Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones bring together the best of both worlds: the comforting, slightly crumbly texture of a scone with the indulgent flavors of chocolate and cherry. The natural sweetness and tartness of the cherries perfectly balance the richness of the chocolate, creating a satisfying bite in every piece. Plus, these scones are surprisingly easy to make and can be customized with either fresh or dried cherries. With a drizzle of chocolate on top, these scones are both visually striking and delicious, making them an excellent addition to any brunch table or dessert spread.

Ingredients

For the scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

• 1/2 cup dairy or non-dairy milk (such as almond or oat milk)

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cherries, chopped (or use maraschino cherries, drained)

• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For the chocolate drizzle:

• 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or butter (for melting)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the scone dough:

   • In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using). Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter.

3. Add wet ingredients:

   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough. Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips.

4. Shape the scones:

   • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and lightly knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges. Alternatively, you can use a round cutter to cut out individual scones.

5. Bake the scones:

   • Arrange the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

6. Make the chocolate drizzle:

   • While the scones are baking, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (or butter) together in a small microwave-safe bowl in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and melted.

7. Drizzle the chocolate:

   • Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack. Once they are slightly cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate over the tops of the scones in a zigzag pattern for a beautiful finish.

8. Serve and enjoy:

   • Allow the chocolate to set before serving. Enjoy the scones warm or at room temperature with a cup of tea or coffee!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: Makes 8 scones

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

• Dried fruit: Try using dried cranberries or raisins instead of fresh or dried cherries for a different fruity flavor.

• Vegan version: To make this recipe vegan, substitute the dairy milk with a plant-based milk, the butter with vegan butter, and the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water).

• Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the scone dough for a warm, spiced flavor that complements the chocolate and cherries.

• Different chocolate: You can swap the semi-sweet chocolate for milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until warmed through and the chocolate drizzle softens.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes! If using frozen cherries, make sure to thaw and drain them before adding to the dough to prevent excess moisture.

2. Can I use store-bought cherry preserves instead of fresh cherries?

While fresh or dried cherries work best for this recipe, you can use cherry preserves or jam. Just make sure to reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.

3. How do I make the scones more tender?

For extra tender scones, avoid overworking the dough. Mix it just enough to combine the ingredients, and be sure to use cold butter to create a flaky texture.

4. Can I skip the chocolate drizzle?

Yes, you can skip the chocolate drizzle if you prefer, but it adds a lovely richness and visual appeal to the scones.

5. Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, shape the dough into wedges and bake as directed.

6. How do I store leftover scones?

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 1 month.

7. Can I make these scones without a food processor?

Yes, you can make these scones without a food processor. Simply cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

8. Can I add more chocolate to the dough?

Yes, you can increase the amount of chocolate chips or even add chopped dark chocolate or chocolate chunks to the dough for extra richness.

9. Can I use a different type of flour?

While this recipe is designed for all-purpose flour, you can experiment with other types like whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends. The texture may change slightly, but it should still work well.

10. Can I serve these scones with whipped cream?

Absolutely! These scones are delicious with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones are a perfect treat for anyone who loves the combination of chocolate and fruit in a light, flaky scone. With the rich flavor of chocolate, the sweetness of cherries, and the buttery scone dough, these scones make an irresistible snack or dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or serving them at a special gathering, these scones will surely become a favorite!