Cherry Oat Scones

Cherry Oat Scones Recipe - A Delicious British Treat

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10-14 minutes | Servings: 10

Introduction

Cherry oat scones are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of cherries with the heartiness of oats. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack.

History

Scones have been a popular baked good in the United Kingdom for centuries. Originally made with oats and cooked on a griddle, scones have evolved over time to include a variety of flavors and ingredients. The addition of cherries to scones adds a burst of sweetness and tartness that pairs perfectly with the hearty oats.

Ingredients

Scones

1.5 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup Quaker® oats (quick or old fashioned, uncooked)
0.25 cup sugar
1.5 tsp baking powder
0.5 tsp baking soda
0.25 tsp salt (optional)
0.25 tsp ground cinnamon
0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
0.25 cup (0.5 stick) margarine or butter, chilled
0.5 cup dried cherries or cranberries
0.33 cup non-fat or low-fat milk
0.25 cup plain non-fat or low-fat yogurt
1 egg, lightly beaten

Topping

1 tbsp sugar
0.13 tsp ground cinnamon

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine flour, oats, 0.25 cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 0.25 tsp of cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix well.
Cut in margarine with a pastry blender or 2 knives until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in dried cherries.
Add the combined milk, yogurt, and egg to the flour mixture. Mix with a fork just until the dry ingredients are moistened.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead gently 8 to 10 times.
Roll or pat the dough into an 8-inch circle about 0.75 inch thick.
Sprinkle with the combined 1 tbsp of sugar and 0.13 tsp of cinnamon.
Cut with a 2.5-inch heart-shaped biscuit cutter, or cut into 10 wedges with a sharp knife.
Place the scones about 2 inches apart on the cookie sheet.
Bake for 10 to 14 minutes or until light golden brown.
Serve warm.
Tightly wrap any leftover scones, label, and freeze.

Variations

You can substitute dried cranberries or blueberries for the cherries in this recipe.
Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, for extra crunch.
For a savory twist, omit the sugar and cinnamon topping and add grated cheese and herbs to the dough.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure your butter is chilled before cutting it into the dry ingredients. This will help create a flaky texture in the scones.

- Be careful not to overmix the dough. Mix just until the dry ingredients are moistened to avoid tough scones.

- For a sweeter scone, you can add more sugar to the dough or sprinkle extra sugar on top before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Cherry oat scones are best served warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream. They pair well with a cup of hot tea or coffee.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making light and flaky scones is to handle the dough as little as possible. Overmixing can result in tough scones, so be gentle when combining the wet and dry ingredients.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have cherries on hand, you can use any dried fruit in this recipe, such as raisins, cranberries, or blueberries. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a nuttier flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for cherry oat scones ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. When you're ready to bake, simply cut the scones and bake as directed.

Presentation Ideas

Serve cherry oat scones on a pretty platter with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple and elegant presentation. You can also drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk over the scones for a sweeter touch.

Pairing Recommendations

Cherry oat scones pair well with a variety of beverages, including hot tea, coffee, or a glass of milk. For a special treat, serve them with a glass of champagne or a fruity mimosa.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover cherry oat scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the scones in foil and warm in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10 minutes.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of cherry oat scones contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of cherry oat scones contains approximately 35 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of cherry oat scones contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of cherry oat scones contains approximately 4 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

Cherry oat scones are a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

Cherry oat scones contain wheat, dairy, and eggs.

Summary

Cherry oat scones are a delicious treat that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also a good source of iron, magnesium, and vitamin C.

Summary

Cherry oat scones are a delicious and versatile baked good that can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. With a perfect balance of sweetness and heartiness, these scones are sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a sunny afternoon in June, and I was visiting my dear friend Margaret at her cozy cottage by the sea. As we sat in her kitchen sipping tea and catching up on old times, Margaret suddenly announced that she was going to make Cherry Oat Scones for our afternoon snack.

I watched with fascination as Margaret pulled out all the ingredients from her well-stocked pantry. She explained that the recipe was handed down to her from her grandmother, who had learned it from a dear friend many years ago. As she mixed the flour, oats, sugar, and butter together, she told me stories of how she used to bake these scones with her own children when they were young.

The sweet aroma of cherries filled the air as Margaret gently folded them into the dough. She then shaped the dough into small rounds and placed them on a baking sheet, ready to go in the oven. As we waited for the scones to bake, Margaret poured us another cup of tea and we continued to reminisce about old times.

When the scones emerged from the oven, golden brown and fragrant, Margaret cut them into wedges and served them warm with a dollop of clotted cream and a spoonful of cherry jam. The first bite was pure heaven – the scones were light and crumbly, with a hint of sweetness from the cherries and oats. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make these delightful treats myself.

The next day, I called Margaret and asked her to share the recipe with me. She was more than happy to oblige, and we spent the afternoon baking scones together in my own kitchen. As I mixed the ingredients and shaped the dough, Margaret guided me with her gentle hands and wise words. She shared tips and tricks that she had learned over the years, and soon I felt confident enough to bake the scones on my own.

From that day on, Cherry Oat Scones became a staple in my kitchen. I would bake them for family gatherings, potluck dinners, and even just for myself on a quiet afternoon. Every time I made them, I would think of Margaret and the special bond we shared over our love for baking.

As the years went by, I added my own twist to the recipe, experimenting with different types of cherries, nuts, and spices. Each batch of scones was a new creation, a reflection of my own unique style and taste. But no matter how many variations I tried, the original recipe remained my favorite – simple, timeless, and filled with memories of friendship and love.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting aroma of fresh-baked scones, I can't help but smile as I remember the day I first saw that recipe. It was a turning point in my life, a moment of inspiration and connection that I will always cherish. And as I take a bite of a warm scone, I know that Margaret's spirit lives on in every crumb, every cherry, and every lovingly baked treat.