There's nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through the air in the morning. Among the vast array of scone recipes, cherry - chocolate scones stand out as a delightful combination that marries the sweet, tart flavor of cherries with the rich, decadent taste of chocolate. In this article, we'll explore the art of making these mouth - watering cherry - chocolate scones, from the ingredients you'll need to the step - by - step process.
First and foremost, let's talk about the ingredients. To make a batch of cherry - chocolate scones, you'll need the following:
- 2 1/2 cups all - purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 3/4 cup milk (you can use whole milk, 2% milk, or even almond milk for a dairy - free option)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup dried cherries
- 3/4 cup semi - sweet chocolate chips
Now that you have your ingredients ready, it's time to start the baking process. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the oven is at the right temperature when you put the scones in, allowing them to bake evenly and develop a lovely golden crust.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a whisk to mix these dry ingredients thoroughly. This step is crucial as it ensures that the leavening agents (baking powder) are evenly distributed throughout the mixture, which will help the scones rise properly.
Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The cold butter is important because it creates small pockets of fat in the dough. As the scones bake, these pockets of fat melt, creating a flaky texture.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this wet mixture into the bowl with the flour - butter crumbs. Stir gently until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to over - mix the dough, as this can result in tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but still hold together.
Once the dough is formed, fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips. Gently incorporate them into the dough, making sure they are evenly distributed. You can use your hands to do this, but be gentle to avoid breaking up the cherries and chocolate chips too much.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into a round about 1 - 1.5 inches thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the dough into wedges. You can make 8 - 10 wedges depending on how large you want your scones to be.
Place the scones on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the scones from sticking to the pan and makes cleanup a breeze. Brush the tops of the scones with a little bit of milk or cream. This will give the scones a nice, shiny finish as they bake.
Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 - 20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. You can check if the scones are done by inserting a toothpick into the center of one. If it comes out clean, the scones are ready.
Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This allows the scones to set and makes them easier to handle. While the scones are cooling, you can make a simple glaze if you like. To make the glaze, combine 1 cup of powdered sugar with 1 - 2 tablespoons of milk in a small bowl. Stir until the glaze is smooth and of a drizzling consistency. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for an extra touch of sweetness.
Cherry - chocolate scones are perfect for a leisurely breakfast on a weekend morning. You can enjoy them with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of fresh juice. They also make a great snack throughout the day. You can store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of days, or in the freezer for longer storage. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds to warm them up before eating.
In conclusion, making cherry - chocolate scones is a fun and rewarding activity. It's a great way to start your day with a delicious treat that combines the best of both worlds - the tangy cherries and the indulgent chocolate. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get baking!