Thursday, February 2, 2012

"Be Mine" Chocolate Chip and Dried Cherry Scones



Looking for a delicious treat for your special someone (or your special self) for Valentine's Day breakfast or brunch? These heart-shaped scones could be the perfect start to a wonderful day.

Ah, the heart. The single most important symbol of our humanity throughout history. Many ancient philosophers though the heart was the place where our emotions originated. It should really be the shape of a brain, but that wouldn't be nearly as enchanting. Old customs die hard ❣ Any other symbol would be heart-breaking, and that's straight from my heart ❤

Heart Shaped Chocolate Chip and Dried Cherry Scones

Adapted from this recipe on Epicurious
Printable Recipe

The dough can be made the the day before, the shapes cut out and refrigerated on a baking sheet (unbaked) overnight.  Just pop them into the oven the next morning and they'll be ready in 20 minutes.

Makes about 12.

2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
7 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, diced
1 teaspoon (packed) grated orange peel
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup coarsely chopped dried tart cherries
2/3 cup chilled buttermilk
1 large egg yolk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Milk (for glaze)

Preheat oven to 400F.

Place a piece of parchment paper or a silicone liner on a baking sheet.

Whisk 2 cups flour, 1/3 cup sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in large bowl. Add butter and grated orange peel; rub in with fingertips until coarse meal forms. Mix in chocolate chips and dried cherries.

Whisk buttermilk, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and almond extract in small bowl to blend. Add buttermilk mixture to dry ingredients; stir with fork until dough comes together in moist clumps. Gather dough into ball. Press out dough on lightly floured surface to 3/4-inch thickness. Using a 2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out scones. Gather scraps, press out dough and cut out additional scones. Transfer to baking sheet, spacing 1 inch apart. These can be made 1 day ahead up to this point. Cover and chill until ready to bake.

Brush scones lightly with milk; sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons sugar. Bake until scones are crusty on top and tester inserted into center comes out clean, about 15 minutes (or up to 20 minutes if refrigerated).

Serve warm or at room temperature.

57 comments:

  1. So pretty! Beautifully presented on that red cabbage leaf (?) plate, too. I'm enjoying seeing all these lovely foods for Valentine's Day in your sidebar. Ohhhhh soooo tempting!

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  2. These look wonderful! I love scones!

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  3. Your special self...I love that! These look wonderful.

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  4. My favorite treat! I was just thinking about making cherry scones this morning. I'll have to try your recipe with the addition of chocolate chips. Yum!
    -Lynn

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  5. Yum! I have a feeling they are one of those "can't eat just one" things. :D

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  6. Ahh be still my heart..I do love that about February..
    These look so good..Love the little "Toile de Jouy"inthe background also..
    So you RED..it must be a good month for you..
    I love that we can make these the night before..great!

    I have never found dried cherries..I will put my searchlight on:)

    I love scones..more than dessert.

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  7. What a perfect treat for Valentine's Day. I love chocolate and cherry together...these look delicious!

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  8. I love a good scone. Yours look so perfect, and I like that you can make them the night before and bake in the a.m. xo

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  9. La-ta-da! These heart shaped scones are so pretty and creative. Making the dough ahead for busy mornings is such a great way to go. Have you ever tried using almond flour in baking. It helps with carbs for me and gluten for some of my family. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for a "HEART-FELT" treat!

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  10. Hmm...I was dreaming scones this morning too. And I have tart cherries in the pantry. It is on the list for next time. Susan

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  11. Fabulous flavor combinations for a scone and such a pretty shape. I just love fresh scones and this would be so nice to spoil loved ones for Valentines.

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  12. Perfect for Valentine's Day! Chocolate and cherries must make this scone delicious!

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  13. Beautiful and delicious! I love the red plate!

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  14. Susan, even though it didn't have your name on the thumbnail, I knew it was yours! Maybe it was the red cabbage plate!
    The scone looks delicious!

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  15. Chocolate and cherries are a great way to start off the day! With these for breakfast, I'd have a smile on my face all day long. :)

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  16. What a lovely and whimsical idea! I bet these could sell out on coffee shops across America on Valentine's day and beyond!

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  17. And that is why I Love February; what a nice way to start the day; scones with chocolate chips and cherries.
    That plate really makes a wonderful presentation.
    Rita

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  19. Susan, love the heart shaped scones for February. And I haven't met a piece of chocolate or cherry that I didn't LOVE!

    P.S. I deleted because I made a typo;o)

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  20. These would make a perfect Vday breakfast!

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  21. You really know how to rock a presentation m'dear! Gorgeous way with a heart in that divine red and a sweet recipe for VD

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  22. Chocolate and cherry, perfect together! They look so good, makes my heart skip a beat!

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  23. What a lovely,sweety heart for Valentine day!have a good weekend Susan, a warm hug from Trieste....

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  24. Your scone recipe would put a smile on anyone's face come valentines day.

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  25. Lovely treat, Susan! I have a container of dried cherries that I hoard & use sparingly. This would be the perfect splurge for them!

    I think I must overwork my dough when I do scones. I need to be gentler, I think. Will try these & see.
    Thank you for the recipe,
    Rett

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  26. Oh my, I want some of those now! Thanks for the recipe, they look scrumptious and oh so pretty!

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  27. These look really good and I love the heart shape!

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  28. Chocolate and cherries were absolutely meant for each other, especially at breakfast!

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  29. A freshly baked scone and a good cup of coffee are my idea of a perfect start to the day. Buttermilk does wonderful things to recipes like this. Love the sweet heart shapes for Valentine's Day.

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  30. I agree with Cathy, the few times I bake, buttermilk recipes seem to rule. Love that red plate.

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  31. Very pretty scones. This would be a nice romantic touch. You can serve this up anytime with a good cup of coffee, tea or a cold glass of milk.

    Velva

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  32. these scones are truly lovely! and besides the combination is perfect

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  33. These look so delicious and beautiful. Just wouldn't have the same presentation if it was shaped as a brain!!

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  34. Oh Susan, I LOVE scones!! These would be perfect for a Valentine breakfast. The dried cherries & chocolate sound perfect. I have some dried cranberries...hmmm. I won't have to run to the store then!! Your photo is wonderful.

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  35. I'm coming over to your house and stealing that gorgeous plate, Susan! I love it.
    And what could be cuter than a scone heart for breakfast? And with chocolate chips, too.
    Scones are such a favorite around here...I took Ina Garten's cranberry, orange and nut scones to a housebound friend last week. When I make some for her this week, I'll use your recipe!

    (I'm pleased you like the Game Changer series...I worry it's so much info to wade through each week.)

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  36. Thank you all for your very kind comments! You warm the cockles of my heart :)

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  37. That has to be the prettiest scone I've ever seen! I'll bet it tasted just as yummy!!!

    Thank you for your kind words and Go Patriots!!!!

    Mary

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  38. Beautiful red plate, and delicious looking scone. I'm ready to dine! Thanks for sharing the recipe. ~CJ

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  39. These would be a delicious treat for my special someone & my special self ♥ Love the plate too!

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  40. This is a piece of art Susan! I would've never thought to shape my scones into a heart..and oh, please not the brain...the heart is perfect. I don't mind my emotions springing from it. It shows I care. About everything.
    Ronelle

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  41. Such a beautiful scone for Valentine's day, I heart your bright red plate!

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  42. Oh Susan...so cute this scone, I love the flavors..chocolate, orange and cherries...lovely way to celebrate Valentine's Day.
    Hope you have a great week ahead :)

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  43. This is a perfect treat for a special someone I know, my husband. I am sure he would love to be offered such a scone!

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  44. Chocolate Chip and Cherry - a perfect combination - these are going on my "must make" list!
    mary x

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  45. Dear these cherry scones look absolutely amazing and love the plate:))

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  46. I loved this! From the red cabbage leaf to the toile to the scrumptious scone, this post is a delight. XXOO

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  47. I love scones! Your flavor combination and heart shape make them a perfect Valentine's Day dessert, Susan! I also love all the special treats on your sidebar!

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  48. Such a cute idea! This would be the perfect way to start the morning on Valentine's Day.

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  49. How cute is that. Perfect for Valentine's day.

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  50. Thanks very much for sharing this recipe at my party. I have all the ingredients even the buttermilk and cherries so I am going to make these. Can't wait!---- Shannon

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  51. Hello again Susan----Just stopped by again to say CONGRATS! This wonderful recipe was include in my Valentine feature tonight. I'll planning on making these for my family this weekend, so thanks for sharing your recipe. There is a feature button on the post if you'd like it for a feature page or your sidebar.

    Have a wonderful weekend!----Shannon

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  52. I never thought about the shape of the heart, but it is so true that any other would seem inappropriate. This scone with its chunks of chocolate and dried cherries is irresistible.

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  53. so cute.. chocolate and cherries always a great flavor combo for Vday!!

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  54. I can never get enough scones! These look delicious.

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