Grandma Jo’s Irresistible Glazed Cherry Almond Scones Recipe

Oh, honey, let me tell you about my Glazed Cherry Almond Scones – Sunday mornings just aren’t complete without them! Back when my grandkids were little, they’d come barreling into the kitchen the moment they smelled these baking. That sweet almond scent mixed with tart cherries? Pure magic.

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What makes these special is how the glaze seeps into the warm crumb while those sliced almonds give just the right crunch. I’ve tweaked this recipe more times than I can count, but this version? It’s the keeper. Simple enough for busy mornings yet fancy enough for brunch guests. Just wait till you taste that first bite – crispy edges, tender middle, and cherries bursting in every mouthful!

Why You’ll Love These Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

Listen, these scones aren’t just good – they’re downright addictive! Here’s why:

• That cherry-almond combo – sweet meets nutty in the most perfect way. The cherries burst with flavor while the almonds add this wonderful crunch.
• They come together faster than you’d think – I’ve made these in my pajamas more times than I can count!
• The glaze? Oh honey, it’s the perfect finishing touch – not too sweet, just creamy enough to make every bite heavenly.
• They’ll make your kitchen smell like a cozy bakery – that almond extract aroma? Pure comfort.
• And here’s my favorite part – they’re equally great with your morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up!

Ingredients for Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

Now, don’t be fooled – the magic’s in the ingredients! Here’s what you’ll need to make these beauties:

• For the scones:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled – don’t pack it!)
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar – the perfect amount of sweetness
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder – fresh is best!
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – balances everything out
  • 5 tablespoons cold butter – cubed and chilled
  • 4 tablespoons cold cream cheese – surprise secret ingredient!
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream – makes them so tender
  • 1 egg – farm-fresh if you can get it
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract – that signature flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth
  • 1 1/3 cups fresh cherries – pitted and halved (trust me, fresh is worth it!)
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds + 2 tablespoons for topping
• For the glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – no lumps please!
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese – room temp is key
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream – adjust as needed
  • 1 teaspoon almond extract – ties it all together

Equipment You’ll Need

Now, don’t go thinking you need fancy gadgets for these scones! Just grab:

• A trusty mixing bowl – I’ve had mine for 20 years!
• Your favorite pastry cutter (or two forks in a pinch)
• A good baking sheet – lined with parchment or a silicone mat
• A sharp knife for slicing cherries and shaping the dough
• A simple whisk – nothing fancy needed

That’s it – see? I told you this was easy!

How to Make Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

Alright, let’s get our hands dirty! Making these scones is like a little morning dance – simple steps that come together beautifully. Just remember: gentle is the name of the game here. You want tender, flaky scones, not hockey pucks!

Preparing the Dough

First things first – whisk together your dry ingredients in that trusty mixing bowl. Now, here’s where the magic starts: take those cold butter cubes and chilled cream cheese and cut them into the flour mixture. I like to use my pastry cutter until it looks like coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits – that’s what gives us those flaky layers!

Mix your wet ingredients separately – cream, egg, and those wonderful extracts – then pour it all in. Stir just until it comes together. Now, the cherries and almonds! Fold them in gently with a spatula or your hands. Resist the urge to overmix! A few dry spots are fine – they’ll disappear as you shape the dough.

Shaping and Baking

Turn that gorgeous pink-speckled dough onto your lined baking sheet. With lightly floured hands, pat it into a circle about 1-inch thick – no need for perfection here, just even thickness. Then, slice it like a pizza into 8 wedges. Here’s my trick: wiggle them apart slightly so they get nice crispy edges.

Into the hot oven they go! You’ll know they’re done when the edges turn that perfect golden brown – about 22-24 minutes. Don’t be tempted to overbake; they’ll keep cooking a bit as they cool. That heavenly almond aroma filling your kitchen? That’s your cue they’re ready!

Making the Glaze

While those beauties cool for 5-10 minutes (patience, my dear!), whip up the glaze. Beat the cream cheese until smooth, then whisk in powdered sugar and almond extract. Add cream a tablespoon at a time until it’s pourable but still thick – think honey consistency.

Now comes the fun part! Drizzle that glossy glaze over the warm scones – it’ll seep into all those nooks and crannies. Sprinkle with those extra almonds while the glaze is still wet. The warmth of the scones helps the glaze set just enough… but let’s be honest, you’re gonna want to eat one right away!

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Tips for Perfect Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

After making these scones more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make all the difference:

• Chill your dough for 15 minutes if it feels sticky – cold dough holds its shape better!
• Always use parchment paper – no sticking and easy cleanup.
• Serve fresh from the oven when the glaze is still slightly gooey – absolute heaven.
• Don’t have fresh cherries? Frozen work too – just pat them dry before folding in.
• For extra flakiness, freeze your butter for 30 minutes before baking.

Remember – scones are meant to be rustic, so don’t fuss over perfection. A little imperfection means homemade charm!

Variations and Substitutions

Oh honey, baking should be fun – so let’s talk tweaks! Can’t find fresh cherries? Frozen work beautifully (just thaw and pat dry first). Out of almonds? Try toasted pecans or walnuts for a different crunch. Want to go gluten-free? Swap the flour 1:1 with your favorite blend – though I’d add an extra tablespoon of cream. And here’s my secret: sometimes I use almond flour for half the regular flour – adds such a lovely nuttiness!

Serving and Storing Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

Oh, these scones deserve a proper presentation! I always serve them warm with a steaming cup of coffee – that almond flavor just sings with a dark roast. For tea time? Earl Grey makes a lovely pairing. Leftovers (if you have any!) keep beautifully in an airtight container for 2 days. Just pop ’em in the microwave for 10 seconds to bring back that fresh-baked magic!

Nutrition Information

Now, I’m no nutritionist, but I do believe in knowing what’s going into our bodies! Here’s the scoop on these Glazed Cherry Almond Scones – remember, these numbers are estimates since your exact ingredients might vary a smidge from mine.

• Serving Size: 1 scone (and trust me, you won’t stop at just one!)
• Calories: About 320 per scone – worth every delicious bite
• Sugar: 18g (mostly from those sweet cherries and glaze)
• Sodium: 220mg – not bad for a treat!
• Fat: 14g (but hey, it’s the good kind from almonds and dairy)
• Carbohydrates: 42g – perfect fuel for your morning
• Protein: 5g – thanks to that egg and almonds

Now listen here – these numbers can change based on your exact ingredients. Using skim milk instead of cream? Different brand of flour? It all adds up differently. But honestly? When you’re biting into that perfect cherry-studded, almond-glazed goodness, the numbers hardly matter. Everything in moderation, right?

FAQ About Glazed Cherry Almond Scones

Oh honey, I’ve gotten so many questions about these scones over the years – let me answer the ones folks ask most!

Can I use dried cherries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just soak them in warm water for 10 minutes first to plump up. Drain well and pat dry before folding into the dough. They’ll give you that lovely cherry flavor without the extra moisture.

How do I freeze these scones?
My freezer’s always stocked with them! Bake as directed, cool completely, then wrap individually in plastic wrap. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months. To serve, just thaw at room temperature or pop in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes to refresh.

Can I make the dough ahead?
You sure can! Shape the dough into a disk, wrap tightly, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, just slice and bake – fresh scones with zero morning fuss!

Why cream cheese in the dough?
That’s my little secret! It adds richness without making the scones heavy, and gives them this wonderful tender crumb that’ll have everyone asking for your recipe.

Now go on – try this recipe and share your twist with me! Did you add lemon zest? Swap in peaches? I want to hear all about your baking adventures.

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