There’s nothing quite like the sweet aroma of freshly baked cherry almond scones wafting through your kitchen. Imagine pulling a warm, flaky scone apart and uncovering that lovely mix of tart cherries and nutty almonds, creating a delightful explosion of flavor in your mouth. It’s a moment that promises joy with every bite!
These cherry almond scones are perfect for lazy Sunday mornings or as a charming addition to any brunch gathering. I remember the first time I made these; my friends devoured them faster than I could serve them. You’ll find that the combination of juicy cherries and crunchy almonds makes these scones an instant crowd-pleaser, whether at breakfast or tea time. For more inspiration, check out this tasty snack recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cherry almond scones come together quickly, making breakfast a breeze
- Their delightful flavor profile balances sweetness with a nutty crunch
- Visually appealing, they add color to any table spread
- Perfect for any occasion, from brunch to afternoon tea, these scones are endlessly versatile
I once made these for a friend who claimed to dislike scones, and they ended up begging for seconds.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A must for any scone; it gives the perfect texture when combined with other ingredients.
- Baking Powder: This helps the scones rise beautifully, giving them that light and fluffy texture we all love.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness is essential; adjust based on your taste preference.
- Unsalted Butter: Use cold butter for flakiness; it creates those dreamy layers in each bite.
- Almond Extract: A splash adds depth and enhances the nutty flavor without overpowering the cherries.
- Fresh Cherries: Make sure they’re pitted and chopped; their tartness will complement the sweet dough perfectly.
- Sliced Almonds: These provide an extra crunch and elevate the flavor profile of your scones.
- Heavy Cream: Adds moisture and richness to the dough, ensuring your scones are tender.
- Eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness to your final product.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking—no one wants sad, stuck scones!
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and baking powder until well combined. The mixture should appear light and fluffy before you add anything else.
Add Butter and Create Crumbles: Cut cold butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, mix until you achieve coarse crumbs resembling sandy beaches.
Incorporate Cherries and Almonds: Gently fold in chopped cherries and sliced almonds into the flour mixture. Take care not to overmix; we want those bright pops of color throughout!
Add Wet Ingredients Carefully: In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and almond extract. Pour this mixture into your dry ingredients slowly while mixing gently until just combined—don’t be too rough!
Shape Dough into Scones: Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Shape it into an 8-inch round disk about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use cookie cutters for fun shapes—your call!
Bake & Enjoy!: Place your shaped scones onto prepared baking sheets with space between them. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top—enjoy that heavenly aroma filling your kitchen!
Making cherry almond scones is not just about following steps; it’s about enjoying the journey! Each step brings you closer to that first delicious bite filled with sweet cherries and crunchy almonds.
Now that you’re ready to bake some cherry almond scones, gather those ingredients and let’s create something delicious! Trust me; you won’t regret it when you’re indulging in these delightful treats!
You Must Know
- Cherry almond scones are the perfect blend of flavors; their sweet cherry and nutty almond aroma fills your kitchen
- These delightful treats are not only quick to make but also provide a comforting snack for any time of day
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by mixing the dry ingredients, then add in cold butter until crumbly. Next, fold in cherries and almonds before adding wet ingredients. This order ensures even distribution and perfect texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap fresh cherries for dried ones or try different nuts like pecans or walnuts. A splash of almond extract can also enhance the flavor profile, making it uniquely yours.
Storing & Reheating
Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for about five minutes to restore freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use cold butter for flakier scones; it helps create those airy layers everyone loves
- Avoid overmixing to keep them tender and light
- Brush with cream before baking for a beautiful golden crust that will wow your guests
Baking these cherry almond scones is always a joy! I once made them for a brunch, and they vanished faster than I could say “scone.” Everyone was asking for the recipe, which is always the best compliment! For more inspiration, check out this delicious dessert ideas recipe.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries in my cherry almond scones?
Yes, you can use frozen cherries; just make sure to thaw and drain excess moisture first.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Scones are done when they turn golden brown on top and feel firm when gently pressed.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Certainly! You can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
Cherry Almond Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Description
Experience the bliss of homemade cherry almond scones, where sweet tart cherries meet crunchy almonds in a buttery, flaky pastry. Perfect for brunch or a cozy morning treat, these scones are easy to make and irresistible. With their inviting aroma and delightful texture, they’re sure to become a favorite in your household!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 tsp almond extract
- 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, and baking powder until combined.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and almond extract. Gradually add this to the dry mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into an 8-inch disk about 1 inch thick, and cut into wedges.
- Place on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (70g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: For added flavor, brush scones with cream before baking for a golden crust. Swap fresh cherries for dried ones or use nuts like pecans for variety. Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
