There’s something truly irresistible about the perfect scone. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with flavor. Our Cherry Almond Scone recipe combines the sweet tartness of fresh cherries with the rich, nutty crunch of almonds for a delightful treat that’s perfect any time of day.
We love how this recipe balances fruity brightness with a buttery, flaky texture. It’s simple enough for a weekend baking project but impressive enough to serve guests with a cup of coffee or tea. Whether you’re new to scones or a seasoned baker, these Cherry Almond Scones will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients
To craft the perfect Cherry Almond Scone, we carefully select ingredients that create the ideal balance of texture and flavor. Below, we break down the essential components for this delightful treat.
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup sliced almonds, lightly toasted
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure almond extract
Add-Ins
- 1 cup dried tart cherries, roughly chopped
- Optional: 1 tablespoon coarse sugar, for sprinkling on top
| Ingredient Type | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flour | 2 cups | Sifted for light, tender crumb |
| Sugar | 1/3 cup | Adds sweetness |
| Baking Powder | 1 tbsp | Provides lift |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp | Enhances flavor |
| Almonds | 1/2 cup | Lightly toasted for crunch |
| Butter | 1/2 cup | Cold, unsalted, cubed |
| Heavy Cream | 2/3 cup | Cold, for moisture |
| Egg | 1 large | Binds ingredients |
| Almond Extract | 1 tsp | Boosts almond flavor |
| Dried Cherries | 1 cup | Tart, chopped |
| Coarse Sugar | 1 tbsp (optional) | For topping crunch |
These ingredients combine to give us that crispy exterior and tender, buttery interior, perfectly enhanced by the sweet-tart cherries and crunchy almonds we love.
Equipment Needed
To create the perfect Cherry Almond Scone with a crispy exterior and tender interior, having the right equipment is essential. This ensures our process is efficient and results consistent. Here is the required equipment to prepare this delightful scone:
| Equipment | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls (large and medium) | For combining dry and wet ingredients separately |
| Measuring Cups & Spoons | To measure precise ingredient quantities |
| Pastry Cutter or Food Processor | To cut cold butter into flour for flaky texture |
| Baking Sheet | For baking the scones evenly |
| Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat | To prevent sticking and ease cleanup |
| Cooling Rack | To cool scones without getting soggy |
| Whisk | To blend wet ingredients thoroughly |
| Spatula or Wooden Spoon | For folding ingredients gently |
| Knife or Bench Scraper | To cut dough into even portions |
We recommend using a pastry cutter or a food processor because incorporating the cold butter uniformly into the flour is key to achieving scones with flaky layers and tender crumb. Measuring tools ensure we follow our recipe’s exact ratios for perfect texture and flavor.
Additionally, lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat helps maintain even baking and simplifies cleanup. Once baked, transferring the scones to a cooling rack prevents moisture accumulation on the base, preserving that signature crispness.
Equipping ourselves with these tools streamlines the preparation, helping us easily transform simple ingredients into our irresistible Cherry Almond Scones.
Prep
Before we mix our Cherry Almond Scone ingredients, the preparation of key components sets the foundation for perfect texture and flavor. Let’s carefully get our cherries and almonds ready, and make sure the oven is primed for baking.
Preparing the Cherries
To maintain vibrant flavor and moisture balance, use 1 cup of roughly chopped dried tart cherries. Here’s how we prepare them:
- Place the cherries in a small bowl.
- Optionally soak them in 2 tablespoons of warm water or orange juice for 10 minutes to plump and soften.
- Drain cherries well to avoid adding excess moisture to the dough.
This simple step ensures our scones burst with juicy cherry bits in every bite, enhancing the sweet-tart contrast essential to the recipe.
Preparing the Almonds
Almonds add buttery crunch and a toasty aroma to our scones. We use 1/2 cup of lightly toasted sliced almonds, prepared as follows:
| Step | Almond Preparation |
|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat a dry skillet over medium-low heat |
| 2 | Add sliced almonds in a single layer |
| 3 | Stir constantly for 3-5 minutes until golden and fragrant |
| 4 | Remove promptly to cool on a plate |
Toasting intensifies almond flavor and prevents sogginess in the dough, providing the perfect nutty texture that complements our Cherry Almond Scones.
Preheating the Oven
Our oven must be at the correct temperature before the scones go in to bake evenly and develop that golden crust.
- Set the oven to 400°F (200°C)
- Place the oven rack in the middle position for uniform heat circulation
- Allow at least 15 minutes for the oven to reach full temperature before baking
Proper preheating ensures our scones rise beautifully, resulting in a crispy exterior while retaining a tender, flaky interior infused with cherry and almond flavors.
Directions
Follow these precise steps to craft our Cherry Almond Scone dough and bring out the ideal balance of flaky layers and fruity crunch.
Mixing the Dough
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until well combined.
- Add the 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter cut into small cubes. Using a pastry cutter or food processor, cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter still visible.
- In a separate bowl, beat 1 large egg with 2/3 cup heavy cream and 1 teaspoon pure almond extract until smooth.
- Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently fold with a spatula just until combined; do not overmix. The dough should be slightly sticky but hold its shape.
- Fold in the 1 cup drained, roughly chopped dried tart cherries and the 1/2 cup toasted sliced almonds evenly through the dough.
Shaping the Scones
- Lightly flour a clean surface. Turn the dough out and pat it into a 7-inch round about 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the round into 8 equal wedges. Handle the dough minimally to maintain flakiness.
- Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow room for rising.
| Step | Detail | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dough Thickness | 1 inch | Ensures proper rise and tender crumb |
| Number of Wedges | 8 | Uniform size for even baking |
| Pan Preparation | Parchment paper lined baking sheet | Prevents sticking and allows crisp bottoms |
Adding Toppings
- Lightly brush the tops of each wedge with a small amount of heavy cream to help the coarse sugar adhere.
- Sprinkle a pinch of coarse sugar evenly on each scone wedge to add a crunchy golden finish during baking.
- Optionally, scatter a few extra toasted almonds on top for a visually appealing presentation.
Preparing the dough and toppings this way ensures that our Cherry Almond Scones come out golden crispy on the outside with a tender crumb and bursts of almond-fruit flavor in every bite.
Baking Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure it reaches the temperature before placing the scones inside to ensure an even rise and golden crust.
- Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents sticking and promotes even baking.
- Transfer the shaped scone wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart to allow for spreading.
- Brush each scone lightly with heavy cream. This step is essential for a beautiful golden exterior and helps the coarse sugar adhere.
- Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar to add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Bake the scones in the center rack of the oven for 18 to 22 minutes until they turn golden brown. The scones should spring back lightly when pressed.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the scones cool on the sheet for 5 minutes.
- Transfer scones to a cooling rack to cool completely. This prevents sogginess by allowing air to circulate around the scones, preserving their crisp exterior.
| Step | Temperature | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Preheat oven | 400°F (200°C) | — | Ensure full preheat for even baking |
| Bake scones | 400°F (200°C) | 18–22 minutes | Golden brown with slight spring back when pressed |
| Cool on baking sheet | Room temp | 5 minutes | Allows scones to set before transferring |
| Cool on wire rack | Room temp | Until cool | Prevents sogginess, maintains crisp edges |
“Baking at the right temperature and timing ensures our Cherry Almond Scones develop their signature crispy crust while keeping the interior tender and flaky.“
Use these Baking Instructions carefully to achieve scones with the perfect balance of texture and flavor, showcasing the sweet cherries and toasted almonds beautifully in every bite.
Cooling and Serving Suggestions
Once our Cherry Almond Scones come out of the oven, cooling and serving them properly is essential to preserve their signature texture and flavor.
Cooling
- Immediately transfer the scones to a wire cooling rack using a spatula. This step allows air to circulate around the scones preventing steam buildup that would make the crust soggy.
- Let the scones cool for at least 15 to 20 minutes. This resting period helps the interior crumb set while maintaining the crisp golden exterior.
- Avoid stacking or covering the scones during cooling; doing so traps moisture and softens the crust, detracting from the ideal crispy texture we aim for.
Serving Suggestions
Our Cherry Almond Scone recipe shines when served with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas:
| Serving Idea | Description |
|---|---|
| Butter and Jam | Spread room temperature butter and your favorite jam (apricot or raspberry works well) on a warm scone for a cozy, classic treat. |
| Honey or Almond Butter | Drizzle with honey or spread almond butter to elevate the almond flavor and add creamy sweetness. |
| Whipped Cream or Clotted Cream | Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream or clotted cream for indulgent texture contrast. |
| Fresh Fruit | Pair with fresh cherries or berries to amplify the fruity notes in the scones. |
| Tea or Coffee | Serve alongside a cup of hot tea (such as Earl Grey or green tea) or freshly brewed coffee to balance sweetness. |
Serving Temperature
- For optimal enjoyment, serve scones slightly warm or at room temperature. Reheating in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes can refresh crispness without drying them out.
- Avoid microwave reheating as it tends to soften the crust immediately.
“The perfect balance of a crispy exterior and tender interior in our cherry almond scones creates an irresistible base for a variety of toppings and accompaniments.“
By following these cooling and serving tips, we ensure every bite of our Cherry Almond Scone delivers maximum flavor and the ideal texture experience.
Storage Tips
To keep our Cherry Almond Scones fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential. Here’s how we store them to preserve their signature texture and flavor:
- Cool Completely
Before storing, we always let the scones cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents condensation, which can make the crust soggy and diminish the crisp exterior we love.
- Room Temperature Storage
We place cooled scones in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb any moisture. Stored this way, they stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature, maintaining their buttery crumb and tender cherry-almond bites.
- Refrigeration
If we need to store scones longer, we wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap to lock in moisture and place them in an airtight container in the fridge. This method keeps them fresh for up to 1 week but can slightly soften the crust. To restore crispness, we reheat them in the oven.
- Freezing
For extended storage, freezing is our go-to. We wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe resealable bag. Labeling the bag with the date helps us keep track. Frozen scones last for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.
| Storage Method | Preparation | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | Airtight container, paper towel | 2 days | Best for immediate enjoyment |
| Refrigeration | Individually wrapped, airtight | 1 week | May soften crust, reheat before serving |
| Freezing | Individually wrapped, freezer bag | 3 months | Thaw and warm in oven for best texture |
- Reheating Tips
To revive our Cherry Almond Scones, we preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), unwrap the scones, and place them on a baking sheet. We warm them for 8 to 10 minutes until heated through and crisp on the outside. This restores the delicate crunch while keeping the interior tender and flavorful.
“Avoid reheating in the microwave as it makes scones chewy and loses the crisp texture that defines a perfect scone.”
Following these Storage Tips ensures we always enjoy the full experience of our homemade Cherry Almond Scones, whether freshly baked or saved for later indulgence.
Conclusion
Cherry Almond Scones bring together the perfect blend of fruity sweetness and nutty crunch in every bite. With the right ingredients, tools, and techniques, baking them at home is both accessible and rewarding.
Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven or savoring leftovers with a warm cup of tea, these scones are sure to impress. They make a wonderful addition to any breakfast or afternoon treat, offering a delightful balance of texture and flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Cherry Almond Scone perfect?
A perfect Cherry Almond Scone has a crispy exterior and tender interior, balanced with sweet cherries and crunchy toasted almonds for rich flavor and texture.
What are the key ingredients in this scone recipe?
The recipe includes all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, toasted sliced almonds, cold unsalted butter, heavy cream, egg, almond extract, and dried tart cherries.
Why soak dried cherries before baking?
Soaking dried cherries in warm water or orange juice plumps them up, creating juicier bites in the baked scones.
How do toasted almonds improve the scones?
Toasting sliced almonds enhances their flavor and crunch while preventing sogginess in the final scones.
What equipment is essential for making these scones?
You’ll need mixing bowls, measuring tools, a pastry cutter or food processor, baking sheet with parchment paper, cooling rack, whisk, spatula, and a knife or bench scraper.
What oven temperature and baking time are recommended?
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the scones for 18 to 22 minutes until golden brown.
How should scones be cooled after baking?
Transfer scones immediately to a wire cooling rack to prevent sogginess and let them cool for 15 to 20 minutes.
What are the best ways to serve Cherry Almond Scones?
Serve slightly warm or at room temperature with butter, jam, honey, almond butter, whipped cream, fresh fruit, or alongside tea or coffee.
How can I store Cherry Almond Scones to keep them fresh?
Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, refrigerate wrapped for 1 week, or freeze tightly for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat scones?
Warm scones briefly in the oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.