Cherry Almond Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - 2 teaspoons baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 teaspoon almond extract - 3/4 cup fresh or frozen cherries - 1/2 cup sliced almonds - 1 egg for egg wash - Additional sugar for sprinkling To make these cherry almond scones, gather all these ingredients. Each one plays a key role. The flour gives the scones structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder and baking soda help them rise. Salt balances the flavors. The butter must be cold. It creates flaky layers in the scones. Buttermilk adds richness and moisture. Almond extract gives a nice nutty flavor. Cherries provide a pop of color and sweetness. Sliced almonds add a nice crunch. You can use substitutes for buttermilk. Mix regular milk with vinegar if you don't have buttermilk. For cherries, fresh ones taste great, but frozen work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain them first. Want to enhance flavors? Add a pinch of cinnamon or vanilla extract. You can also try different nuts, like walnuts or pecans. These small changes can bring new life to your scones. 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps your scones from sticking. 2. Mix dry ingredients: In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This mix gives your scones a nice rise and flavor. To get the right crumb texture, add the cold butter cubes to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter in. Aim for a coarse crumb. This helps create flaky scones. Make sure not to melt the butter; cold butter is key for the best texture. 1. Folding in cherries and almonds: In another bowl, mix the buttermilk and almond extract. Pour this into the dry mix and stir until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds. Don’t overmix, or your scones may turn tough. 2. Cutting and shaping the scones: Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges. This gives you 8 perfect scones to bake. Place them on the baking sheet, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle some sugar on top for crunch. To make the best Cherry Almond Scones, avoid overmixing your dough. When you mix, do it gently. Overmixing can make your scones tough. When you fold in the cherries and almonds, just combine until you see no dry flour. This method keeps your scones light and airy. Cold butter is key to great scones. Use unsalted butter straight from the fridge. Cut it into small cubes and add it to the flour mix. As you mix, the cold butter creates pockets in the dough. These pockets help your scones rise and stay flaky when baked. Timing is crucial for perfect scones. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning. They should be golden brown when done. A toothpick test is a great way to check for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean. Cherry Almond Scones are best served warm. Pair them with a cup of tea or coffee for a tasty treat. For a special touch, drizzle icing made from powdered sugar and almond extract on top. You can also sprinkle extra sliced almonds for added crunch. For a lovely presentation, arrange scones on a tiered cake stand. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fruit in your scones. Try blueberries or raspberries for a twist. For a tropical vibe, use diced mango or pineapple. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth. You can also use different extracts. Vanilla or coconut can change the flavor profile. Each option gives a unique taste to your scones. To make scones healthier, consider whole wheat flour. It adds fiber and nutrients. You can use half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This mix keeps the scones light yet adds health benefits. Reducing sugar is another option. Use less sugar or try honey or maple syrup. These swaps keep the scones tasty while making them better for you. Use seasonal fruits for fresh flavors. In spring, add strawberries or peaches. In fall, think about apples or cranberries. For winter, citrus fruits like oranges or lemons are great. You can also create festive scones for holidays. Add spices like ginger for Christmas or pumpkin for Halloween. These variations make your scones stand out all year round. To keep your Cherry Almond Scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can keep them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to store them longer, the fridge is a good option. Just remember to wrap them well to avoid moisture. Freezing scones is simple and effective. First, let the scones cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just thaw in the fridge overnight. To restore the scones' freshness, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 10 minutes. This will make them soft and tasty again. You can also use a microwave, but be careful not to overheat them. Just 15-20 seconds will do the trick. Enjoy your scones warm for the best flavor! Can I use frozen cherries? Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw and chop them first. This way, they will mix well into the dough. Frozen cherries can be just as tasty. What’s the best way to serve scones? Serve your scones warm for the best taste! You can add a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and almond extract. They look lovely on a tiered cake stand too. Enjoy them with tea or coffee for a treat! Why are my scones too dry? If your scones are too dry, you may have added too much flour. Always measure flour carefully. Also, make sure you mix the dough just until combined. This keeps them moist and tender. What to do if the dough is too sticky? If your dough is sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time. Be careful not to overwork the dough. You want to keep it light and fluffy for the best scone texture. Difference between scones and biscuits Scones are often sweeter and denser than biscuits. They have a rich flavor due to added cream or butter. Biscuits are lighter and flakier, usually served with savory dishes. Best way to make scones flaky To make scones flaky, use cold butter. Cut it into the flour until it looks like crumbs. This helps create layers as they bake. Also, avoid overmixing to keep them light and airy. You now have a clear path to making delicious Cherry Almond Scones. We covered all the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for success. Remember, using cold butter and avoiding overmixing are crucial for the right texture. You can customize flavors with fruits or spices and even make healthier versions. Store your scones properly to keep them fresh longer. Enjoy your baking and create tasty treats that everyone will love!$

Indulge in the delightful flavors of homemade Cherry Almond Scones! These easy-to-make treats combine the sweetness of cherries with the nutty essence of almonds, perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack. With just a few simple ingredients and a quick baking time, you can impress friends and family with these delicious scones. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/4 cup granulated sugar

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1/2 tablespoon vinegar added)

1 teaspoon almond extract

3/4 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and chopped

1/2 cup sliced almonds

1 egg, for egg wash

Additional sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.

In a separate bowl, combine the buttermilk and almond extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and sliced almonds until evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix the dough.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges.

Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with beaten egg and sprinkle with a little sugar for extra sweetness and crunch.

Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 8

- Presentation Tips: Serve warm, either plain or with a drizzle of icing made from powdered sugar and a splash of almond extract. Arrange on a tiered cake stand for a delightful afternoon tea presentation.