Imagine biting into a scone so rich and luxurious that it transforms an ordinary morning into an extraordinary culinary experience. These Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond Scones are not just a breakfast pastry; they're a symphony of flavors that will make you forget every bland scone you've ever tasted. With the perfect balance of dark chocolate's intense richness, the sweet-tart burst of cherries, and the nutty crunch of almonds, these scones are about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
- Using a pastry cutter or cold fingertips, cut the cold cubed butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs with pea-sized butter pieces.
- Gently fold in dark chocolate chips, dried cherries, and sliced almonds, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg until smooth.
- Pour the cream and egg mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 2-3 times to bring the dough together.
- Pat the dough into a circular shape approximately 1-inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges.
- Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
- Optional: Brush the top of each scone with additional heavy cream for a golden finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally dusted with powdered sugar or drizzled with melted chocolate.
Tips
- Keep your butter COLD - this is the secret to achieving those flaky, tender layers that make scones irresistible.
- Don't overwork the dough. Mix just until ingredients are combined to ensure a light, tender texture.
- For an extra golden top, brush with heavy cream before baking.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate chips for the most intense flavor.
- If dried cherries are too tart, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding to the mix to soften them.
- Let the scones cool slightly before serving to allow the texture to set perfectly.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Cholesterol: 55mg
