Peach Scones

Introduction

Peach scones are the perfect treat for when you want to enjoy a fruity and flaky baked good that feels both indulgent and refreshing. The sweet peaches add a delightful flavor that complements the buttery texture of the scones. It’s an ideal recipe to try when peaches are in season, or whenever you’re craving a fruity twist to your classic scone recipe. The best part? They are surprisingly easy to make.

Detailed Ingredients with Measures

For this peach scone recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
– All-purpose flour
– Granulated sugar
– Baking powder
– Salt
– Unsalted butter (cold)
– Heavy cream
– Egg
– Vanilla extract
– Fresh peaches (chopped)

These simple ingredients, when carefully combined, result in soft, tender, and flavorful scones that are bursting with peach chunks in every bite.

Prep Time

Preparation of these peach scones is straightforward and only takes a few minutes to get started. You’ll begin by mixing the dry ingredients before cutting in the cold butter, which is key to achieving that classic flaky texture. Once the wet ingredients are added, the dough comes together quickly and should be handled gently to avoid overmixing. Chopping the juicy fresh peaches and folding them into the dough is the final step before shaping the scones.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

The cook time for these scones is short and efficient. Once prepped and formed, the scones bake in the oven until perfectly golden-brown.
– Cook time: approximately 15-18 minutes
– Total time: around 30 minutes
– Yield: One batch typically makes about 8 scones, but this can vary depending on the size you prefer for each individual scone.

These peach scones are perfect for breakfast, tea-time, or even as a dessert when paired with a dab of cream or a hint of honey. Their versatility ensures you’ll find lots of occasions to enjoy them.

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt.

Step 3: Incorporate Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles a coarse meal. Small pea-sized pieces of butter are ideal for creating a flaky texture.

Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a small bowl, combine the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Whisk until well incorporated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly pour the wet mixture into the dry mixture. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the mixture will be crumbly but should hold together when pressed.

Step 6: Add Peaches

Gently fold the diced fresh peaches into the dough. Be careful while mixing to avoid crushing the peaches.

Step 7: Form the Dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gather the dough and form it into a round disk, about 1 inch thick.

Step 8: Cut the Scones

Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 triangular scones. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them for spreading.

Step 9: Brush and Sprinkle

Brush the tops of the scones with a little heavy cream using a pastry brush. Sprinkle turbinado sugar on top for a sweet crunch (optional).

Step 10: Bake the Scones

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the scones for 15–20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and the center is cooked through.

Step 11: Cool the Scones

Remove the scones from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Note 1: Peach Options

Use fresh peaches for the best flavor. If peaches are out of season, you can substitute with canned or frozen peaches. For canned peaches, drain and pat them dry. For frozen peaches, thaw and pat them dry before using.

Note 2: Butter Tips

Make sure the butter is very cold when incorporating it into the flour. You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before starting to ensure the best results.

Note 3: Gluten-Free Option

To make these scones gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as baking powder, are also certified gluten-free.

Note 4: Storage

Store the scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.

Note 5: Serving Suggestions

These peach scones are delicious on their own or served with clotted cream, butter, or a drizzle of honey. Enjoy them as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or dessert.

Cook Techniques

Chill Your Ingredients

Using cold ingredients, like butter, cream, and eggs, ensures a flakier scone. Work quickly to keep everything as cold as possible.

Use a Pastry Cutter

When cutting the cold butter into the flour mixture, a pastry cutter works best to achieve a crumbly mixture resembling coarse crumbs.

Don’t Overmix

When adding the wet ingredients to the dry ones, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to dense scones.

Fold the Peaches Gently

Carefully fold the peaches into the dough to ensure they are evenly distributed without smashing them.

Shape the Dough by Hand

Pat the dough into a round disc for even cutting. Avoid overworking the dough as it can affect the final texture of the scones.

Freezing Before Baking

If desired, you can freeze the unbaked scones for about 20 minutes. This helps the butter stay cold and creates taller scones.

Brushing with Cream

Before baking, brush the tops of the scones with heavy cream. This promotes a golden and shiny finish.

Bake Until Golden

Bake the scones until they are set and have a golden color. Use visual cues as a helpful guide to achieve perfect results.

Drizzling the Glaze

Let the scones cool slightly before drizzling the sweet glaze over the top for an added layer of flavor and appeal.

FAQ

Can I use frozen peaches?

Yes, you can use frozen peaches, but make sure to thaw them and pat them dry to remove excess moisture before adding them to the dough.

What if I don’t have a pastry cutter?

If you don’t have a pastry cutter, you can use your fingers or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture.

Can I make scones ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the scones and freeze them unbaked. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

How should I store leftover scones?

Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them and reheat before eating.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Heavy cream is recommended for best results, but you can use half-and-half or milk in a pinch. Keep in mind the texture and richness may slightly vary.

What if my glaze is too thick?

If the glaze is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of milk until you achieve the desired consistency.

Do I have to use fresh peaches?

Fresh peaches are ideal for this recipe, but canned peaches can also work. Just drain them well and pat dry before use.

Can I add other fruits?

Yes, you can experiment with other fruits, such as berries or chopped apples. Ensure that the fruit is not overly moist to avoid altering the dough’s texture.

How do I prevent the scones from spreading too much?

Chill the dough before baking to keep the butter cold, which helps the scones maintain their shape during baking.

What can I use if I don’t have parchment paper?

If you don’t have parchment paper, you can lightly grease your baking sheet to prevent the scones from sticking.

Conclusion

Peach scones are the perfect treat for any occasion, capturing the sweetness and juiciness of fresh peaches in a tender, flaky pastry. These delightful scones are simple to prepare, making them an easy yet impressive addition to any breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. With their golden crust and burst of fruity flavor in every bite, they’re sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

More recipes suggestions and combination

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Apricot Ginger Scones

Dried apricots and a hint of ginger create a unique and aromatic flavor profile for these scones.

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Pineapple Coconut Scones

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