Name: Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (1 stick) vegan butter, frozen*; 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1/2 cup soy milk, plus 2 tablespoons divided; 1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon almond extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled, plus more for sprinkling; 1 tablespoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 cup dried cherries; 1/2 cup sliced almonds, plus more for topping; Optional: 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips; Optional: 1 tablespoon raw cane sugar or turbinado sugar (for topping); 1 cup powdered sugar; 5 teaspoons tart cherry juice (or substitute non-dairy milk); 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 teaspoon almond extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

There is nothing quite like the warm, tender bite of Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe to brighten your day. These scones combine the natural sweetness of dried cherries with the nutty crunch of almonds and are crowned with a luscious cherry glaze that sings with flavor. Perfectly tender on the inside and lightly golden on the outside, these scones feel like a cozy hug in pastry form. Whether it’s for a leisurely weekend brunch or an uplifting afternoon snack, this recipe is both straightforward and wonderfully satisfying, bringing a burst of joy to your kitchen and your plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows twelve small white bowls and a stick of vegan butter arranged on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl in the middle right is full of white all-purpose flour. Above it, a small bowl contains a mix of white baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in powder form with different shades of white and light brown. To the left of the flour bowl, there is a white bowl filled with dark red dried cherries. Below the cherries, a bowl holds a yellow smooth unsweetened apple sauce. To the right of the apple sauce, there is a glass of dark red cherry juice. Above the cherry juice and below the flour bowl, a white bowl contains fine white powdered sugar. To the right of the powdered sugar, a small white bowl is filled with turbinado sugar with a rough, light brown texture. Above the cherries and apple sauce bowls, there is a small white bowl with dark brown dark brown sugar, and beside it is a tiny bowl holding a dark liquid vanilla extract. Next to the flour bowl on the right side is a stick of vegan butter with its wrapper partially opened, showing its cream color. A small cup near the top right contains clear yellow apple cider vinegar. In the bottom left corner, there is a white bowl of sliced almonds with a light brown outer layer and white inside. Below the apple sauce bowl, a glass of creamy white soy milk is placed. Each ingredient is labeled, and a woman's hand is not visible in this image. The background has a soft pink hue. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role, creating the perfect balance of texture, flavor, and appearance. From the richness of vegan butter to the zing of almond extract, these simple pantry staples come together beautifully to make your scones shine.

Vegan butter, frozen: Provides flakiness and richness, crucial for tender, flaky scones.
Unsweetened applesauce: Adds moisture and natural sweetness while keeping the scones dairy-free.
Soy milk: A creamy non-dairy choice to bind ingredients and help with browning when brushed on top.
Dark brown sugar: Imparts deep, caramel-like sweetness and helps with browning.
Apple cider vinegar: Reacts with baking soda to give rise and lightness.
Vanilla and almond extracts: Enhance aroma and add layers of flavor that highlight the cherry and almond pairing.
All-purpose flour: The foundation for structure and crumb, best spooned and leveled for accuracy.
Baking powder and baking soda: Leavening agents that ensure a fluffy, tender crumb.
Ground cinnamon (optional): Offers a subtle warm spice that complements the fruit and nuts.
Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates all the other flavors.
Dried cherries: The star ingredient, providing chewy bursts of tart, fruity goodness.
Sliced almonds: Add delightful crunch and a toasty nutty element.
Dairy-free chocolate chips (optional): For those who love a hint of melty chocolate in their scones.
Raw cane or turbinado sugar (optional): Sprinkled on top for a sparkling, crunchy finish.
Powdered sugar: Base for the cherry glaze that adds sweetness and shine.
Tart cherry juice: Brings a vibrant, tangy note to the glaze.

How to Make Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Grab a box grater and grate your frozen vegan butter over a plate, then pop it back into the freezer. This step ensures your butter is perfectly cold and evenly distributed in the dough so your scones come out beautifully flaky and tender.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, combine the applesauce, soy milk, dark brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely—this mixture adds moisture and a touch of sweetness, setting the stage for the perfect crumb.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Incorporate Butter

Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon if you like, and salt in a large bowl. Add the grated frozen butter, then use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits. These chunks of butter create those delightful layers in your scones.

Step 4: Bring the Dough Together

Create a well in the center of the dry mix and pour in your wet ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold everything together until just combined—be careful not to overmix. Fold in the dried cherries and sliced almonds evenly throughout the dough; these bits are what make every bite interesting and delicious.

Step 5: Shape and Cut the Scones

Lightly flour a cutting board or countertop, transfer your dough, and dust the top with a little more flour. Press the dough into a circle about one inch thick. Using a bench scraper or large knife, cut the circle into eight equal triangles. Transfer these to a baking sheet without the need for parchment or lining. Brush each scone with a little soy milk to encourage golden color while baking.

Step 6: Chill the Dough

Pop your baking sheet with scones into the freezer for 15 minutes. Chilling allows the butter to harden again, which is the secret to fluffy, tender scones with crisp edges. No freezer space? A quick 15-minute chill in the fridge can also work wonders.

Step 7: Bake Until Golden

Immediately place the cold baking sheet on the oven’s middle rack preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake your scones for 15 to 18 minutes until they turn a perfect golden brown. Let them rest on the baking sheet briefly before transferring to a cooling rack to avoid breaking.

Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Cherry Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, tart cherry juice, vanilla, and almond extract in a bowl until you get a thick but pourable glaze. If it’s too runny, add more powdered sugar a tablespoon at a time. Place your cooled scones back on the baking sheet to catch any drips, then artfully drizzle the glaze over the tops. A sprinkle of raw cane sugar adds a delightful crunch if you desire.

How to Serve Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe

The image shows several triangular scones on a silver wire rack over a white marbled surface, each golden brown with a slightly rough texture. The scones have dark cherry pieces embedded throughout, with a few sliced almond flakes scattered on top. A light pink glaze is drizzled over each scone, adding a shiny contrast to the matte surface. Some whole cherries are placed around the scones, adding a deep red color to the scene. The lighting is bright, highlighting the crisp edges and soft inside of the scones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh cherries or a few extra sliced almonds scattered on top after glazing make a lovely finishing touch that elevates the scones visually and adds texture contrast. A light dusting of powdered sugar just before serving can also lend a charming look.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a steaming cup of tea or your favorite coffee to complete a comforting breakfast or snack. A dollop of dairy-free yogurt or a smear of fruit jam complements the flavors beautifully and adds a juicy counterpoint.

Creative Ways to Present

Arrange scones on a beautiful serving platter with sprigs of fresh herbs like mint or basil to add a splash of color and freshness. For special occasions, place them in decorative paper liners or stack them with layers of parchment paper for a rustic vibe. They’re perfect presented with a small bowl of cherry glaze on the side for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe store wonderfully at room temperature in a container with a loose lid. This keeps them fresh and tender for up to four days, perfect for a few days of cozy treats.

Freezing

You can freeze your scones either before or after baking. Freeze unbaked scones on a tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag to bake fresh when ready, or freeze baked scones in an airtight container for up to two months. Both methods preserve flavor and texture beautifully.

Reheating

To enjoy your scones warm, reheat in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8 to 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain the crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Add a fresh drizzle of cherry glaze after warming for that just-baked feeling.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of dried cherries?

Fresh cherries add a different texture and moisture content, so if you substitute, be sure to pit and chop them well, and reduce other liquid slightly. Dried cherries work best for that chewy burst and maintain scone structure.

Is it possible to make these scones gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend that measures cup-for-cup. Make sure the blend includes xanthan gum for structure, and be mindful that the texture might be a bit different but still delicious.

Why do I need to freeze the scones before baking?

Freezing firms up the butter again after shaping, which helps the scones bake up flaky and tender with a crisp outer crust rather than dense or greasy.

Can I skip the cherry glaze?

You can, but the glaze adds a wonderful festive sweetness and a pop of cherry flavor that ties the whole scone experience together. Without it, the scones are still tasty but a bit less indulgent.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free and vegan?

This recipe is already perfectly vegan and dairy-free by using vegan butter and soy milk, so you get all the richness and tenderness without any animal products.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the comforting warmth and delicious layers of flavor in the Easy Cherry Almond Scones with Cherry Glaze Recipe. It’s a recipe that feels special but is simple enough to whip up any day you want a little treat that’s both satisfying and heartwarming. I can’t wait for you to bake a batch and see how these scones become your new favorite go-to for sharing with family and friends!