There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked Cherry Almond Scones wafting through your kitchen. Picture this: warm, flaky scones bursting with sweet cherries and a hint of almond, making your taste buds sing. The texture is a delightful combination of buttery and crumbly, creating a perfect match for your morning coffee or afternoon tea. For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
I still remember the first time I baked these Cherry Almond Scones. It was a rainy day, and I was in desperate need of comfort food. With every bite, I felt like I was wrapped in a cozy blanket, and now, sharing them with friends has become a cherished ritual during gatherings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Cherry Almond Scones are super easy to whip up, making them perfect for both novice bakers and pros
- Their delightful flavor combines sweet cherries with nutty almond undertones
- Visually appealing with their golden tops and vibrant cherry flecks, they make any table look inviting
- Ideal for brunches or as a snack anytime during the day
Everyone who tries them can’t help but smile—my friends often ask for the recipe because they can’t believe how delicious they are.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious scones:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the backbone of your scone; use unbleached flour for better texture.
- Baking Powder: Ensure your baking powder is fresh for fluffy scones that rise beautifully.
- Sugar: Granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tart cherries.
- Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors, so don’t skip it!
- Cold Butter: Use unsalted butter; cold chunks help create flaky layers in your dough.
- Milk: Whole milk gives richness; feel free to substitute with almond milk if desired.
- Chopped Fresh Cherries: Choose ripe cherries for maximum sweetness and flavor.
- Almond Extract: A little goes a long way in bringing out that lovely nutty flavor.
- Sliced Almonds (optional): Top your scones with sliced almonds before baking for added crunch and beauty.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; this will help prevent sticking while adding an extra touch of ease to cleanup.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of flavors in each bite.
Cut in Butter: Add cold butter into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your fingers until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want small pieces of butter that will melt as they bake, giving you those flaky layers.
Add Wet Ingredients: Pour in milk and almond extract; mix gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix here—this is where you maintain that tender texture!
Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in chopped cherries using a spatula until evenly distributed throughout the dough. It’s like hiding little treasures inside each scone!
Shape and Cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about one inch thick. Cut into wedges or use cookie cutters for fun shapes—your choice!
Bake Them Up: Place scones on the prepared baking sheet and brush tops with milk or an egg wash for that golden-brown finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes until they’re lightly browned on top—your kitchen will smell irresistible!
Now that you’ve mastered these Cherry Almond Scones, prepare yourself for compliments galore! They’re perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself (no judgment here). Enjoy every crumb!
You Must Know
- Cherry almond scones are delightful breakfast treats that pair perfectly with coffee or tea
- Their crunchy exterior and fluffy interior create a sensory experience that’s hard to resist
- Remember, fresh ingredients make all the difference in flavor and texture!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Mix dry ingredients first for even distribution, followed by wet ingredients, and gently fold in cherries and almonds last for perfect scones.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries. You can also experiment with different nuts or even chocolate chips for a delightful twist!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For best results, reheat them in a toaster oven until warm and slightly crispy.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve bakery-quality scones, avoid overmixing the dough; it should be just combined
- Chill your butter before use to enhance flakiness
- Lastly, brush the tops with cream before baking for a golden finish!
Sometimes, I still remember the first time I baked these cherry almond scones. Friends were raving about them, and I felt like a culinary superstar for a day!
FAQ
What is the best way to chop almonds?
Slice almonds into thin slivers for even distribution throughout the scone.
Can I freeze cherry almond scones?
Absolutely! Freeze unbaked scones and bake them directly from frozen when ready.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Scones should be golden brown on top and firm to the touch when they’re fully baked.
Cherry Almond Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Cherry Almond Scones are the perfect blend of sweet and nutty, offering a delightful treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With their flaky texture and bursts of juicy cherries, these scones are not only easy to make but also visually stunning. Ideal for serving at brunch or enjoying with your favorite hot beverage, each bite brings comfort and joy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup whole milk (or almond milk)
- 1 cup chopped fresh cherries
- 1 tsp almond extract
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in milk and almond extract until just combined.
- Gently fold in cherries.
- Turn dough onto a floured surface, shape into a circle about 1 inch thick, and cut into wedges.
- Place scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush tops with milk or egg wash for a golden finish.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
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