There’s something magical about biting into a warm, crumbly scone. It feels like a hug for your taste buds. The rich cocoa mixes with tart fruit bursts. A simple recipe can make mornings special.
Whether you’re sipping coffee or hosting friends for tea, these treats make life sweeter. They turn ordinary moments into something special.
Imagine a treat that’s both indulgent and wholesome. Dark chocolate meets juicy cherries in a tender dough. These scones are more than a recipe; they’re a canvas for creativity.
Swap fresh berries for frozen, use gluten-free flour, or add a drizzle of melted cacao. Every change keeps them exciting, yet familiar.
They’re perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends. They’re packed with antioxidant-rich ingredients for guilt-free indulgence. Plus, they’re freezer-friendly, so you can bake now and enjoy later.
Key Takeaways
- Balances tart cherries and rich cocoa for a crowd-pleasing flavor
- Adaptable to dietary needs (gluten-free, refined sugar-free options)
- Packed with antioxidants from dark chocolate and fresh fruit
- Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon gatherings
- Easy to customize with pantry staples or seasonal ingredients
Why Chocolate Cherry Scones Are a Must-Try
Imagine biting into a pastry that balances bold flavors with delicate textures. Chocolate cherry scones deliver exactly that experience, making them a standout choice for anyone craving something special. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, these treats offer more than just taste—they’re a celebration of smart flavor pairings and versatility.
Unique Flavor Combination
The magic of scones with chocolate and cherries lies in their contrast. Tart cherries cut through the deep richness of dark chocolate, creating a sophisticated balance that feels indulgent yet refreshing. One baker describes this duo as a “classic pairing,” while another claims their recipe produces “THE BEST double chocolate scones” by letting both ingredients shine.
Fresh cherries add juicy bursts of flavor, but dried versions work too. Either way, the fruit’s natural acidity prevents the chocolate from overwhelming your palate. This harmony makes every bite feel intentional—never too sweet, never too sharp.
Ideal for Any Occasion
These sones adapt effortlessly to your needs. Serve them warm at a summer brunch with iced coffee, or bake a batch for holiday gatherings. Their rustic elegance suits:
- Casual weekend breakfasts
- Afternoon tea parties
- Festive dessert spreads
Seasonal flexibility is another perk. Use summer’s fresh cherries or opt for dried ones in colder months. No matter when you make them, best chocolate cherry scones always feel like a thoughtful touch—proof that great food doesn’t need to be complicated.
Essential Ingredients for Chocolate Cherry Scones
Great scones start with quality ingredients. The recipe is simple, but your choices make a big difference. Let’s look at the two main ingredients: cherries and chocolate.
Fresh Cherries vs. Dried Cherries
Fresh cherries add juicy bursts to each bite. Use a piping tip to quickly pit them without crushing. Pat them dry, if frozen, to avoid soggy dough.
For a sweeter taste, dried tart cherries are perfect. They won’t bleed color and match well with dark chocolate.
Choosing the Right Chocolate
Semi-sweet chocolate chips melt well and keep sweetness balanced. If you prefer intense flavor, chop a 70% dark chocolate bar into chunks. Milk chocolate fans can also enjoy, but cut down on added sugar.
Adding 1 tbsp cocoa powder to the dry mix makes scones even richer. Your taste buds will love it.
Pro tip: Freeze chocolate pieces before mixing to prevent melting during baking. Cold ingredients lead to flakier scones!
Step-by-Step Recipe for Chocolate Cherry Scones
Ready to bake your own chocolate cherry scones? This recipe is easy and ensures flaky, buttery scones. Let’s get started!
Preparing the Dough
First, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a big bowl. Cold butter is key—grate frozen butter into the mix. Use a fork or pastry cutter to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs.
Then, mix cold heavy cream, an egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this into the flour mix and stir gently. Add chopped dark chocolate and fresh cherries (or dried ones). Stop mixing when the dough just comes together—too much mixing makes scones tough.
Baking Instructions
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and shape it into a 1-inch-thick circle. Try folding the dough like a letter for extra layers. Chill the circle in the freezer for 15 minutes to prevent spreading.
Preheat your oven to 425°F. Cut the dough into 8 wedges, brush with egg wash, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden. Let them cool a bit before serving. The smell alone will make everyone want more!
Tips for Perfect Scones Every Time
Making perfect chocolate cherry scones is more than just a recipe. It’s about paying attention to the little things. Even experienced bakers can make mistakes. Let’s explore the secrets to getting it right every time, from measuring flour to baking.
Measuring Ingredients Accurately
Precision is key in baking. Using a kitchen scale helps keep your ingredients in balance. For instance, Source 1 suggests using 120g of flour per batch to avoid dry scones.
Don’t scoop flour from the bag. It can add up to 20% extra. Cold butter is essential. Grate it into your dry mix for even distribution.
If using dried cherries, weigh them after chopping. They absorb moisture differently than fresh fruit.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Overworking the dough is the main cause of tough scones. Mix until just combined. Even if there are flour pockets left.
Chill the shaped dough for 15 minutes before baking. This prevents spreading and gives you a craggy top.
| Mistake | Result | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Warm butter | Flat, greasy scones | Use butter straight from the fridge |
| No oven preheat | Uneven rise | Preheat to 450°F for 20+ minutes |
| Over-mixing | Dense texture | Fold dough 6-8 times max |
Keep an eye on your bake time. Take out the scones when edges are golden, around 12-14 minutes. Let them cool on the tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
Variations of Chocolate Cherry Scones
Once you’ve mastered the classic recipe, it’s time to get creative with your homemade chocolate cherry scones. These versatile treats welcome experimentation, letting you tailor flavors to match your cravings or dietary needs.
Adding Nuts for Extra Crunch
For a satisfying texture contrast, mix chopped nuts into your dough. Walnuts and almonds work well—their earthy tones complement the tart cherries and rich chocolate. Toast the nuts lightly before chopping to intensify their flavor. Just fold in ¼ cup with the dry ingredients to avoid overmixing.
Introducing Other Flavor Profiles
Swap ingredients to create entirely new taste experiences. Try these ideas:
- Citrus zest: Add orange or lemon zest to brighten the dough
- Spiced twist: Mix ½ tsp cinnamon into dry ingredients
- Berry swap: Use raspberries instead of cherries for sharper tartness
For a refined sugar-free version, replace granulated sugar with maple syrup. Source 3’s testers found this adds subtle caramel notes while keeping scones moist. Pair this substitution with dark chocolate (70% or higher) for balanced sweetness.
Serving Suggestions for Chocolate Cherry Scones
Make your delicious chocolate cherry scones even better by adding drinks and toppings. They bring out the sweet-tart flavor. Whether it’s brunch or a quiet morning, these ideas make every bite special.
Pairing with Beverages
A warm scone is perfect with the right drink. Try black coffee for a classic choice. Its bitterness balances the scone’s richness. For tea lovers, Earl Grey adds a floral touch that goes well with cherries.
Feeling fancy? A glass of sparkling wine makes breakfast feel like a celebration.
Drizzle melted dark chocolate over your scones for a treat. This simple step brings all the flavors together, perfect with a creamy latte.
Delicious Spreads to Try
Take your scones up a notch with tasty toppings. Clotted cream adds a smooth texture, while cherry jam boosts the fruity flavor. For a nutty twist, try almond butter on fresh scones.
For a showstopper, brush scones with a cherry glaze. It’s made from reduced fruit juice and a bit of flaky salt. It’s sweet, tangy, and irresistible.
Storing and Reheating Chocolate Cherry Scones
Keeping your best chocolate cherry scones fresh is key. Whether you’re saving leftovers or baking ahead, these tips will help. They ensure your scones stay tender and full of flavor.
Best Practices for Freshness
For the best taste, store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to store them longer, wrap them tightly in plastic and freeze for 1 month. If you’ve made dough but haven’t baked it, shape it into discs and freeze. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 months!
| Storage Method | Duration | Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 3 Days | Use airtight containers |
| Freezer (Baked) | 1 Month | Wrap in foil before freezing |
| Freezer (Dough) | 3 Months | Pre-cut portions for easy baking |
Reheating Techniques
To warm up day-old scones, place them in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. For frozen dough, bake at 350°F, adding 2–3 extra minutes to the original baking time. Don’t microwave them, as it can make them tough. A quick oven refresh will bring back that perfect crisp and soft texture.
Nutritional Benefits of Key Ingredients
These scones are not just delicious; they’re also good for you. This is thanks to the smart choices made in their ingredients. Let’s look at how cherries and dark chocolate make your treat a guilt-free delight.
Health Benefits of Cherries
Cherries are tiny powerhouses full of antioxidants like anthocyanins. These fight inflammation, which can help with soreness after working out or with arthritis. They’re also a natural source of melatonin, which can help you sleep better.
Adding fresh or frozen cherries to your scones brings in fiber, which is good for your digestion. Source 3’s recipe uses maple syrup instead of refined sugar. This low-glycemic alternative helps avoid energy crashes.
The Goodness of Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) is full of heart-healthy flavonoids. These improve blood flow and may lower blood pressure. It also has magnesium, which can boost your mood and relax your muscles.
Unlike milk chocolate, dark chocolate has less added sugar. When paired with cherries’ natural sweetness, it creates a balanced flavor. This makes the recipe nutrient-dense. Enjoying every bite, you’ll know it’s good for your health!
Frequently Asked Questions About Chocolate Cherry Scones
Baking chocolate cherry scones can bring up practical questions. Below are answers to common concerns. They help you enjoy this treat, no matter your dietary needs.
Can I Make These Gluten-Free?
Yes! Use a 1:1 gluten-free blend like King Arthur’s Measure for Measure instead of all-purpose flour. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free. The dough might be stickier, so chill it before shaping.
Bake times stay the same. But, check for golden edges to see if they’re done.
How to Customize for Dietary Restrictions
For vegan scones, use chilled coconut oil instead of butter. Mix almond milk with lemon juice as a buttermilk substitute. Lily’s Sweets dark chocolate chips are a sugar-free choice.
Reduce sugar by 25% if using sweetened dried cherries. If you have nut allergies, skip almonds. Add sunflower seeds for crunch instead.
Try these changes to keep the scones tender. Share your creations online using #CherryChocolateScones. It inspires others with similar dietary needs.
FAQ
Can I use frozen cherries instead of fresh ones?
What’s the best chocolate for these scones?
How do I prevent my scones from turning out tough?
Can I make these gluten-free or vegan?
Why chill the dough before baking?
What’s a refined sugar-free option?
How do I store leftover scones?
Can I add nuts or other flavors?
What makes cherries and dark chocolate healthy?
Why use a kitchen scale for measuring?
Chocolate Cherry Scones
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour about 240g
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar or maple syrup for refined sugar-free option
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder unsweetened
- ½ cup cold butter frozen and grated
- 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved (or 3/4 cup dried cherries)
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chunks or semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup heavy cream cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For egg wash
- 1 egg beaten with 1 tbsp water
- 1 tbsp coarse sugar for sprinkling (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Add the grated frozen butter to the dry ingredients and mix with a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the cherries and chocolate chunks to the flour mixture and toss gently to combine.
- Pour the cream mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.
- Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat into a circle about 1-inch thick.
- For extra flakiness, fold the dough like a letter (in thirds) and then reshape into a circle.
- Place the dough circle on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 15 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Remove the dough from the freezer and cut into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the wedges about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with egg wash and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until the edges are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
