Maple Cran-Cherry Scone Recipe
Introduction to Maple Cran-Cherry Scones
Maple Cran-Cherry Scones offer a delectable blend of flavors that are both sweet and tart, making them a perfect treat for any time of day. Scones have a rich history, originating from Scotland, where they were originally made with oats and griddle-baked. Today, scones are a bakery staple and have evolved into various versions, catering to diverse taste palettes. Our Maple Cran-Cherry Scone combines the robust sweetness of maple syrup with the tangy burst of dried cranberries and dried cherries, creating a balance that is hard to resist.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour - 2 cups
- Baking powder - 1 tablespoon
- Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
- Unsalted butter - 1/2 cup, cold and diced
- Granulated sugar - 1/4 cup
- Dried cranberries - 1/2 cup
- Dried cherries - 1/2 cup
- Maple syrup - 1/3 cup
- Heavy cream - 1/2 cup
- Egg - 1
- Vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon
Preparation Steps
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your scones bake evenly. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.
Mixing Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This distributes the baking powder evenly, ensuring every scone will rise correctly.
Incorporating Butter
Add the cold, diced unsalted butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work quickly to incorporate the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse breadcrumbs.
Adding Sugar and Fruit
Gently mix in the granulated sugar, dried cranberries, and dried cherries. Ensure that the fruit is evenly distributed through the flour mixture.
Combining Liquid Ingredients
In a separate bowl or a large measuring jug, whisk together the maple syrup, heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until thoroughly combined.
Forming the Dough
Create a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the liquid mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold the ingredients together until they form a dough. Be careful not to over-mix, as this will make the scones tough.
Shaping the Scones
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Use a knife or a bench scraper to cut the disc into 8 equal wedges.
Cooking Process
Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart. For an additional touch of sweetness and color, you can brush the tops with a little bit of maple syrup and sprinkle with coarse sugar.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If you'd like, use a cooking timer to keep track of the baking time.
Serving and Enjoying Your Scones
Allow the scones to cool slightly on a wire rack. These scones are delicious served warm with butter or a dollop of clotted cream. They pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making them perfect for a leisurely breakfast or afternoon snack.
The combination of maple syrup, dried cranberries, and dried cherries offers a memorable taste experience that will surely become a favorite. Enjoy your homemade Maple Cran-Cherry Scones, a delightful nod to the classic British treat with a North American twist.