Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones Tasty and Simple Recipe

Make your breakfast or snack time special with these Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones! This simple recipe combines sweet cherries and rich chocolate for the perfect treat. With just a few easy steps, you can whip up warm scones in no time. So grab your ingredients, and let’s bake something delightful together! You’ll impress your family and friends with this tasty twist on a classic. Ready to get started?

Ingredients

To make Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups all-purpose flour

– 1/2 cup granulated sugar

– 1 tablespoon baking powder

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed

– 1/2 cup heavy cream

– 1 large egg

– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

– 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, chopped (pitted)

– 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

– 1 egg yolk (for egg wash)

Each ingredient plays a key role in the final taste and texture. The flour gives the scones structure. Sugar adds sweetness, while baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances the flavors. The cold butter creates a flaky texture. Heavy cream makes them rich and tender. The egg binds the dough, and vanilla adds a warm flavor. Cherries provide tartness, and chocolate offers a sweet touch.

Using fresh or frozen cherries is easy. If you use frozen, there’s no need to thaw them. The egg wash gives a nice glaze to the scones. Gathering all these ingredients before you start helps keep the process smooth.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Baking Sheet

– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

– Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Start by heating your oven. This will help the scones bake evenly. Parchment paper keeps them from sticking. It also makes cleanup easy.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

– Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk them well. This step ensures that everything mixes smoothly. Even mixing helps the scones rise nicely.

Incorporating Butter

– Add cold, cubed butter and mix until coarse crumbs form.

Take your cold butter and cut it into small cubes. Add the butter to the bowl. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix it. Stop when you see coarse crumbs. These crumbs give the scones their flaky texture.

Combining Wet Ingredients

– Whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.

– Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and mix gently.

In a separate bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla. This mixture adds moisture and flavor. Pour it into the dry mix. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, or the scones will be tough.

Adding Cherries and Chocolate Chips

– Fold in chopped cherries and chocolate chips.

Now, add your chopped cherries and chocolate chips. Fold them into the dough. This step adds sweetness and richness. Make sure they are evenly distributed for the best flavor.

Shaping and Cutting the Dough

– Knead the dough slightly on a floured surface.

– Shape into a circle and cut into wedges.

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Knead it gently a few times until it holds together. Shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. This makes it easy to bake.

Applying Egg Wash and Baking

– Brush tops with egg wash.

– Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.

In a small bowl, beat an egg yolk with a little water. Brush this egg wash on top of the scones. It gives them a nice shine. Bake them for 15 to 20 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. Enjoy the warm, sweet smell filling your kitchen!

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Perfect Texture

– Importance of cold butter

Using cold butter is key. It helps create a flaky texture. When you mix cold butter with flour, it forms pockets. These pockets create steam when baking, making your scones rise and be light.

– Avoiding overmixing

Mix gently. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want a soft dough that holds together. Stir just until you see no dry flour. Your scones will be much better when you do this.

Enhancing Flavor

– Suggestions for flavor variations

Want to switch things up? Try adding almond extract for a nutty taste. You can also use orange zest for a fresh twist. These small changes can make your scones even more exciting.

Recommended Tools

– List of essential kitchen tools for baking scones

Here are some tools I always use:

– Mixing bowls

– Whisk

– Pastry cutter or fork

– Baking sheet

– Parchment paper

– Measuring cups and spoons

These tools will help you make the best scones with ease.

Variations

Fruit Alternatives

You can switch up the fruit in your scones. If you want to try something new, use raspberries, blueberries, or strawberries. Each fruit adds its unique flavor. Raspberries give a tart taste, while blueberries add sweetness. Strawberries bring a fresh, juicy bite. Just chop them up and mix them in like you would with cherries.

Chocolate Choices

For chocolate lovers, the type of chocolate you choose matters. You can use semi-sweet chocolate chips, or try dark chocolate for a richer taste. Milk chocolate offers a sweeter flavor and melts nicely. You can even mix different types of chocolate for a fun twist. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the balance right.

Gluten-Free Options

If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour blends. They work well in scones but may need a bit more liquid. You might want to add a touch of xantham gum to help bind the dough. Follow the same steps as the recipe, and you’ll have tasty gluten-free cherry chocolate chip scones.

Storage Info

Best Ways to Store Scones

You can store scones at room temperature or in the fridge. If you plan to eat them within two days, keep them in a sealed container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh and soft. For longer storage, place them in the fridge. They will last up to five days but may lose some softness.

How to Reheat Scones

To enjoy scones warm, you can reheat them easily. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them soft and tasty. You can also use a microwave. Heat for about 15-20 seconds, but this may make them a bit chewy.

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze both unbaked and baked scones. To freeze unbaked scones, place them on a baking sheet and freeze for an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. For baked scones, let them cool completely, then wrap them tightly. They will stay good for up to three months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries in this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just chop them while still frozen. This helps keep the scones from getting too wet. Make sure to pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the dough.

How do I know when my scones are done baking?

Your scones are done when they turn golden brown. The edges should feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and chill it in the fridge. Use it within 24 hours for the best results. Just remember to cut and bake it when you’re ready.

What is the best way to serve cherry chocolate chip scones?

Serve the scones warm for the best flavor. They pair well with clotted cream or butter. A drizzle of honey adds a nice touch too. Enjoy them with a cup of tea or coffee for a perfect treat!

These cherry chocolate chip scones are simple and fun to make. We covered every step, from mixing the right ingredients to baking them perfectly. Remember, cold butter and gentle mixing lead to the best texture. You can also customize your scones with different fruits or chocolate. Store them well to keep the flavor fresh. Enjoy your baking, and you’ll impress everyone with these tasty treat