Zaarbucks Delightful Apricot Almond Scones
These delightful Apricot Almond Scones are a unique creation from the founders of Zaarbucks, a beloved chain born in the picturesque streets of Florence, Italy. In a quest to provide scrumptious baked goods that cater to the health-conscious, PanNan, Bergy, Derf, and Madeleine M. collaborated to create a recipe that strikes the perfect balance between indulgent flavors and guilt-free enjoyment. Infused with the sweetness of dried apricots and the nutty essence of almonds, these scones are light, fluffy, and packed with a delightful richness from yogurt and sour cream. Enjoy them fresh out of the oven or at room temperature—they're perfect alongside your morning coffee or as a delightful afternoon snack.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Nonfat plain yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
Fat-free sour cream
1/2 cup (none)
Vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Almond extract
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
All-purpose flour
2 cups (measured)
Additional flour
2 tablespoons (for dusting)
Granulated sugar
1/4 cup (divided)
Baking powder
2 teaspoons (none)
Baking soda
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Chilled reduced-fat margarine or low-fat butter
3-4 tablespoons (cut into pieces)
Dried apricots
1/3 cup (small diced)
Sliced almonds
1/4 cup (none)
Nonfat milk
2 teaspoons (for brushing)
Granulated sugar
2 teaspoons (for sprinkling)
Cooking spray
as needed (for greasing the baking sheet)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Prepare a baking sheet by lightly spraying it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4
Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled margarine until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
5
Fold in the diced dried apricots and sliced almonds, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture.
6
In a separate bowl, mix the nonfat plain yogurt, fat-free sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract until smooth.
7
Gently fold the yogurt-sour cream mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix as this can make the scones tough. If the dough feels too sticky, gradually add a little more flour until a manageable dough forms.
8
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just until it holds its shape.
9
Shape the dough into a circle, about 8 to 10 inches in diameter, and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
10
Brush the top with nonfat milk and sprinkle the remaining 2 teaspoons of sugar over the surface.
11
Using a long knife, gently score the dough into 8 wedges, cutting about halfway through, to create indentations for easier serving after baking.
12
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 22 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
13
Let the scones cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm but delicious at any temperature. Indulge in the heavenly flavor of these scones with your favorite beverage!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the creators of the Zaarbucks Delightful Apricot Almond Scones?
The recipe was created by PanNan, Bergy, Derf, and Madeleine M., the founders of Zaarbucks.
Where did the Zaarbucks chain originate?
Zaarbucks was born in the picturesque streets of Florence, Italy.
What is the philosophy behind this scone recipe?
The recipe aims to provide a balance between indulgent flavors and guilt-free enjoyment for health-conscious individuals.
What are the primary flavor notes in these scones?
The scones are infused with the sweetness of dried apricots and the nutty essence of almonds.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Lightly spray the baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent the scones from sticking.
Which dry ingredients are whisked together first?
Whisk together 2 cups of flour, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
How should the margarine be incorporated?
The chilled margarine should be cut into the flour mixture using a pastry cutter or fingers until it resembles coarse meal.
What type of apricots are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/3 cup of small diced dried apricots.
What wet ingredients are mixed separately?
Nonfat plain yogurt, fat-free sour cream, vanilla extract, and almond extract are mixed in a separate bowl until smooth.
What is the secret to keeping the scones light and fluffy?
The richness comes from using yogurt and sour cream, and ensuring the dough is not overmixed.
What should I do if the dough feels too sticky?
Gradually add a little more flour until the dough becomes manageable.
How much should I knead the dough?
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead it only until it holds its shape.
What size should the dough circle be?
Shape the dough into a circle approximately 8 to 10 inches in diameter.
What is brushed on the top of the scones before baking?
Brush the top of the dough circle with nonfat milk.
How much sugar is sprinkled on top?
Two teaspoons of granulated sugar are sprinkled over the surface before baking.
How do I score the dough for serving?
Use a long knife to gently score the dough into 8 wedges, cutting about halfway through.
What is the recommended baking time?
Bake the scones for 20 to 22 minutes.
How do I check if the scones are fully baked?
They should be lightly golden on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
Should these scones be served warm?
They are best enjoyed warm but are also delicious at room temperature.
Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, the recipe allows for either chilled reduced-fat margarine or low-fat butter.
What kind of flour is used for the base?
All-purpose flour is used for the scone dough.
How many wedges does this recipe yield?
The recipe is designed to be scored into 8 wedges.
What kind of almonds are required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of sliced almonds.
Is this recipe suitable for those looking for low-fat options?
Yes, it uses nonfat yogurt, fat-free sour cream, and reduced-fat margarine.
What extracts are needed for the flavoring?
The recipe requires 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 1/2 teaspoons of almond extract.
What are the leavening agents used in this recipe?
The recipe uses both 2 teaspoons of baking powder and 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the suggested beverage pairing?
The scones are perfect alongside your morning coffee.
How much salt is included in the dry mix?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of salt.
What is the texture of these scones?
The texture is described as light and fluffy with a delightful richness.