Cherry Scones
Delight in these tender cherry scones, bursting with tart cherry flavor and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or teatime with a buttery, flaky texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and grease a cookie sheet.
- Combine egg, buttermilk, vanilla extract, and chopped dried tart cherries in a bowl; let stand for 5 minutes.
- In a large bowl, stir together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cut in butter using a pastry blender or two knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cherry mixture until moistened.
- On a lightly floured surface, knead the dough 6 to 8 turns.
- Roll out the dough to about 1 inch thickness with a floured rolling pin.
- Cut out scones using a lightly floured 2-inch biscuit cutter and transfer to the prepared cookie sheet.
- Reroll scraps and repeat cutting out scones.
- Brush the tops of the scones lightly with beaten egg.
- Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool on wire racks before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of almond extract alongside the vanilla. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. To enhance the texture, be careful not to over-knead the dough; just enough to bring it together. These scones are also delicious with a sprinkle of lemon zest.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delightful cherry scones warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream for an indulgent treat. They pair beautifully with tea or coffee for breakfast or an afternoon snack. For a complete experience, consider serving alongside a fresh fruit salad or a scoop of yogurt. If you're looking for more sweet treats, browse more American recipes for inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a month. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flaky texture. Alternatively, a microwave can be used, but may result in a softer texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cherry Scones contains roughly 86 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of calcium (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1198mg per serving (52% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried ones?
While fresh cherries can be used, they will add more moisture to the dough, which may affect the texture. If using fresh cherries, be sure to chop them and reduce the buttermilk slightly to compensate for the extra liquid. Dried tart cherries provide a concentrated flavor that works particularly well in this scone recipe.
How can I ensure my scones are flaky?
To achieve flaky scones, handle the dough as little as possible and work quickly to keep the butter cold. Cold butter creates steam while baking, which is essential for flakiness. Additionally, make sure your baking powder and baking soda are fresh to ensure proper rising.
What can I serve with cherry scones?
Cherry scones are delicious on their own or can be enhanced with spreads such as butter, jam, or clotted cream. For a more decadent treat, consider pairing them with a drizzle of honey or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. They also make a lovely addition to a brunch spread alongside fruit, yogurt, and coffee.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).