Mouth-Watering Irish Cherry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
Welcome, dear reader, to my kitchen where I specialize in creating mouth-watering recipes inspired by my travels around the world. Today, I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones. If you’re a fan of scones, you’re in for a treat with this sweet and tangy twist on a classic British favorite.
These scones are tender, moist, and packed with irresistible flavors that will have you reaching for seconds and thirds. Made with dried cherries, buttermilk, and butter, these scones are perfect for breakfast or as an indulgent afternoon snack.
As someone who has tasted many scones from different places, I can confidently say that these Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones are some of the best I’ve had. The ingredients used in this recipe are carefully selected to ensure each bite delivers an explosion of flavors that will leave you yearning for more.
Whether you’re a newbie or an experienced baker, this recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. So put on your apron and let’s get baking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up, fellow foodies! I’m about to introduce you to the most delicious scone recipe you’ve ever tasted – Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll be hooked for life.
So, what makes these scones so special? First of all, they’re made with the perfect combination of granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and light brown sugar. When mixed together with some double-acting baking powder and cake flour, they create a heavenly dough that’s buttery and flaky on the inside and crispy on the outside.
But that’s not all – these scones are studded with sweet and tangy dried cherries that add just the right amount of texture and flavor. Plus, the addition of buttermilk gives them a subtle tanginess that balances out their sweetness. Trust me when I say this – once you sink your teeth into one of these bottomless bites, you won’t be able to stop at just one.
But wait, there’s more. These scones are incredibly versatile too! You can make substitutions and variations depending on your personal preferences. For example, you could swap out the dried cherries for candied ginger or sour cherries for a different twist on the classic recipe.
And let’s not forget about the fact that these scones are perfect for any occasion – from a quick breakfast treat to an afternoon snack or even a fancy brunch with friends. They pair perfectly with your favorite tea or coffee and are guaranteed to impress anyone who tries them.
So what are you waiting for? Preheat your oven now and get ready to experience one of the best Irish buttermilk scone recipes out there. You won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Let’s start with the ingredient list. Here are all the things you will need to make these Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones:
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2 cups cake flour: I highly recommend using cake flour instead of all-purpose flour for these scones. Cake flour is lighter, and it will help give the scones a tender texture.
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1/4 cup granulated sugar: These scones are slightly sweetened with granulated sugar.
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1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder: Baking powder is what gives these scones their rise.
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1/4 teaspoon baking soda: Baking soda helps to get a nice brown color in the scones.
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1/4 teaspoon salt: Salt adds flavor and also helps to activate the baking powder.
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed: Using cold butter and cubing it up ensures that it stays solid when mixed into the dry ingredients, which is important for creating flaky scones.
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3/4 cup dried cherries: Dried cherries add a delicious, chewy texture to these scones.
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1 egg, lightly beaten: Helps to bind everything together.
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3/4 cup buttermilk, plus more for brushing: Buttermilk adds richness and tanginess to the scones. Plus, brushing some extra buttermilk on top before baking gives them a lovely golden-brown color.
The Recipe How-To
First things first, I gather 2 cups of cake flour in a large mixing bowl. To the flour, I add 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of double-acting baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda, and finally, 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Then, I use a whisk to combine the dry ingredients thoroughly.
Cut butter into cubes
Next, I cut 8 tablespoons (or 1 stick) of unsalted butter into small cubes, about the size of peas. Then, I add these butter cubes to the bowl containing the dry ingredients.
Incorporate butter
Using a pastry blender, quickly work in the cubed butter until it is evenly distributed throughout the mixture. The end result should resemble coarse sand with pea-size bits of butter mixed in.
Add remaining ingredients
To this mixture, I add 5 oz of dried cherries and mix well. In another smaller bowl, I whisk together 3/4 cup of cold buttermilk, 1 egg, and 1/4 cup of light brown sugar until combined well.
I pour this mixture over the dry ingredients mixture and stir it briefly with a fork until just combined.
Shape dough
The dough holds together well when pressed but remains moist but easy to shape into a disc shape or a round shape. Gently shape into an approximately 8-inch disk or round shape, about 3/4 inches thick.
Cut wedges
After shaping my dough into a disk form, using a sharp knife or bench scraper dipped in flour, I cut the dough into eight wedges.
Bake scones
Now that our scones are perfectly shaped and cut to size let us bake them! Preheat your oven to 400°F degrees before baking your scones.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and transfer the wedges to the lined baking sheet. Brush the top of each scone with buttermilk for a light brown glaze.
Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden browned on top.
There you go! Enjoy these delicious Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones as breakfast, dessert or as a snack.
Substitutions and Variations
Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones are already a delightful treat, but with a few substitutions and variations, you can create endless possibilities for amazing flavors.
One simple substitution you can make is with the dried cherry. If you’re not a fan of cherries or want to try something different, you can use other dried fruits like raisins, apricots, cranberries or a mix of different ones. Candied ginger also makes an excellent substitute, adding a warm spice and sweetness to the scones.
For those looking to add an extra nutritional boost to their scones, consider incorporating nuts or seeds like chopped almonds, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. You can even add some oatmeal or flax seeds to the dough for a healthier twist.
If you’d like a more savory flavor profile for your scones, skip the dried fruit and instead opt for cheese, bacon bits or herbs like rosemary or thyme.
Of course, it’s also possible to adjust the sweetness level of these scones by simply adding more or less sugar based on your personal preferences.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, you can create your own unique version of this beloved recipe. Experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect scone flavor combo that will become your new go-to morning treat or afternoon snack.
Serving and Pairing
Serving and pairing are two critical components of any recipe, and this Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones recipe is no exception. These scones are perfect for any time of day, whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, afternoon tea or a midnight snack.
When it comes to serving these scones, the best way is to split them in half, spread some butter or clotted cream on each half and enjoy them while they are still warm. If you want to go the extra mile, why not whip up some homemade fruit jams like cherry or raspberry to serve with them too? This will add a delightful sweetness that will offset the scone’s mild tanginess.
As for pairing suggestions, these scones pair well with coffee or tea. A cup of strong Irish breakfast tea or English breakfast tea can be the perfect accompaniment to these indulgent treats. For coffee lovers, a nice cup of fresh-brewed coffee can go along with these rich scones wonderfully.
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different, why not try pairing these scones with some savory options like bacon, eggs or avocado? The sweet and tangy flavor of these buttermilk scones along with salty bacon or creamy avocado make for a delicious breakfast option.
In conclusion, these Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones can make a great addition to any breakfast table, cafe menu and afternoon tea parties. They’re versatile enough to match any taste buds and preferences – whether you prefer sweet or savory options. So go ahead, grab your apron and baking tools and give this recipe a try!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the great things about these Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones is that they can be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you’re planning to enjoy them in the morning but don’t want to wake up early to bake them, you can easily prepare the dough the night before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
To do this, simply wrap the scone dough tightly with plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, preheat your oven and then cut the dough into scones like usual before baking.
If you have leftover scones or want to save some for later, don’t worry. These scones will last for a few days if stored properly. To store, place them in an airtight container or a sealable plastic bag and keep them at room temperature. Avoid storing them in the fridge as this can dry out the scones.
When it comes to reheating these Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones, there are a few different methods you could try. The first is to simply warm them up in the oven for a few minutes until they’re heated through. Another option would be to lightly toast them under your broiler for a quick and crispy finish.
Whatever method you choose, make sure not to overheat them as this could cause them to become tough and dry. With just a little bit of effort, you can enjoy these delicious scones anytime you want without compromising on their flavor or texture.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating perfect Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones requires a bit of attention to detail. To help you achieve the best possible results from your efforts, here are some key tips that will take your scones from good to great.
Firstly, ensure that all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin. This is especially important for butter, which should be soft but not melted. Softening it in advance will make it easier to cut into the dough.
Secondly, when cutting the butter into the dry ingredients, work quickly to avoid overheating the butter. A quick and efficient process will ensure small, flaky bits of butter remain in the scone dough.
Thirdly, handle the dough lightly and avoid overworking it. Overworking results in a dense and tough texture.
Fourthly, using high quality cake flour instead of all-purpose flour will produce lighter, fluffier scones with a finer crumb.
Fifthly, resist the urge to open the oven door while baking your scones as this can cause them to sink or become too dense due to rapid changes in temperature.
Lastly, serve the scones warm from the oven with clotted cream or jam for a traditional British treat that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch or afternoon tea.
Bottom Line
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In conclusion, my Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones Recipe is definitely going to be a crowd-pleaser, and the best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make. With a few simple ingredients, you can create scones that are perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply enjoying a Saturday morning with family, these scones are a must-try.
So why not give my recipe a try? With its unique blend of dried cherries and buttermilk, it’s sure to become one of your go-to recipes for years to come. If you’re looking for a treat that’s easy to make but packed with flavor, my Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones Recipe is the perfect choice.
Thank you for considering my recipe, and I hope that it brings joy and delight to your kitchen!
Irish Dried Cherry Buttermilk Scones Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, plus
- 1/4 cup buttermilk, for brushing the scones
- 1 large egg
- 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 1/4 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
- 1 tablespoon double-acting baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 3/8 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into bits
- 1/2 cup dried sour cherries (available at specialty foods shops)
- granulated sugar, for sprinkling
Instructions
- In a bowl whisk together 1/2 cup of the buttermilk, the egg, the brown sugar, and the vanilla until the mixture is combined well.
- In another bowl stir together the flour, the baking powder, the baking soda, and the salt and blend in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal.
- Stir in the cherries and the buttermilk mixture with a fork until the mixture just forms a sticky but manageable dough.
- Knead the dough gently for 30 seconds on a lightly floured surface, pat it into a 3/4-inch-thick round, and cut it into 8 wedges. On an ungreased baking sheet brush the wedges with the remaining 1/4 cup buttermilk and sprinkle them with the granulated sugar.
- Bake the scones in the middle of a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they are golden.
Nutrition
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Brian is a British chef cum food blogger who has been in the kitchen since he was a young lad. Growing up in Manchester, he developed a passion for cooking and a keen eye for the perfect dish. He now runs his own blog and YouTube channel, which is dedicated to sharing his passion for food with the world.