These easy cherry almond scones are a delightful treat! They’re soft, buttery, and filled with sweet cherries and a hint of almond flavor.
Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones are great with a warm cup of tea. I love how quick they come together—just mix, shape, and bake!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your scones. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum.
Cherries: Fresh cherries deliver the best flavor, but frozen cherries work too. Just make sure they’re pitted and thawed. If cherries aren’t available, chopped dried cherries or even blueberries can be great alternatives.
Butter: Cold unsalted butter gives the scones a nice flaky texture. If you’re dairy-free, you can swap it for cold vegan butter or coconut oil. Just be careful not to melt it.
Almond extract: This adds a lovely flavor. If you prefer a different taste, vanilla extract can substitute, but you’ll miss that sweet almond essence!
How Do You Get Flaky Scones Every Time?
Getting scones to turn out flaky means focusing on how you mix the ingredients. The key is keeping the butter cold throughout the process.
- When you cut in the butter, aim for crumbly bits with some larger chunks. This helps create steam when baked, leading to flaky layers.
- Avoid overworking the dough. Mix until just combined; it’s okay if there are a few flour streaks left.
- Chilling the dough briefly before baking can also enhance flakiness, but it’s not necessary for this quick recipe!
Now you’re all set to bake your Easy Cherry Almond Scones! Enjoy them fresh and warm for the best experience. Happy baking!
Easy Cherry Almond Scones
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh or frozen cherries (pitted)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling on top
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and around 18-22 minutes for baking. So, in total, you’re looking at about 35-40 minutes before you can enjoy these delicious scones!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them together until well mixed.
3. Cutting in the Butter
Take the cold butter cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the texture looks like coarse crumbs with some larger pieces remaining.
4. Adding Cherries and Almonds
Carefully fold in the sliced almonds and chopped cherries, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Preparing the Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and almond extract until well blended.
6. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together using a spatula. Mix just until combined; don’t overmix.
7. Shape the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a disk that is about 1-inch thick and 8 inches in diameter.
8. Cutting the Scones
Using a sharp knife, cut the disk into 8 equal wedges. You can also use a pizza cutter for this step!
9. Baking the Scones
Transfer the wedges to your prepared baking sheet, spacing them out evenly. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with sliced almonds and coarse sugar if using.
10. Cooling and Serving
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before placing them onto a wire rack. Serve warm or let them cool, and enjoy them with some butter, jam, or a cup of tea!
Enjoy your tender, flaky Easy Cherry Almond Scones with their delightful crunch from almonds and sweet bursts of cherry!
FAQ About Easy Cherry Almond Scones
Can I Use Fresh or Frozen Cherries?
Absolutely! Fresh cherries are ideal, but frozen cherries work too. If using frozen, just ensure they’re thawed and pitted before chopping. Keep in mind that frozen cherries may release more moisture, so drain any excess before adding them to the dough.
How Do I Store Leftover Scones?
Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze them by wrapping individual scones tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag, where they can last up to 2 months.
Can I Substitute Almond Extract?
Yes! If you don’t have almond extract or prefer a different flavor, you can substitute it with vanilla extract. While it won’t have the same almond flavor, it will still taste delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Scones?
To reheat, simply place the scones in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds, but this may make them a bit softer. Enjoy them warm for the best flavor!
