Cherry Lemon Scones Recipe

Scones are a beloved treat, especially for those cozy mornings with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their buttery, flaky texture, combined with a burst of fresh fruit and citrus, makes them an irresistible indulgence. In this recipe, we’ll combine the tangy zing of lemon with the sweet juiciness of cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will elevate your scone game.

Cherry Lemon Scones are a great addition to any brunch or afternoon tea spread. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or someone just beginning to explore the world of baked goods, this recipe is simple, straightforward, and incredibly delicious. With step-by-step instructions and tips for achieving the perfect scone, you’ll be well on your way to making a batch that’s sure to impress.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dry Ingredients

1. Combine Flour, Sugar, and Leavening Agents
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. These dry ingredients create the foundation for your scones and help ensure they rise properly.
2. Add Lemon Zest
   Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to the dry ingredients. The zest adds a burst of citrus flavor, which will complement the fresh cherries beautifully.

Step 2: Cut in the Butter

1. Prepare the Butter
   Cube 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter. It’s essential that the butter is cold as this will help achieve the flaky texture in the scones.
2. Incorporate the Butter
   Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in small pea-sized pieces. If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can also use two forks to help cut the butter into the flour.

Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients

1. Mix the Wet Ingredients
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. The cream adds richness to the dough, while the egg helps bind everything together.
2. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
   Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Gently stir using a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could lead to tough scones. The dough should be slightly sticky but not overly wet.

Step 4: Add the Cherries

1. Prepare the Cherries
   If you’re using fresh cherries, wash them thoroughly and remove the pits. Chop them into small, bite-sized pieces. If you’re using frozen cherries, make sure they are thawed and chopped before adding them to the dough.
2. Fold in the Cherries
   Gently fold the chopped cherries into the dough. Again, be careful not to overmix, as this can break up the fruit and create a mushy texture.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Dough

1. Turn Out the Dough
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently knead the dough a few times until it comes together, but don’t overwork it. You want to maintain the flaky texture.
2. Shape the Dough
   Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle or rectangle. This thickness is ideal for creating soft, fluffy scones with just the right amount of rise.
3. Cut the Scones
   Using a sharp knife or a scone cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges or squares. If you prefer smaller scones, feel free to cut them into more pieces.

Step 6: Bake the Scones

1. Prepare the Baking Sheet
   Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier. Place the scones on the sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one.
2. Brush with Cream
   Lightly brush the tops of the scones with a little extra heavy cream. This will give them a beautiful golden color as they bake.
3. Bake
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end to prevent overbaking.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

1. Make the Lemon Glaze
   While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together 1/2 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest in a small bowl. The glaze should be smooth and slightly runny, perfect for drizzling over the warm scones.

Step 8: Glaze the Scones

1. Glaze the Scones
   Once the scones are baked and have cooled for about 5 minutes, drizzle the lemon glaze over the top of each scone. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of lemon flavor that complements the fruitiness of the cherries.

Serving Suggestions

These Cherry Lemon Scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. Serve them fresh out of the oven, or store them in an airtight container for a few days. For an extra indulgent treat, pair them with clotted cream or fresh whipped cream.

If you’re serving these at a brunch or tea party, consider offering a selection of jams or fruit spreads alongside. Strawberry or raspberry jam would pair especially well with the cherry and lemon combination.

Tips for Success

1. Use Cold Butter for Flakiness

As with all scone recipes, it’s important to use cold butter. This helps create those signature flaky layers.

2. Don’t Overwork the Dough

Be gentle when mixing the dough. Overworking it will lead to dense, tough scones instead of light, tender ones.

3. Add More Fruit

Feel free to increase the amount of cherries in the dough if you prefer a more fruity scone. You can also experiment with adding other fruits like blueberries or raspberries for variety.

4. Freeze for Later

These scones freeze well. If you want to make them in advance, shape the dough, freeze the unbaked scones on a baking sheet, and then store them in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake them, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Common Questions

1. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries! Just make sure they are thawed and chopped before adding them to the dough.

2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This will help the flavors meld and make the scones even more delicious.

3. What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with buttermilk or whole milk. Keep in mind that the scones may not be as rich or as flaky as they would be with cream.

4. Can I make these scones without a glaze?

Yes! The scones are delicious even without the glaze. However, the glaze adds a nice sweet and citrusy touch that enhances the flavor.

5. Can I add other fruits?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even a combination of berries. Just make sure to adjust the quantity to suit the flavor balance.

Conclusion

Cherry Lemon Scones are a delightful combination of sweet and tart, making them a perfect treat for any occasion. Their buttery texture, burst of fresh cherries, and zingy lemon glaze make them irresistible. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking to enjoy a comforting homemade snack, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite. Try it out and enjoy the deliciousness of these flavorful scones in the comfort of your own home.

Yield: 8 Scones

Cherry Lemon Scones Recipe

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Scones are a beloved treat, especially for those cozy mornings with a hot cup of tea or coffee. Their buttery, flaky texture, combined with a burst of fresh fruit and citrus, makes them an irresistible indulgence. In this recipe, we’ll combine the tangy zing of lemon with the sweet juiciness of cherries, creating a perfect balance of flavors that will elevate your scone game.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Scones:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp (85g) cold unsalted butter, cubed
• 1 cup (150g) fresh or frozen cherries, chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon zest
• 1 large egg
• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp milk (for brushing the scones)
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the Scones:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
   
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
   
3. Cut in the Butter:
   Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
   
4. Add Cherries and Lemon Zest:
   Gently fold in the chopped cherries and lemon zest into the flour mixture.
   
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture, stirring gently with a fork until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
   
6. Form the Scones:
   Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a round disk, about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, slice the dough into 8 wedges.
   
7. Bake the Scones:
   Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops of the scones with a little milk for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden brown on top.
   
8. Make the Glaze:
   While the scones are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and lemon juice in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if necessary.
   
9. Finish the Scones:
   Once the scones are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Drizzle the lemon glaze over the warm scones before serving.

Notes

• Fresh or Frozen Cherries: Fresh cherries can be chopped and used directly, while frozen cherries should be thawed and drained before use to avoid excess moisture in the dough.
• Freezing: Unbaked scones can be frozen on a baking sheet, then stored in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
• Flavor Variations: You can swap the cherries for other berries like blueberries or raspberries, or add a teaspoon of poppy seeds for extra texture.