Scones with Dried Fruit: A Delicious and Simple Recipe to Try Today

On Sale
NutriChef Food Dehydrator - Dehydrate Beef Jerky, Meat, Mushrooms, Fruits & Vegetables at Home | Utilizes High-Heat Circulation for Even Dehydration | Includes 5 Easy-to-Clean Trays | White

Effortlessly preserve your favorite snacks with the Nutrichef PKFD12.5—an easy-to-use, versatile dehydrator designed for perfect results every time!


We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
eBook Sale
The Ultimate Guide to Dehydrator Recipes

Unlock the full potential of your dehydrator with The Ultimate Guide to Dehydrator Recipes! This comprehensive ebook is your go-to resource for crafting delicious, healthy, and long-lasting snacks and meals. Perfect for beginners and experienced dehydrating enthusiasts alike, this guide provides everything you need to know to boost your kitchen game.

Thank you for supporting us by buying this eBook.

Scones with dried fruit are a lovely treat. They’re a nice twist on traditional scones by adding sweet and tangy dried fruits to the batter. You can use any combination of dried fruits you like best. I think the chewy apricots are delicious, but golden raisins are classic. These scones are perfect for breakfast, with afternoon tea, or as a snack. They’re so easy to mix up and are a great base recipe that you can customize to your liking. Let’s get baking!

A photo of a rustic breakfast scene with scones, raisins, and dried fruits, accompanied by a bowl of berries and a selection of nuts. The scones are golden brown, with raisins and other dried fruits embedded within. A bowl of fresh berries, a small container of a fruit jam-like substance, and a variety of nuts are also present. The scones are served on a plate on a wooden surface, with some ingredients scattered around. The background is a simple, light-colored wooden table.

Ingredients and Baking

  • I highly recommend using fresh or frozen fruit in your scones. Fresh fruit is amazing and gives such great juicy bursts, while frozen fruit is a great option too. I thaw my frozen fruit and pat it dry before adding it to the scone dough. This way it bakes up moist and delicious. Fresh fruit is always my first choice, but frozen is a close second.
  • If you use fresh fruit, make sure you use aluminum-free baking powder. Fresh fruit, especially acidic fruits like blueberries, can give your scones a blue tint and a metallic flavor if you don’t use aluminum-free baking powder. I learned this the hard way!
  • Cold butter is the key to tender scones! You want to mix it into the flour and sugar, then add heavy cream to create a shaggy dough. The cold butter will melt in the oven and create steam, which gives the scones their light and airy texture.
  • I like using a combination of sugar and dried fruit for flavor. The sugar enhances the dried fruit and brings out its natural sweetness. The dried fruit adds chew and flavor to the scones. It’s a winning combination!
  • If you’re watching your sugar intake, try substituting sugar with sugar-free options like sugar-free lemonade! It’s a game-changer. The scones are still delicious and sweet, but with way less sugar. Win-win!

The Importance of Baking Powder in Scone Recipes

  • Baking powder is a crucial ingredient in scones. It helps the dough rise and gives the scones their fluffy texture. Always use fresh baking powder for the best results.
  • Combining self-raising flour with baking powder ensures your scones will rise beautifully. This mix gives them a light and airy feel that everyone loves.
  • Be careful with the amount of flour you use. Too much flour can make the scones hard and dense. Use just enough to keep the dough soft and manageable.
  • Plain flour needs a raising agent to make the scones rise. Without it, the scones can turn out tough. Always add baking powder or use self-raising flour for the best outcome.
  • Baking soda can also be used with baking powder. This combo creates a lighter texture in your scones. It helps them rise and become fluffy. Make sure to measure them accurately for the perfect balance.

Creating the Perfect Flour Mixture

  • Use a combination of plain flour and self-raising flour. This mix makes your scones light and fluffy. The self-raising flour helps the scones rise. The plain flour adds a nice texture. Together, they create a perfect balance.
  • Add coarse sugar to your scone dough. It gives a nice texture and flavor. The sugar adds a sweet crunch to the scones. It also enhances the sweetness of the dried fruit. This makes each bite extra delicious.
  • Incorporate dried fruit into your scones. It adds natural sweetness and flavor. Dried fruits like apricots and raisins work well. They bring a chewy texture to the scones. You can mix them into the dough easily.
  • Experiment with different types of flour. Try whole wheat or oat flour for a unique flavor profile. Each type of flour brings its own taste and texture. Whole wheat adds a nutty flavor. Oat flour makes the scones tender and moist.

Choosing the Right Fruits

When it comes to fruit scones, the choice of fruit is of utmost importance. The type of fruit you choose will not only affect the texture and flavor of your scones, but it will also add color to the top of them. Here are some tips for choosing the right fruits for your scones:

  1. Fresh or Frozen Fruits: I’m a big fan of using fresh fruits in my scones. There’s nothing like the flavor and sweetness of fresh strawberries or blueberries. However, I also know that fresh fruit isn’t always at its best, and it’s not always practical to use it. Frozen fruits are a great alternative. They’ll keep your butter very cold, which is perfect for flaky layers in your scones, and they’ll add nice flavor and texture to your scones. Frozen blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are all great choices. You can also use dried cranberries or cherries. Just be sure to chop them up before adding them to your scone dough.
  2. Dried Fruits: Dried fruits like cranberries, raisins and cherries are perfect for scones. They add sweetness and chewiness to your scones. You can use them alone, or combine them with fresh or frozen fruits.
  3. Berries: Berries are a classic scone fruit. Blueberries, raspberries and strawberries are all delicious, and they add natural sweetness and tenderness to your scones.
  4. Citrus Fruits: Citrus fruits like lemons and oranges are a great way to add flavor to your scones. You can use the zest or juice of these fruits to add brightness and citrus flavor to your scones.
  5. Tropical Fruits: Pineapple and mango are both delicious in scones. You can use fresh or dried pineapple and mango.

Here are some things to consider when choosing fruits for your scone recipes:

  • Flavor: Choose fruits that complement the flavor of your scones. Citrus fruits are perfect for sweet scones, while berries are great for savory scones.
  • Texture: Choose fruits that add interesting texture to your scones. Dried fruits are chewy, while fresh fruits are sweet and juicy.
  • Availability: Choose fruits that are in season and easy to find. This will ensure that your scones are made with the freshest ingredients.

Choosing the right fruits for your scone recipes is important. With so many delicious options, you’re sure to make scones that are flavorful and delicious.

Preparing the Scones

  • Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature helps the scones rise quickly and develop a golden crust.
  • Lightly grease a baking sheet with a bit of oil or butter. This prevents the scones from sticking to the pan.
  • Alternatively, you can line the baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes for easy cleanup and ensures the scones lift off easily.
  • Sift dry ingredients into a large bowl and cut in the butter until coarse.
  • Add dried fruit and beat the egg with buttermilk, then stir together just until a dough forms.
  • Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and cut into 12 squares.

Baking the Scones

  • Bake the scones for 12-14 minutes or until lightly golden brown.
  • Use unsalted butter to brush the tops of the scones before baking for a golden brown finish.
  • Frozen berries can be used to add flavor and texture to the scones.
  • You can also experiment with different baking times and temperatures to achieve the perfect texture.

Serving and Storing Scones

  • Serve scones with butter, or for extra credit, split and toast them, then sandwich a spoonful of sour cream and whipped cream inside.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. This keeps them fresh for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
  • To freeze, wrap scones tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag.
  • You can also reheat frozen scones in the oven or microwave for a quick breakfast or snack.

Variations and Substitutions

Scones are a versatile treat that can be flavored to your liking with many different fruits and flavor combinations.

Blueberries and strawberries are a natural pair, like peanut butter and jelly. They’re a classic combination that’s perfect for summer. But you can mix and match any fruits you like. If you want to add some crunch and a bit of sweetness, try adding some chopped nuts or chocolate chips to the dough.

  1. Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warm and comforting spice that pairs beautifully with dried fruits. Add a light dusting to your scone dough and adjust to taste.
  2. Nutmeg: Nutmeg can be a powerful spice, so a small pinch is all you need to add a hint of warmth to your scones. Be careful not to overdo it!
  3. Cardamom: Cardamom is a lovely spice to add a bit of sophistication to your scones. It has a sweet, citrusy flavor that is quite unique and delicious.
  4. Ginger: Ground ginger is a wonderful addition to your scone mix. It has a warm, spicy flavor that is perfect for baking.
  5. Cloves: Cloves are very strong, so use them sparingly. Grind a few cloves in your mortar and pestle and add them to your mix for a deep, warm flavor.
  6. Vanilla Extract: I love adding a little vanilla extract to my scone mix. It brings out the sweetness of your sugar and fruit and gives your scones a lovely flavor.
  7. Allspice: Allspice is a great spice to add depth to your scones. It’s a combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, so use it sparingly.
  8. Lemon Zest: Add some fresh lemon zest to your mix for a bright, citrusy flavor.
  9. Almond Extract: A tiny bit of almond extract can go a long way. It adds a nice nutty flavor to your scones.
  10. Orange Zest: Orange zest is another beautiful option. It’s sweet and citrusy, like lemon, but different.
A photo of a delightful scones arrangement with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The scones are freshly baked, with a golden-brown crust and a soft, fluffy texture. They are sprinkled with powdered sugar and have dried fruits embedded within them. The background includes a jar filled with a thick, amber-colored jam and a bowl containing a similar jam-like substance. The photo is taken from a slightly elevated angle, providing a close-up view of the scones and the accompaniments.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • If the dough is too wet, add a bit more flour to achieve a soft, easy-to-roll consistency.
  • If the scones are too dense, try using more baking powder or self-raising flour.
  • If the scones are too dry, try adding more buttermilk or sour cream.
  • If the scones don’t rise, try using more baking powder or checking the expiration date of your baking powder.

Tips for Achieving the Best Results

  • Use cold butter and cut it into small cubes for easier incorporation into the dough.
  • Don’t overmix the dough, as this can make the scones dense.
  • Use the same size cookie cutter to ensure the scones bake evenly.
  • Knead the dough until it comes together, but don’t overwork it.

Final Thoughts on Perfecting Your Fruit Scones

The humble fruit scone is a wonderful bread to explore. It’s such an easy recipe and one that both beginners and experienced bakers will enjoy.

Imagine a warm scone loaded with sweet and tangy dried apricots and golden raisins. What a treat!

You can customize this recipe to your liking by using frozen blueberries or mixed berries instead of the dried fruit. Or, try cranberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.

Add some lemon zest or a splash of vanilla to the dough for extra flavor. The lemon will give your scones a bright and citrusy twist, while the vanilla will make your kitchen smell amazing!

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, either. Using a food processor to grind the wet ingredients into the dry is a great way to ensure a smooth dough. And, a spoonful of sour cream is the key to a tender and moist scone.

Sprinkle the tops of your scones with coarse sugar for a nice crunch or slather them with raspberry jam for a sweet treat.

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, I hope these tips are helpful in making beautiful and delicious scones that will impress your friends and family.

So, grab your round cookie cutter, preheat your oven and get ready to bake some scone dough that’s sure to please!

author avatar
Danny Content Writer
Hey there, since 2016, my mission has been to provide you with the information and guides you need to make food dehydrating simple and fun. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, my site offers helpful guides, reviews, and recipes to enhance your dehydrating experience. I take pride in only recommending products I believe in, ensuring my readers' trust. As an affiliate of various programs, including Amazon Associates, your support helps me continue providing quality content. Thanks for stopping by, and happy dehydrating!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *