Imagine biting into a scone so divine, it transforms your ordinary morning into a gourmet experience! These Whole Grain Cherry Almond Scones are not just a recipe; they're a culinary adventure that combines the rustic charm of whole grains with the sweet burst of cherries and the nutty crunch of almonds. Whether you're a breakfast enthusiast or a passionate home baker, this recipe promises to elevate your morning routine from mundane to magnificent.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 scones
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup chopped cherries
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the scones from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole wheat flour, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Whisk the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed and there are no lumps.
- Add 1/2 cup of cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Be careful not to overwork the dough; you want to keep some small chunks of butter for a flaky texture.
- Gently fold in 1/2 cup of chopped cherries and 1/4 cup of sliced almonds into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Pour in 3/4 cup of milk gradually, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until the dough comes together. It should be slightly sticky but manageable. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead the dough a few times until it forms a cohesive ball. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 equal wedges. You can also use a round cutter to create circular scones if you prefer.
- Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one. Optionally, you can brush the tops with a little extra milk or melted butter for a golden finish.
- Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy your Whole Grain Cherry Almond Scones warm or at room temperature, perfect for breakfast or as a delightful snack!
Tips
- Keep your butter cold: The key to flaky scones is using butter straight from the refrigerator. Cold butter creates those delightful layers when it melts during baking.
- Don't overwork the dough: Mix just until ingredients are combined. Overworking leads to tough, dense scones instead of light, tender ones.
- Use fresh ingredients: Choose ripe, sweet cherries and high-quality almonds to maximize flavor.
- For a golden finish, brush the tops with milk or an egg wash before baking.
- Let the scones cool slightly before serving to allow them to set and develop their full flavor profile.
- Store in an airtight container and enjoy within 2-3 days for maximum freshness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 35mg
