Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones are a delicious twist on the classic scone, with the addition of chocolate and cherries bringing both sweetness and depth of flavor. The soft, flaky texture of the scones pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cherries and the richness of the chocolate, making these scones a satisfying treat. The best part? They are incredibly easy to make and perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions. These scones are sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire!

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 heavy cream (or buttermilk)
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup dried cherries or fresh cherries, chopped
1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

For the glaze (optional):

1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 tablespoon milk or heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

(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. Prepare the dry ingredients:

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon (if using).

3. Cut in the butter:

Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter. This will help create a flaky texture for the scones.

4. Add the wet ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream (or buttermilk), egg, and vanilla extract. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the scones tough.

5. Fold in the cherries and chocolate:

Gently fold in the chopped cherries and chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.

6. Shape the dough:

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick. If you prefer, you can also divide the dough into smaller portions to make individual scones. Using a sharp knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges (or cut out circles with a biscuit cutter).

7. Bake the scones:

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

8. Prepare the glaze (optional):

While the scones are baking, you can prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar if you prefer a thicker glaze, or more milk for a thinner glaze.

9. Drizzle the glaze:

Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the scones while they are still warm for a glossy finish.

10. Serve and enjoy:

Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy these chocolate cherry scones with a cup of tea, coffee, or simply on their own!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 8 scones
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Fresh cherries: If using fresh cherries, make sure to remove the pits and chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the dough.
Vegan option: Replace the butter with a plant-based butter substitute and use non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) for the cream and glaze. You can also use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) as an egg replacement.
Add nuts: Add chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Glazed version: If you prefer a sweeter glaze, use chocolate in the glaze to make a rich chocolate drizzle instead of the vanilla glaze.

Storage/Reheating

These scones are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you have more, you can freeze the scones for up to 1 month. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave them for 10-15 seconds for a quick warm-up.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen cherries?

Yes, you can use frozen cherries. Just make sure to thaw them first and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture in the dough.

2. Can I make these scones ahead of time?

You can prepare the dough ahead of time, shape it into wedges, and freeze them. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones on the baking sheet and bake for 5-10 extra minutes.

3. How do I make the scones extra flaky?

To make the scones extra flaky, ensure the butter is cold when mixing, and don’t overwork the dough. The key is to handle it gently and briefly.

4. Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier flavor, or a gluten-free flour blend if you need a gluten-free option.

5. Can I add more chocolate?

Absolutely! You can increase the amount of chocolate chips or add a drizzle of melted chocolate over the scones after baking for an even richer chocolate flavor.

6. How can I make these scones less sweet?

If you prefer less sweetness, you can reduce the sugar in the dough or omit the glaze altogether.

7. Can I freeze the dough before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked dough. Shape the dough into rounds or wedges, then freeze them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or bag and bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

8. Can I make these scones without a glaze?

Yes! If you prefer not to use a glaze, the scones are still delicious on their own without it. You can also dust them with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.

9. Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, you can use milk instead of cream, though the scones may be slightly less rich. If you want a creamier texture, heavy cream is the best option.

10. Can I serve these scones with jam or clotted cream?

Yes, these scones would be wonderful served with jam or clotted cream for a more indulgent treat!

Conclusion

Chocolate Covered Cherry Scones are the perfect treat for any occasion, offering the perfect combination of rich chocolate and sweet, juicy cherries in every bite. With a buttery, flaky texture and the option for a sweet glaze, these scones are sure to impress your guests or become your go-to comfort snack. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re an irresistible option for breakfast, afternoon tea, or dessert. Enjoy these scones fresh out of the oven, and savor the delightful mix of flavors!