Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones Delightful and Easy Recipe

Are you craving a delicious treat that’s easy to make? Look no further than Cherry Chocolate Chip Scones! With just a few simple ingredients and clear steps, you can whip up this delightful snack in no time. These scones blend juicy cherries and rich chocolate for a perfect taste. Whether you’re enjoying them with coffee or sharing them with friends, you’ll love how simple and tasty they are. Let’s dive into this scrumptious recipe!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

- 2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1/4 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, pitted and chopped

- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

- 1 egg (for egg wash)

- Optional: Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

When making cherry chocolate chip scones, you need quality ingredients. The flour gives structure. The sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps them rise. Salt enhances the flavors. Cold butter makes scones flaky. Heavy cream adds richness, while the egg binds the mix. Vanilla gives a lovely aroma.

Cherries and chocolate are the stars here. You can use fresh cherries for a bright taste or frozen ones if they are not in season. The chocolate chips add a sweet touch. If you want a little crunch, sprinkle Turbinado sugar on top before baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

- Alternatives for all-purpose flour: You can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend.

- Dairy-free options for butter and cream: Use coconut oil or a dairy-free cream.

- Variations with different chocolate types: Try dark chocolate or white chocolate for a twist.

Mix things up based on your pantry. These swaps help you enjoy scones no matter your diet. Each option brings a new flavor to the table.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Ingredients

- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps prevent sticking.

Mixing Dry Ingredients

- In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.

- Whisk them well until they blend together. Make sure there are no lumps.

Incorporating Wet Ingredients

- Cut 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter into the dry mix.

- Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to make it look like coarse crumbs.

- In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon vanilla.

- Pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir gently. Don’t overmix!

Forming and Baking the Scones

- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into a disc about 1-inch thick.

- Cut the disc into 8 wedges, or use a round cutter for uniform scones.

- Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet. Brush them with a beaten egg.

- If you like, sprinkle a bit of Turbinado sugar on top.

- Bake for 15-20 minutes. Look for a golden brown top to know they’re done.

Tips & Tricks

Achieving the Perfect Scone Texture

To make great scones, use cold butter. Cold butter helps create a flaky texture. When you mix it with the flour, it should look like coarse crumbs. This allows steam to form during baking, which makes them rise. Avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until combined. If you mix too much, your scones may turn out tough instead of tender.

Best Practices for Using Cherries and Chocolate

When using cherries, chop them evenly. This helps distribute their flavor throughout the dough. If you use frozen cherries, thaw them first and drain excess juice. This keeps your dough from getting too wet. For chocolate, use semi-sweet chocolate chips. They add a nice sweetness that balances the tart cherries.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your scones with tea or coffee. They taste amazing with a hot drink. For a fun twist, add a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream on top. To make your scones look great, drizzle melted chocolate over them. You can also add whole cherries for a pretty touch.

Variations

Flavor Variations

You can add nuts or spices to your scones. Walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg can add warmth. You can also try using almond extract for a different flavor.

If you want to swap fruit, consider using blueberries or raspberries. These fruits work well with chocolate. You can even mix in some dried fruit for added taste.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Versions

For gluten-free scones, use a blend of gluten-free flours. Almond flour or oat flour works great. You may need to add a bit more liquid to the dough.

If you want a vegan option, replace the butter with coconut oil. Use almond milk instead of heavy cream. Flax eggs or applesauce can replace the egg in the recipe.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Using seasonal fruits makes scones more fun. In spring, try strawberries or rhubarb. In fall, apples or pumpkin can shine. Each fruit brings its own taste.

You can also adjust the sweetness. Sweet cherries are great, but tart cherries may need extra sugar. Always taste your dough to get it just right!

Storage Info

How to Store Scones

To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. I recommend using a plastic or glass container with a tight lid. If you have leftover scones, let them cool completely before sealing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Keep the container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate them, but this can affect their texture.

Reheating Instructions

When reheating scones, aim for a warm and soft texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and cover them loosely with aluminum foil. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. This method helps avoid dryness. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts of 10-15 seconds. Check often to avoid making them tough.

Freezing Scones

If you want to freeze raw dough, shape the scones first. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze them until firm, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. This way, you can bake fresh scones anytime! For baked scones, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer.

FAQs

What makes scones rise?

Scones rise due to the baking powder. This ingredient creates gas bubbles when it heats. These bubbles help the dough expand. Mix the dry ingredients well. Then, gently fold in the wet ingredients. Overmixing can deflate those bubbles.

Can I use frozen cherries for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. They may change the texture slightly. Frozen cherries can release more juice. This can make your scones a bit softer. If you want firmer scones, use fresh cherries.

How do I know when scones are done baking?

Look for a golden-brown color on top. The edges should feel firm to the touch. You can also insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, your scones are ready.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough in advance. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it sit at room temperature before baking.

What can I serve with cherry chocolate chip scones?

These scones pair well with tea or coffee. Try serving them with clotted cream or butter. You can also add fruit jams for extra flavor. Enjoy them warm for the best taste!

In this blog post, you learned how to make delicious cherry chocolate chip scones. We went through the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. By using cold butter and avoiding overmixing, you can get the perfect texture. You also discovered ways to customize your scones with various flavors and ingredients.

Scones are fun to make and easy to enjoy. You can impress your friends and family with your baking skills. Enjoy your baking journey!