Decadent Cherry Vanilla Chip Scones
Indulge in these Decadent Cherry Vanilla Chip Scones, a delightful treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. Featuring a tender and buttery scone base enriched with the sweet tartness of dried cherries and the creamy goodness of vanilla chips, these scones are sure to please. They are simple to prepare and take only a short time to bake, making them ideal for sharing with family and friends. Serve these warm from the oven with a dollop of cream or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness!
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
all-purpose flour
3 cups (sifted)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup (none)
baking powder
2 1/2 teaspoons (none)
baking soda
1/2 teaspoon (none)
cold butter
6 tablespoons (cubed)
vanilla yogurt
1 cup (none)
milk
1/4 cup (divided and warmed slightly)
milk
2 tablespoons (for brushing)
dried cherries
1 1/3 cups (chopped if large)
vanilla chips
2/3 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or parchment paper.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sifted flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and baking soda. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3
In a separate bowl, mix together the vanilla yogurt and 1/4 cup of the slightly warmed milk. Gradually stir this wet mix into the dry mixture just until the dough is moistened and comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4
Gently knead in the chopped dried cherries and vanilla chips until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a 9-inch circle, about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges, but do not separate them yet.
6
Transfer the dough circle to the prepared baking sheet, separating the wedges slightly. Brush the tops with the remaining 2 tablespoons of milk to give them a beautiful glaze during baking.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving warm.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Cherry Vanilla Chip Scones?
They are a tender, buttery breakfast or tea treat made with dried cherries, vanilla chips, and a vanilla yogurt base.
How many scones does this recipe make?
This recipe yields 8 large scone wedges.
What temperature should I set my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
What type of flour is used in this scone recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of sifted all-purpose flour.
Why do I need to use cold butter?
Cold butter creates steam as it melts in the oven, which provides a flaky texture and helps the scones rise.
How much butter is required?
You will need 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter.
What can I use if I do not have a pastry cutter?
You can use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour or use two knives to cut it in until it looks like coarse crumbs.
What provides the moisture for these scones?
A combination of 1 cup of vanilla yogurt and a small amount of milk provides the moisture.
Is the milk warmed before mixing?
Yes, 1/4 cup of milk should be slightly warmed before being mixed with the yogurt.
How much sugar is in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of granulated sugar.
Can I substitute white chocolate chips for vanilla chips?
Yes, white chocolate chips are an excellent substitute for vanilla chips in this recipe.
How should I prepare the dried cherries?
If the dried cherries are large, you should chop them before adding them to the dough.
What size should I shape the dough into?
Shape the dough into a 9-inch circle that is approximately 1-inch thick.
Do I need to separate the wedges before baking?
Yes, after cutting the circle into 8 wedges, transfer them to the baking sheet and separate them slightly.
What is the purpose of brushing the tops with milk?
Brushing the tops with 2 tablespoons of milk helps create a beautiful golden glaze during baking.
How long do the scones need to bake?
Bake the scones for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I know when the scones are finished?
They are done when they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Should I grease the baking sheet?
Yes, grease the baking sheet lightly with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
Dried cherries are preferred for texture, but if using fresh, ensure they are pitted, chopped, and patted dry to avoid adding too much moisture.
Can I use plain yogurt instead of vanilla?
Yes, but you may want to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the dough to maintain the flavor profile.
How should I store leftover scones?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can these scones be frozen?
Yes, you can freeze baked scones in an airtight bag for up to 3 months; reheat them in the oven for the best texture.
What should I serve with these scones?
They are delicious served warm with a dollop of cream, butter, or a drizzle of honey.
Why is it important not to overmix the dough?
Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the scones tough instead of tender and flaky.
Do I need both baking powder and baking soda?
Yes, both are used as leavening agents to ensure the scones rise properly with the acidic yogurt.
Can I use Greek yogurt?
Yes, but because Greek yogurt is thicker, you might need to add an extra tablespoon of milk to get the dough to come together.
Is sifting the flour necessary?
Sifting helps aerate the flour and ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a lighter scone.
What type of milk is best for this recipe?
Whole milk or 2% milk works best for richness, but any milk or milk alternative can be used.
Can I add nuts to this recipe?
Yes, chopped pecans or almonds would complement the cherry and vanilla flavors well.
Are these scones suitable for a brunch party?
Absolutely, their decadent flavor and attractive appearance make them perfect for brunch or afternoon tea.