Can I make these scones gluten-free?

We have not personally tested a gluten-free version of these cherry scones, but you may be able to replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. We've had good results using Bob's Red Mill's gluten-free flour blend in many of our other gluten-free recipes .

Are these scones naturally vegan?

Yes! We made our scones using vegan-friendly dark chocolate chips and almond milk to make them 100% vegan. But your non-vegan friends won't tell the difference - these cherry scones taste exactly like regular, soft, buttery ones.

Can I replace the dried cherries with fresh cherries?

The dried cherries can be replaced with fresh fruit, but we'd recommend folding them in at the very end to prevent mashing them. Depending on how ripe they are, the cherry juice can also bleed into the dough and turn it pink.

Do I need a rolling pin to roll out the dough?

A rolling pin can be helpful, but it is not needed! We could quickly form our dough into a round shape using our hands. That said, a rolling pin can help prevent the coconut oil from melting - especially helpful during the warmer months.

Dried Cherry Scones with Chocolate Chips

Name: Dried Cherry Scones Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients: 1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped; About 2 cups boiling hot water; 2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour; 1/3 cup organic cane sugar; 3 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 5 tablespoons solid refined coconut oil; 1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips*; 3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk; 1 tablespoon orange zest; 2 teaspoons orange juice

Description

These dried cherry scones are filled with tart cherries, mini chocolate chips, and fresh orange zest. They’re light, flaky and the perfect companion for a hot cup of coffee or afternoon tea. All you need is 9 simple ingredients!

Ingredients

1/2 cup dried cherries, roughly chopped
About 2 cups boiling hot water
2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1/3 cup organic cane sugar
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
5 tablespoons solid refined coconut oil
1/4 cup mini dark chocolate chips*
3/4 cup unsweetened plain almond milk
1 tablespoon orange zest
2 teaspoons orange juice

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Instructions

In a medium-sized bowl, add the dried cherries. Pour over the boiling hot water and mix. Set aside to hydrate for 10 minutes.
Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl and mix until uniform.
Add the solid coconut oil to the bowl, and using a pastry cutter or a fork, cut in the coconut oil until the mixture begins to form fine crumbs and become sand-like.
Drain the dried cherries and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
Add the remaining ingredients and stir until the mixture forms a uniform and soft dough. Add additional almond milk (1 tablespoon at a time) if your dough is too dry and crumbly.
Flour a clean surface or cutting board and turn the dough out onto it. Form it into a large circle, about 8 inches wide and 1/2 an inch thick, and cut into 8 even triangles. Gently separate the scones and then transfer them onto the lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Remove the scones from the oven and cool before serving.

Notes

Be sure that the chocolate chips you are using are vegan!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: breakfast, side, baked goods
Cuisine: Vegan