Dried Cherry Pistachio Scones Recipe

Introduction

These dried cherry pistachio scones offer a delightful mix of sweet and nutty flavors with a tender, flaky texture. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon treat, they’re easy to make and wonderfully satisfying.

Ingredients

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 8 tablespoons butter (frozen)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup dried cherries (chopped)
• 1 cup pistachios (chopped, plain or roasted)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar (aka confectioners’ sugar)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons orange juice

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Step 3: Cut in the frozen butter until the mixture has large pea-sized crumbles. If your butter is frozen, grate it using the large holes of a cheese grater, then stir it into the flour mixture.
4. Step 4: In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt and egg until well combined. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients.
5. Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and pistachios.
6. Step 6: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead just until it sticks together—avoid overworking.
7. Step 7: Shape the dough into a 10-inch circle.
8. Step 8: Using a floured knife, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
9. Step 9: Transfer the wedges to a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 20–23 minutes until lightly browned.
10. Step 10: While baking, prepare the glaze by stirring together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and orange juice. Drizzle this over the warm scones before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt with a non-dairy yogurt and use a plant-based butter alternative.
• Try toasted pistachios for extra crunch and flavor.
• If dried cherries are not available, raisins or dried cranberries make a great substitute.
• To enhance the citrus flavor, add a teaspoon of orange zest to the dough or glaze.
• Keep the butter frozen until just before mixing to ensure flaky scones.

Storage

Store cooled scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the scones wrapped tightly for up to 1 month. To reheat, warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5–7 minutes or until heated through. Add glaze after reheating if desired.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cherries instead of dried cherries?

Frozen cherries contain more moisture and may alter the dough’s texture. It’s best to stick with dried cherries to maintain the proper consistency and baking results.

Can I make the scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dough and shape the scones, then refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows for fresh-baked scones whenever you’re ready.

Dried Cherry Pistachio Scones Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 106 reviews

These Dried Cherry Pistachio Scones are a deliciously tender and flaky treat, bursting with sweet-tart dried cherries and crunchy pistachios. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack, these scones feature a buttery richness balanced by a refreshing orange vanilla glaze. Made with Greek yogurt for moistness and baked to a golden perfection, they offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 23 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 8 scones 1x
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Dry Ingredients

• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients & Mix-ins

• 8 Tablespoons butter (frozen)
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup dried cherries (chopped)
• 1 cup pistachios (chopped, plain or roasted)

Glaze

• 3 Tablespoons melted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 Tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to get it ready for baking the scones.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
3. Incorporate Butter: Cut the frozen butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles large pea-sized crumbles. Alternatively, grate the frozen butter and stir it into the flour mixture for an even distribution.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, beat together the Greek yogurt and egg until combined, then pour over the dry ingredients.
5. Add Cherries and Pistachios: Gently fold in the chopped dried cherries and pistachios until the dough is evenly mixed but not overworked.
6. Knead Dough: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead just enough to bring it together so it holds its shape.
7. Shape the Dough: Form the dough into a 10-inch diameter circle using your hands or a rolling pin.
8. Cut into Wedges: Use a floured knife to cut the circle into 8 equal wedges for individual scones.
9. Prepare for Baking: Transfer the wedges onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
10. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until the scones are lightly browned and firm to the touch.
11. Make the Glaze: While scones bake, combine melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice in a bowl; stir until smooth.
12. Glaze the Scones: Once baked, drizzle the glaze over the warm scones for a flavorful finishing touch. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Grating frozen butter helps to keep the butter cold, which is key for flaky scones.
• You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt if preferred.
• Chill dough briefly if it becomes too soft to handle.
• The glaze is optional but adds a lovely citrus sweetness that complements the dried cherries.
• Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.

Keywords: scones, dried cherries, pistachios, breakfast, brunch, baked goods, pastry, yogurt scones