scones adventure. It’s a simple joy that brings warmth to any gathering.
Baking them reminds us how fresh ingredients can create something magical and memorable. We’re confident you’ll make this recipe your go-to for cozy mornings.
Give it a try and savor every bite—happy baking awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are cherry and almond scones?
Cherry and almond scones are a delightful twist on classic British baking, featuring tart dried cherries and nutty almonds for a flavorful treat. They’re perfect for breakfast or tea, using simple ingredients like flour, sugar, butter, cherries, and almond extract to create a flaky, wholesome scone.
What ingredients do I need for this scone recipe?
You’ll need dry ingredients like all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and ground almonds, plus wet ones such as unsalted butter, dried cherries, milk, an egg, and almond extract. This combination ensures a tender texture with the tart sweetness of cherries and nutty crunch of almonds.
Is this cherry and almond scone recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it’s straightforward and beginner-friendly. The recipe involves simple steps like mixing dry and wet ingredients, folding in cherries, shaping the dough, and baking at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Focus on not overmixing for light, flaky results.
What equipment is required to bake these scones?
Essential tools include mixing bowls, a baking sheet with parchment paper, a pastry cutter or fork, measuring cups and spoons, a rolling pin, a biscuit cutter, an oven thermometer, and a cooling rack. These help ensure even baking and perfect texture.
How nutritious are cherry and almond scones?
Each scone has about 250 calories, 12g fat, 30g carbs, 5g protein, and 2g fiber, making it a balanced treat. It uses fresh ingredients for an indulgent yet wholesome option, ideal for a quick breakfast.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the dough in advance, shape into scones, and freeze unbaked for up to a month. You can also bake them ahead and store at room temperature for 2 days, refrigerate for up to 5 days, or freeze baked scones for longer.
How should I store cherry and almond scones?
Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days to keep them fresh. For longer storage, freeze unbaked or baked scones; thaw and reheat in the oven for that just-baked flavor.