Perfect Maraschino Cherry White Chocolate Scones
Soft and buttery cherry almond scones made with sweet cherries, white chocolate, and a hint of almond. This easy bakery-style recipe comes together in just 30 minutes and is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy homemade treat.
Equipment
- mixing bowls
- Measuring Cups & Spoons:
- Pastry cutter or fork
- baking sheet
- Parchment Paper:
- Bench scraper or sharp knife
- pastry brush
Ingredients
- 3 cups 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ⅓-½ cup sugar (adjust based on how sweet you want them)
- 2½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 6 tablespoon cold butter
- 1 cup vanilla yogurt
- 2-4 tablespoon whole milk (start low!)
- 1 cup maraschino cherries, VERY well drained, patted dry, chopped
- ⅔ cup white baking chips
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (optional but amazing)
- Coarse sugar, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients.
- Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
- Stir in yogurt and almond extract.
- Add just enough milk to bring dough together (go slow).
- Toss chopped cherries in a little flour, then fold in with white chocolate chips.
- Turn dough onto a lined baking sheet and pat into a thick 8–9 inch round.
- Cut into wedges and separate slightly.
- Brush tops with milk and sprinkle coarse sugar.
- Bake 20–25 minutes, until lightly golden.
Notes
- Use a light hand when shaping:
Press the dough together gently, packing it too tightly can make the scones dense instead of tender.
- For cleaner cuts, wipe your knife between slices:
This helps keep the shape neat and prevents dragging the dough.
- If your kitchen is warm, work quickly:
Warm environments can soften the butter too much. If needed, pop the dough in the fridge for a few minutes before shaping.
- Check the bottoms for doneness:
The bottoms should be lightly golden. This is a great way to avoid underbaking.
- Let them cool slightly before eating:
As tempting as it is, letting them sit for 5–10 minutes helps the texture set and improves flavor.
- Reheat like a bakery would:
Skip the microwave if you can! Warm in the oven for a few minutes to bring back that fresh-baked texture.
- Add texture contrast:
A sprinkle of sliced almonds or extra coarse sugar on top adds a subtle crunch that makes these feel extra special.
- Don’t overcrowd your baking sheet:
Giving each scone space helps them bake evenly and rise properly.
- They taste even better the next day:
The flavors have time to meld, especially the cherry and almond combo.