Chocolate-Cherry Valentine Scones

Valentine’s Day just got a whole lot sweeter with these Chocolate-Cherry Valentine Scones! These scones are the perfect balance of tender, flaky pastry with bursts of sweet cherries and pockets of rich, melty chocolate. Each bite feels like a hug for your taste buds—a little bit indulgent, a little bit fruity, and a whole lot of delicious.

Trust me when I say these scones will make your Valentine’s Day extra special. They’re perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet treat to share with the ones you love. Whether you’re enjoying them with your morning coffee or gifting them to someone special, they’re sure to be a hit. And bonus points for the pretty red and pink hues that make them extra festive!

Why You’ll Love Chocolate-Cherry Valentine Scones

• Perfect for Valentine’s Day: With their soft, tender crumb and vibrant red cherries, these scones are perfect for spreading the love on Valentine’s Day.
• Quick and Easy: You don’t need a bakery to enjoy fresh scones! These come together quickly, so you can have a homemade treat in no time.
• Sweet and Fruity: The cherries add a pop of color and a burst of tartness that pairs perfectly with the richness of chocolate.
• Perfect Pairing: Serve them with tea, coffee, or a glass of champagne for a dreamy treat.
• Great for Gifting: These scones make a great homemade Valentine’s gift—just wrap them up in a cute box and you’ve got yourself a thoughtful, delicious present.

Ingredients

For the Scones:

• All-Purpose Flour: The base for our tender scones.
• Sugar: Sweetens the scones just enough.
• Baking Powder: Helps the scones rise and stay light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
• Butter: Cold butter is key to making flaky scones.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness and moisture to the dough.
• Egg: Helps bind the dough together and adds richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a lovely flavor base to the scones.
• Dried Cherries: These are the star ingredient, adding sweetness and a bit of tartness.
• Chocolate Chips: Rich, melty chocolate that will melt in your mouth.

For the Glaze:

• Powdered Sugar: The base of our glaze, making it smooth and sweet.
• Heavy Cream: To make the glaze pourable and luscious.
• Vanilla Extract: For a bit of extra flavor.
• Red Food Coloring: Optional, for a fun Valentine’s Day touch!

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

2. Make the Scone Dough:

In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The butter should be in pea-sized pieces.

Next, add the egg, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Stir until the dough starts to come together, then gently fold in the dried cherries and chocolate chips.

3. Shape the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a round disk about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza). You can also shape the dough into a rectangle and cut it into squares if you prefer.

4. Bake the Scones:

Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until they’re golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool slightly on a wire rack.

5. Make the Glaze:

While the scones are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. If you want to add a little extra flair, add a few drops of red food coloring to give the glaze a fun pink or red hue.

6. Drizzle the Glaze:

Once the scones are cool enough to handle, drizzle the glaze over the top of each scone. You can go for a light drizzle or coat them in a thicker layer—totally up to you!

7. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the scones fresh, either warm or at room temperature. They’re perfect with a cup of tea or coffee, or just as a sweet treat to enjoy anytime.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, assuming 8 scones)

• Calories per serving: 310
• Total Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Cholesterol: 55mg
• Sodium: 180mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 38g
• Dietary Fiber: 1g
• Sugars: 20g
• Protein: 3g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Chocolate-Cherry Valentine Scones

These scones are versatile and can be served in many delightful ways:

• For Breakfast or Brunch: Serve with hot coffee or tea for a relaxing, indulgent morning.
• Valentine’s Day Gift: Package them up in cute boxes with a sweet note for a thoughtful, homemade Valentine’s gift.
• With Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of fresh berries or fruit for a well-rounded breakfast or snack.
• As a Dessert: They make a perfect dessert option after a light meal—especially if you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a loved one.

Additional Tips

• Use Frozen Butter: For extra flaky scones, use butter that’s frozen. Grate the butter into the dry ingredients for a quick and easy way to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
• Add Extra Flavor: You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the scone dough for a warm, cozy flavor. It pairs wonderfully with the cherries and chocolate.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you prefer gluten-free scones, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the dough in advance, shape it into wedges, and freeze them before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried?
A1: You can use fresh cherries, but be sure to chop them into small pieces and pat them dry before adding them to the dough. Fresh cherries can add extra moisture to the dough.

Q2: Can I make these scones without chocolate chips?
A2: Of course! If you’re not a fan of chocolate, you can leave out the chocolate chips and add in another mix-in like chopped nuts or coconut flakes.

Q3: How do I store leftover scones?
A3: Store any leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months.

Q4: Can I make the glaze without heavy cream?
A4: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or a non-dairy milk of your choice. The glaze will still work, but it will be a bit thinner.

Q5: How do I make these scones more festive for Valentine’s Day?
A5: Add a little extra sparkle by sprinkling some edible glitter on top of the glaze or adding heart-shaped sprinkles for a fun, festive touch.

Q6: Can I freeze the dough before baking?
A6: Yes! You can freeze the shaped dough before baking. Just place the unbaked scones on a baking sheet in the freezer until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Q7: Can I use a different kind of fruit in place of cherries?
A7: Absolutely! You could try cranberries, raspberries, or even dried strawberries for a delicious twist.

Q8: How do I prevent my scones from being too dry?
A8: Make sure to measure your flour correctly (spooning it into the measuring cup rather than scooping) and avoid overworking the dough. If the dough seems too dry, add a splash of heavy cream to bring it together.

Q9: Can I make a bigger batch of these scones?
A9: Yes, simply double or triple the recipe and bake the scones in batches. You may need to adjust the baking time slightly for larger batches.

Q10: How do I make the scones more flaky?
A10: To make your scones extra flaky, be sure to use cold butter and don’t overwork the dough. The more you handle the dough, the denser the scones will be. Keep things light and gentle!

Conclusion

These Chocolate-Cherry Valentine Scones are the perfect way to show your love this Valentine’s Day! With their light, buttery texture, pops of tart cherries, and rich chocolate, they’re a treat everyone will adore. Whether you’re baking for a special someone or simply treating yourself, these scones will make your celebration that much sweeter. Enjoy, and have a fabulous Valentine’s Day!

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