Cream Scones

Cream Scones are the ideal treat for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy breakfast at home or an elegant tea party with friends. These delightful Cherry Cream Scones are incredibly light and flaky, making them simply irresistible. With their melt-in-your-mouth texture, they’re perfect for pairing with your favorite jam or clotted cream. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also quick to prepare, ensuring you can enjoy warm scones fresh from the oven in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The straightforward steps make these scones a breeze to whip up, even for beginners.
• Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture: The combination of heavy cream and butter creates a luscious, tender crumb that will leave you wanting more.
• Versatile Flavor Options: While this recipe features cherries, feel free to substitute with cranberries or even chocolate chips based on your preference.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: These scones are great for breakfast, brunch, or as a delightful snack during afternoon tea.
• Freezer-Friendly: You can easily freeze the dough or baked scones for later enjoyment without sacrificing quality.

Tools and Preparation

To make the best Cream Scones, having the right tools in your kitchen is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Food processor
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper

Why These Tools Matter

• Food processor: It efficiently combines dry ingredients and cuts in butter quickly, ensuring perfect texture.
• Mixing bowl: Provides ample space to easily mix and gather your dough without mess.
• Fork: Great for mixing the cream into the dough without overworking it.
• Baking sheet: Ensures even baking and easy transfer of scones from oven to table.

Ingredients

These Cherry Cream Scones are the lightest, flakiest scones ever. They are melt-in-your-mouth good!

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter (cut into small cubes)
• ½ cup dried cherries (coarsely chopped, or dried cranberries or currants)
• 1 cup heavy cream

How to Make Cream Scones

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In the bowl of a food processor:
1. Combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
2. Pulse a few times to mix the dry ingredients well.

Step 3: Cut in Butter

Add the cold butter cubes:
1. Pulse 10 times until the butter is cut into small pieces within the dry mixture.

Step 4: Add Dried Cherries

Include your chopped dried cherries:
1. Pulse once or twice just to incorporate them into the mixture.
2. Transfer this mixture to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5: Mix in Cream

Pour in the heavy cream:
1. Use a fork to gently mix until the dough starts coming together.
2. If necessary, use your hands to finish bringing it together; be careful not to overwork it – you want cold bits of butter throughout.

Step 6: Shape Dough

On a lightly floured surface:
1. Transfer your dough and shape it into a disk.
2. Flatten it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
3. Cut this disk into 8 wedges.

Step 7: Bake Scones

Place your wedges on the parchment-lined baking sheet:
1. Bake until they are lightly browned on the edges, about 12 to 14 minutes.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving warm. Enjoy these delicious Cherry Cream Scones fresh out of the oven!

How to Serve Cream Scones

Cream scones are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer them sweet or savory, there are numerous serving suggestions that can elevate your experience.

With Fresh Fruit

• Berries: Serve with a mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries for a refreshing contrast.
• Sliced Peaches: Fresh peaches add a juicy sweetness that pairs perfectly with the scones.

With Spreads

• Clotted Cream: A classic pairing, clotted cream adds richness and enhances the scone’s flavor.
• Jam: Try raspberry or apricot jam for a fruity burst of flavor that complements the creaminess.

For Afternoon Tea

• Tea Selection: Serve your cream scones with a variety of teas, such as Earl Grey or chamomile, for a relaxing afternoon treat.
• Bite-Sized Sandwiches: Pair with cucumber or turkey sandwiches for a complete tea experience.

With Whipped Cream

• Sweetened Whipped Cream: This light and airy topping adds an indulgent touch to your scones.
• Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider vanilla or almond-flavored whipped cream for an extra layer of taste.

How to Perfect Cream Scones

Achieving the perfect cream scone requires attention to detail and technique. Here are some tips to ensure your scones turn out light and flaky every time.

• Use Cold Ingredients: Keep your butter and cream cold to create flakiness in your scones.
• Don’t Over-Mix: Gently combine ingredients until just mixed; overworking will lead to dense scones.
• Cut Straight Down: When cutting the dough, press straight down rather than twisting to keep edges from sealing.
• Bake Immediately: Once shaped, bake the scones right away for maximum rise and flakiness.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Try different dried fruits or spices to customize flavors according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Cream Scones

Cream scones can be complemented by various side dishes to create a well-rounded meal or snack. Here are some excellent options.

1. Fruit Salad: A colorful blend of seasonal fruits adds freshness and balances the richness of the scones.
2. Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fresh fruit for a creamy and crunchy contrast.
3. Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese for a savory option that pairs nicely.
4. Vegetable Crudités: Crisp veggies served with hummus provide a healthy crunch alongside rich scones.
5. Soup of the Day: A light soup, such as tomato basil or butternut squash, makes a comforting pairing.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This nutritious option offers sweetness and texture without overpowering the scone’s flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making perfect cream scones can be tricky if you’re not careful. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Ignoring the butter temperature: Using warm butter can lead to dense scones. Always use cold butter to ensure a light and flaky texture.
• Overmixing the dough: Overworking your dough will result in tough scones. Mix just until combined, leaving small pieces of butter intact for flakiness.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Using too much flour or sugar can affect the outcome. Always measure ingredients precisely for consistent results.
• Skipping the chilling time: Allowing the dough to chill helps maintain the butter’s coldness and improves texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Neglecting oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can cause uneven baking. Preheat your oven properly to achieve the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store scones in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to prevent sticking.

Freezing Cream Scones

• Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Cream Scones

• Oven: Preheat to 350° F, then warm scones for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat one scone at a time for about 10-15 seconds, checking frequently to avoid drying it out.
• Stovetop: Cover a skillet over low heat and warm each scone for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes cream scones different from regular scones?

Cream scones are made with heavy cream, resulting in a richer texture and flavor compared to other types that may use milk or buttermilk.

Can I add different fruits to my cream scones?

Absolutely! You can customize your cream scones by adding fresh or dried fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even chocolate chips for added flavor.

How do I know when my cream scones are done baking?

Look for a golden brown color on the edges and a slight rise in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Can I make cream scones ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the dough ahead and refrigerate it, then bake fresh scones when you’re ready to serve them.

Conclusion

These Cherry Cream Scones are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can easily adapt them with various fruits or flavors based on what you have at home. Give this recipe a try—your brunch guests will be impressed!

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