There is nothing quite like starting your day or afternoon with these delightful Buttermilk Cherry Scones with Pistachio Glaze Recipe. They perfectly blend the tart juiciness of maraschino cherries with the rich, tender crumb that buttermilk creates, all topped with a luscious pistachio glaze that adds a nutty crunch and just the right amount of sweetness. If you love scones that feel special but are surprisingly easy to make, this recipe will quickly become your new go-to for any cozy gathering or a simple treat to brighten up your tea time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A round dough is cut into eight triangular pieces and placed flat on a floured clear surface. The dough has a pale cream color with pinkish-red bits mixed inside, giving it a speckled look. The texture appears slightly rough with light cracks on the surface, dusted heavily with white flour. The pieces remain closely arranged in a circle, almost touching each other, showing some separation lines between them. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The charm of this recipe lies in its straightforward, thoughtfully selected ingredients. Each one plays a key role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes these scones shine.

Maraschino cherries (16 ounces): Adds a pop of juicy sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
All-purpose flour (2 3/4 cups): The foundation of the scone’s tender, crumbly texture.
Baking soda (1 rounded teaspoon): Helps the scones rise perfectly and creates lightness.
Cream of tartar (2 rounded teaspoons): Adds a subtle tang and supports the scone’s crumb.
Granulated sugar (2 tablespoons): Just enough to sweeten without overpowering.
Salt (a dash): Balances and enhances the overall flavors.
Cold salted butter (1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon): Provides rich flavor and flakiness; ensure it’s cold for best results.
Buttermilk (1 cup): Delivers moisture and its signature tang for tender crumbiness.
Large egg (1, beaten): Binds ingredients together and adds richness.
Salted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Base for the pistachio glaze, adding richness and shine.
Powdered sugar (2 cups, sifted): The sweet, smooth base in the glaze for a glossy finish.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warm, comforting aroma and flavor to the glaze.
Reserved cherry juice (1/3 cup): Infuses the glaze with fruity brightness to complement the scones.
Chopped pistachio nuts (1/3 cup): Brings a lovely crunch and a hint of earthiness to the glaze topping.

How to Make Buttermilk Cherry Scones with Pistachio Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Cherries and Chill the Bowl

Start by refrigerating or freezing a metal bowl for about 5 minutes to keep your butter and dough cold, which is crucial for flaky scones. Meanwhile, chop the drained maraschino cherries into small pieces and chill them to keep the fruit firm and prevent them from bleeding into the dough.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In your chilled bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cream of tartar, sugar, and salt. Keeping this mixture cool helps the butter stay cold as you work it in, ensuring those tender layers everyone loves.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Grate the cold butter and then use a pastry cutter to blend it into the flour mixture. The little bits of butter are what create a perfectly flaky texture, so don’t worry about small pieces remaining visible.

Step 4: Add the Wet Ingredients and Cherries

Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and add the buttermilk and beaten egg. Fold just until combined, then gently stir in the chilled chopped cherries. Overmixing can make the scones tough, so blend carefully.

Step 5: Shape and Slice the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and shape it gently into an 8-inch disk approximately 1 1/4 inches thick. Using a floured knife, cut the disk into 8 equal triangle pieces. This classic shape helps the scones bake evenly and makes them easy to serve.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the scones on a greased or nonstick baking surface and bake at 425ºF for 12–14 minutes until they’re golden and puffed. Once out of the oven, let them cool slightly before moving on to the glaze.

Step 7: Prepare the Pistachio Glaze and Finish

In a bowl, melt the butter then mix in sifted powdered sugar and vanilla extract. Add the reserved cherry juice gradually until the glaze reaches a spoonable consistency. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm scones and immediately sprinkle chopped pistachios on top to add a delightful crunch and pops of color.

How to Serve Buttermilk Cherry Scones with Pistachio Glaze Recipe

A single triangular scone with a rough, golden brown texture is placed on a white plate with a slightly raised dotted edge. The scone is topped with a thick layer of smooth, light pink icing that drapes unevenly over the top and sides, with scattered pieces of green and brown pistachio nuts on the icing. A vintage silver fork rests on the right side of the plate. The plate sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or an extra sprinkle of finely chopped pistachios can elevate the presentation and offer subtle additional texture. A few whole maraschino cherries on the side also make a charming garnish that ties the flavors together.

Side Dishes

These scones are perfect on their own but also shine when paired with a cup of rich coffee or a fragrant cup of tea. Fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream invites a luxurious start to brunch or afternoon tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve these scones stacked on a rustic wooden board for a cozy vibe, or individually wrapped with twine and a sprig of mint or lavender as charming gifts or party favors. You can also warm them slightly and serve alongside yogurt topped with honey and sliced almonds for an extra special breakfast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain freshness. If you want a bit of warmth and crispness later, reheat them gently.

Freezing

You can freeze unglazed baked scones wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and placed in a freezer bag for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature and then add the pistachio glaze fresh before serving.

Reheating

Reheat scones in a 350ºF oven for about 5 to 7 minutes until warm and lightly crisp on the outside. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy. After reheating, drizzle the pistachio glaze for that full fresh-baked experience.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of maraschino cherries?

Fresh cherries can be used but will alter the sweetness and moisture of the scones. Maraschino cherries provide a consistent sweetness and vibrant color, which is a key part of this Buttermilk Cherry Scones with Pistachio Glaze Recipe’s charm.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

Buttermilk adds a wonderful tang and tender crumb to the scones, but if you don’t have any, you can make a substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

Can this recipe be made vegan?

With some adjustments—using plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk with acid for buttermilk, along with an egg replacer—you can create a vegan version, though the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

What is the purpose of cream of tartar in the recipe?

Cream of tartar helps with leavening and adds a subtle acidity that enhances the scones’ texture, making them a little lighter and more tender.

How do I ensure my glaze is the right consistency?

The key is to add the reserved cherry juice a little at a time until you reach a consistency that is thick enough to hold its shape but still spoonable. Too thin and it will run off; too thick and it will be hard to spread.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about sharing freshly baked Buttermilk Cherry Scones with Pistachio Glaze Recipe with loved ones. The combination of flavors, textures, and that gorgeous glaze makes each bite a small celebration. I hope you give this recipe a try soon—it’s the kind of treat that feels fancy but is completely doable, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone who tries it.