The Perfect Cherry Scones Recipe for a Sweet Morning Treat

Delightful cherry scones bring a burst of sweet-tart magic to your morning ritual.

Bakers adore these tender pastries for their rustic charm and irresistible flavor profile.

Crisp edges and soft centers make them a perfect companion to your favorite tea or coffee.

Fresh cherries add a vibrant pop of color and juicy complexity to the classic scone formula.

Lightweight and not too sweet, these treats balance rich buttery notes with bright fruit undertones.

Each bite promises a delectable journey through traditional british baking techniques.

You’ll want to share these warm, fragrant scones with everyone around the breakfast table.

Why James Martin Cherry Scones Are So Good

• Delight in Easy Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this cherry scone recipe requires minimal culinary skills and basic kitchen tools, making it an ideal starting point for those new to baking.
• Celebrate Versatile Occasions: Perfectly suited for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea, or a delightful dessert, these scones bring a touch of elegance to any gathering with their beautiful cherry-studded texture.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping cherries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, allowing you to personalize the scones to your taste preferences or what's available in your kitchen.
• Quick Family Treat: Minimal preparation steps and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a delicious homemade treat that brings everyone together, filling the kitchen with warm, inviting aromas.

What You’ll Need For James Martin Cherry Scones

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure for the scones.
• Butter: Adds rich flavor and creates a tender, flaky texture in the scones.
• Fresh Cherries: Provides bursts of sweet-tart fruit throughout the pastry.
• Sour Cream: Contributes moisture and a subtle tangy flavor to the scone dough.

• Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and provides richness to the scones.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, sweet aroma.

• Sugar, Cinnamon: Creates a sweet and warm crumbly topping for the scones.
• Salt: Balances and amplifies the other flavors in the recipe.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and become light and fluffy.

Step By Step For James Martin Cherry Scones

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a cozy 350°F. This will ensure your scones bake to golden perfection.

Step 2: Create the Crumbly Topping

Whip up a delightful topping that will add extra crunch and sweetness to your scones.

• Sugar
• Cinnamon
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Mix these ingredients in a small bowl and set aside for later.

Step 3: Prepare the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Granulated sugar

Use your fingertips to work cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs.

Step 4: Blend the Wet Ingredients

• Sour cream
• Egg
• Vanilla extract

Ensure these ingredients are well combined and smooth.

Step 5: Merge Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 6: Fold in Cherries

Carefully fold fresh or dried cherries into the dough. Distribute them evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 7: Shape the Scones

Divide the dough into two equal rounds on a floured surface. Score each round into 8 wedges, creating a guide for cutting.

Step 8: Add the Topping

Generously sprinkle the prepared topping over the scone rounds.

Step 9: Bake to Perfection

Place the scones in the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Separate the wedges and serve warm with a dollop of butter or jam.

Tips To Make James Martin Cherry Scones Better

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir ingredients just until combined to keep scones tender and light, avoiding tough, dense texture.
• Cherry Distribution Trick: Gently fold cherries into dough to prevent color bleeding and ensure even spread throughout scones.
• Temperature Matters: Use cold butter and refrigerate dough briefly before baking to create flakier, more delicate scone texture.
• Topping Technique: Sprinkle sugar topping just before baking for crisp, golden-brown surface with delightful crunch.
• Fresh Cherry Option: Swap dried cherries with fresh, chopped cherries for a juicier, more vibrant flavor profile.

Ways To Tweak James Martin Cherry Scones

• Lemon Lavender Scones: Replace cherries with dried lavender buds and add lemon zest for a fragrant, floral variation that brings a delicate touch to the classic recipe.
• Chocolate Almond Scones: Swap cherries for dark chocolate chips and sprinkle sliced almonds on top, creating a rich and nutty alternative that chocolate lovers will adore.
• Gluten-Free Berry Scones: Use gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour, and substitute fresh mixed berries for cherries to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Coconut Scones: Replace butter with coconut oil, use plant-based milk instead of sour cream, and add shredded coconut for a dairy-free, egg-free version that's full of tropical flavor.

Perfect Pairings For James Martin Cherry Scones

• Elevate Cherry Scones: Perfect Flavor Companions
• Pair with Earl Grey Tea: Bergamot's delicate citrus notes beautifully complement the sweet-tart cherry flavor, creating a sophisticated breakfast experience that feels like a luxurious morning treat.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Mascarpone: Whip creamy mascarpone with a touch of vanilla extract to create a smooth, rich spread that enhances the scones' buttery texture and fruity brightness.
• Match with Champagne Mimosa: The bubbly, light cocktail cuts through the scones' richness while its orange juice adds a zesty contrast to the cherries, making it perfect for brunch gatherings.

How To Keep James Martin Cherry Scones Fresh

• Store cooled scones in an airtight container lined with parchment paper for up to 3 days. Keep them away from moisture to maintain crispness.
• Wrap individual scones tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen scones at room temperature, then warm at 300F for 5-7 minutes. Restore crispy exterior and soft interior.
• Heat refrigerated scones for 10-15 seconds on low power. Check temperature and avoid overheating to prevent toughness.

Questions About James Martin Cherry Scones

• What makes these scones different from traditional scones?

These cherry scones use sour cream for extra moisture and tanginess, creating a richer, more tender texture compared to classic scone recipes.

• Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cherries work well. Just thaw and pat them dry before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture from affecting the scone’s texture.

• How do I know when the scones are perfectly baked?

Look for golden brown edges and a slightly firm center. When a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean, they’re ready to be removed from the oven.

• Is it important to not overmix the dough?

Absolutely. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the scones tough and dense. Gently fold ingredients until just combined for light, tender scones.

Cherry Scones Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet morning dreams come alive with these classic Cherry Scones, blending British tradition and delightful fruity charm. Buttery crumbles melt in your mouth, inviting warm memories of countryside tea times and delectable comfort.

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Ingredients

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Main Dry Ingredients:

• 2.5 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 0.5 teaspoon salt

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

• 0.5 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 0.5 teaspoon almond extract

Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins:

• 0.5 cup cold butter
• 0.75 cup sour cream
• 1 egg
• 0.75 cup dried cherries
• 0.25 cup sliced almonds

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate 350°F, preparing a baking surface with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Prepare the topping mixture in a small bowl, setting it aside for later application.
3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry base.
4. Cut cold butter into small cubes and integrate into the dry ingredients using fingertips or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
5. Whisk together sour cream, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate container, creating a smooth liquid mixture.
6. Pour the liquid ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
7. Carefully fold fresh or dried cherries into the dough, maintaining a light touch to prevent overworking the batter.
8. Divide the dough into two equal rounds on the prepared baking surface, scoring each round into 8 distinct wedges.
9. Generously sprinkle the reserved topping over each scone, ensuring even coverage.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
11. Remove from oven and allow to cool on a wire rack before serving.

Notes

• Chill butter beforehand for flakier, more tender scones that melt in your mouth.
• Use fresh or frozen cherries, but pat them dry to prevent excess moisture from making the dough soggy.
• For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.
• Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar or using alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup for a healthier twist.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: British

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg