Are you dreaming of warm, buttery scones bursting with the sweet, juicy flavor of fresh cherries? Then look no further! This easy recipe delivers incredibly delicious homemade scones that are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon treat. Forget those bland, store-bought options – these fresh cherry scones are a taste of summer, made with love from your own kitchen. Whether you're a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, this recipe is designed to be simple and rewarding, delivering exceptional results every time.
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Goodies
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (frozen cherries work too, just ensure they are thawed and patted dry)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Baking Bliss Made Easy
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and ensures even baking.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 tablespoon of sugar, baking powder, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening agents for a perfectly fluffy scone.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry blender or your fingers, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. Cold butter is key for flaky scones!
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and milk.
- Combine: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Overmixing will result in tough scones.
- Fold in Cherries: Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries. Be careful not to overmix.
- Shape & Bake: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to cut the circle into 8 wedges.
- Sweet Sprinkle: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar.
- Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown.
- Cool & Enjoy: Let the scones cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite jam, clotted cream, or simply enjoy them plain!
Tips for Perfect Scones: Pro Baking Secrets
- Cold is Key: Using cold ingredients is crucial for achieving that signature flaky texture. Make sure your butter, cream, and milk are well-chilled before you begin.
- Don't Overmix: Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten, resulting in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Even Baking: Ensure your scones are evenly spaced on the baking sheet to allow for proper airflow and even browning.
Delicious Variations: Get Creative in the Kitchen!
- Lemon Cherry Scones: Add the zest of one lemon to the dough for a zesty twist.
- Almond Cherry Scones: Incorporate 1/4 cup of slivered almonds into the dough for added crunch.
- Chocolate Cherry Scones: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 4g
This delicious recipe is perfect for a quick and easy breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. The sweet and tart combination of the fresh cherries with the buttery, flaky scones is irresistible. Enjoy!