Indulge in a truly delightful breakfast or brunch experience with these easy-to-make Cherry Vanilla Scones, elegantly finished with a luscious White Chocolate Drizzle. Each scone is generously loaded with vibrant, juicy cherries and infused with warm vanilla, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that will undoubtedly become a cherished favorite. Whether you’re hosting a special gathering or simply treating yourself, these utterly delicious scones promise a moment of pure bliss.
Oh, what a weekend this promises to be! The air is buzzing with excitement, and my heart is full as Tom and I prepare for a truly special event this Saturday: the wedding of my dear friends Jackie and Fernando’s oldest daughter. It feels like just yesterday Jackie and I were navigating college life together, sharing dreams and endless laughter. To see our “kids” now grown and embarking on their own marital journeys is a beautiful, albeit slightly surreal, reminder of how quickly time truly flies. Where did all those years go?
The celebration is set against the serene backdrop of the beach, and even more wonderfully, all my college girlfriends and their husbands will be there. These incredible women—Jackie, Boo, Annie, Lori, Mi, Shirley, Didi, and Val—are more than friends; they are the sisters I chose, the enduring connections from an epic chapter of our lives. While we make an effort to gather a few times a year, this particular occasion marks the first time in quite a while that all our husbands will be joining the festivities. The anticipation of reconnecting, reminiscing, and creating new memories together fills me with such joy. It’s going to be an absolute blast, a weekend brimming with warmth, laughter, and the undeniable bond of lifelong friendship.
With such a wonderful gathering on the horizon, my beach house is already a hub of activity. I’m keeping things brief today as I dive into some essential cleaning and, of course, a flurry of cooking for my arriving girlfriends and their husbands. Preparation is key when you have a house full of beloved guests! I’ve already prepared a generous batch of my famous espresso caramels, a special request and absolute favorite of my college roommate, Lori. For Mi and Didi, I’ve whipped up some of my renowned special chicken salad, perfect for a light lunch. And for Saturday morning’s much-anticipated breakfast, I’ve baked a mountain of these absolutely delicious Cherry Vanilla Scones with White Chocolate Drizzle. There’s nothing quite like a homemade treat to welcome friends and kick off a celebratory weekend.
Why You’ll Adore These Cherry Vanilla Scones
If you’ve been following along, you’ll know by now my deep affection for scones! They are, without a doubt, the quintessential breakfast treat – versatile, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. The moment I spotted the glorious, plump cherries at my local market, bursting with color and promise, these Cherry Vanilla Scones immediately sprang to mind. It was an instant connection, a culinary destiny calling. There’s something magical about fresh, seasonal fruit transforming into a warm, flaky pastry. These particular scones are a testament to that magic: they are generously packed with those big, juicy cherries, each bite offering a delightful burst of fruitiness. The subtle yet comforting hint of vanilla weaves through the dough, complementing the cherries beautifully. And to elevate them to a truly decadent breakfast experience, each scone is artfully drizzled with just enough rich white chocolate, adding a touch of sweetness and sophistication that makes them irresistible. They are truly a treat for the senses, perfect for brightening any morning.
The Secret to Perfect Scones: Tips & Tricks
Achieving light, flaky, and tender scones might seem daunting, but with a few simple techniques, you’ll be baking like a pro in no time. The foundation of a great scone lies in using cold butter. Just like with pie crusts, cold butter creates pockets of steam in the oven, which results in that desirable flaky texture. Cut your butter into small cubes and keep it chilled until you’re ready to incorporate it into the flour mixture. Work quickly when cutting in the butter, either using a pastry blender, your fingertips, or a food processor, to prevent it from warming up too much. Aim for a mixture that resembles coarse crumbs or small peas.
Another crucial tip is to avoid overmixing the dough. Once you add the wet ingredients, mix just until the dough comes together. Overworking the dough develops the gluten, leading to tough scones rather than the tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we crave. A light touch is key! After forming your dough into a round and cutting it into wedges, a quick chill in the freezer for about 5 minutes before baking is a fantastic trick. This helps the butter stay firm, resulting in a better rise and even flakier scones. Finally, don’t skimp on the turbinado sugar sprinkle before baking; it adds a delightful crunch and sparkle to the scone tops.
Ingredient Spotlight: Fresh Cherries and Pure Vanilla
The star ingredients in these scones truly shine through. Using fresh, ripe cherries is paramount for their vibrant flavor and juicy texture. Take the time to pit and halve them carefully, ensuring an even distribution throughout the dough. If fresh cherries are out of season, frozen cherries can be used, but make sure to thaw and pat them very dry to prevent excess moisture from affecting the dough. As for the vanilla, opt for pure vanilla extract. Its warm, aromatic notes beautifully enhance the natural sweetness of the cherries and provide a comforting depth to the scone’s flavor profile. The quality of your ingredients directly impacts the final taste, so choose the best you can find.
Serving Suggestions for Every Occasion
These Cherry Vanilla Scones with White Chocolate Drizzle are incredibly versatile and perfect for a variety of settings. For a simple yet elegant breakfast, serve them warm alongside a steaming cup of coffee or your favorite herbal tea. They are particularly delightful with a light, floral tea that complements their fruity notes. For a grander brunch spread, these scones make a stunning centerpiece. Pair them with a fresh fruit platter, a creamy yogurt parfait, scrambled eggs, or even a savory quiche for a balanced and impressive meal. The sweetness of the white chocolate drizzle makes them a standalone treat, but a dollop of clotted cream or a light fruit jam could also be a delicious addition for those who love extra indulgence.
Making Them Ahead & Storage
While scones are undeniably best enjoyed fresh from the oven on the day they are made, you can certainly prepare them in advance to make your morning routine smoother. The scone dough can be prepared, cut into wedges, and then frozen on a baking sheet until solid. Once frozen, transfer the scones to an airtight freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones directly onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, brush with cream, sprinkle with turbinado sugar, and bake for a few extra minutes (approximately 20-25 minutes) until golden brown. This ensures you can enjoy freshly baked scones with minimal effort anytime!
Leftover baked scones should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days to maintain their freshness. To refresh them, a quick reheat in a toaster oven or microwave can bring back some of their original warmth and tenderness.
Enjoy these delightful scones, my friends! May your weekend be filled with warmth, happiness, and delicious moments. And to Jackie and Mason, a huge congratulations on your wedding! May your life together be as sweet and joyful as these cherry vanilla treats.
Cherry Vanilla Scones with White Chocolate Drizzle
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Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 Tbsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter cold and cut into small cubes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream plus 2 tablespoons for brushing tops
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved
- turbinado sugar for sprinkling
- 4 oz. white chocolate chopped for drizzling (I use Ghirardelli White Chocolate Baking Bars)
- 1 tsp. Crisco shortening
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup. Set aside.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly until well combined.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Mix on low speed, either with a paddle attachment or using a pastry blender, until the butter is fully incorporated and the mixture resembles pea-sized crumbs. It’s crucial not to overmix here.
- Slowly add the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and the large egg to the crumbly mixture.
- Continue mixing on low speed just until the dough forms a thick, cohesive clump. Be careful not to overwork the dough; minimal mixing results in tender scones.
- Gently fold in the pitted and halved fresh cherries by hand until they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Turn the dough out onto a generously floured surface.
- Gently pat the dough into an 8-inch round disc, about 1-inch thick. Avoid rolling too thin.
- Using a sharp knife or a dough cutter, cut the round into 8 equal wedges. Carefully transfer these wedges to your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone.
- Place the baking sheet with the scones into the freezer for 5 minutes. This quick chill helps the butter firm up, contributing to a better rise and flakier texture.
- Remove the scones from the freezer. Brush the tops of each scone with the extra heavy cream and generously sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a beautiful golden crust and added texture.
- Bake for 18 minutes, or until the scones are beautifully golden brown on top and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and transfer the scones to a wire rack to cool completely before drizzling.
- While the scones are cooling, prepare the white chocolate drizzle. Place the chopped white chocolate and Crisco shortening in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on 50% power for 45 seconds. Stir the mixture well. Repeat this process in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chocolate is completely soft and melted, and the shortening is fully incorporated, creating a smooth, pourable drizzle. Drizzle generously over the cooled scones.
- These scones are best enjoyed on the day they are made for optimal freshness and texture. However, they will keep well in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days.
Slightly adapted from Pinch of Yum’s Bakery Style Blueberry Scones.