Are you craving a delightful treat that’s both easy to make and bursting with fresh, summery flavor? Look no further! These fresh cherry scones are the perfect answer. Imagine the warm, crumbly texture melting in your mouth, complemented by the sweet tartness of juicy cherries. This recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of easy recipes and quick dinner ideas, perfect for a delightful breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. It's homemade cooking at its finest, and a delicious dish that will impress everyone. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg, lightly beaten
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved (frozen cherries work well too!)
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (for topping)
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
Step 2: Cut in the 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.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and beaten egg.
Step 4: Bring it Together
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.
Step 5: Fold in the Cherries
Gently fold in the pitted and halved cherries.
Step 6: Shape and Bake
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with the extra granulated sugar. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm with your favorite spread – clotted cream and jam are classic choices!
Tips for the Best Cherry Scones:
- Use cold ingredients: Cold butter is key to achieving flaky scones.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones.
- Handle the dough gently: Avoid kneading the dough, as this will also make the scones tough.
- Adjust sweetness: If you prefer sweeter scones, feel free to add more sugar.
Variations:
- 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: Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent treat.
Nutritional Information (per scone, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Sugar: 8g
- Protein: 4g
These nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Enjoy these delicious and healthy meals! This easy recipe is perfect for any occasion, offering a burst of fresh, homemade goodness that will become a new favorite among your best recipes. They’re a great addition to any brunch spread or a simple yet satisfying treat any time of day.