Mary Berry Cherry Scones Recipe

These cherry scones are inspired by the simple, comforting bakes Mary Berry is known for. They have golden tops, soft, tender centres and sweet pieces of glacé cherry throughout. The dough is easy to make, even if you are new to baking, and the scones are ready in about 35 minutes. Serve them slightly warm with butter, or add jam and cream for an afternoon treat.

Ingredients for Cherry Scones

For the Scones

• 350g self-raising flour, plus extra for dusting
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 70g cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
• 40g caster sugar
• 100g glacé cherries
• 1 large egg
• About 120ml whole milk, plus a little extra for brushing

How to Make Cherry Scones

• Prepare the oven: Preheat the oven to 200°C or 180°C fan. Line a baking tray with baking parchment and place a shelf in the middle of the oven.
• Prepare the cherries: Rinse the glacé cherries under warm water to remove the sticky syrup, then dry them thoroughly with kitchen paper. Cut each cherry into quarters.
• Rub in the butter: Put the flour and baking powder in a large mixing bowl. Add the cold butter and rub it into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs.
• Add the sugar and cherries: Stir in the caster sugar and chopped cherries, separating any pieces that stick together.
• Mix the dough: Beat the egg in a measuring jug, then add the milk. Pour most of the mixture into the bowl and stir with a round-bladed knife. Add just enough of the remaining liquid to make a soft dough. You may not need it all.
• Shape and cut: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and bring it together gently. Pat it to about 2.5cm thick. Cut out rounds with a 6cm cutter, pressing straight down without twisting. Gently bring the trimmings together and cut out the remaining scones.
• Bake: Place the scones on the prepared tray with a little space between them. Brush the tops lightly with extra milk, keeping it off the sides. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until well risen and golden.
• Cool and serve: Transfer the scones to a wire rack and leave to cool for at least 5 minutes. Split and spread with butter, or let them cool further before adding jam and cream.

Tips for Perfect Cherry Scones

Why should I rinse glacé cherries?

Rinsing removes excess syrup, which can make the dough sticky and leave streaks of colour. Dry the cherries well before chopping and adding them to the bowl.

How do I keep scones soft and tender?

Handle the dough as little as possible. Mix only until it comes together, then pat it out gently rather than kneading it like bread.

Why did my scones rise unevenly?

Twisting the cutter can seal the edges and prevent an even rise. Press it straight down and lift it straight up. Brushing milk onto the sides can also affect the rise, so glaze only the tops.

What if my dough is too sticky or too dry?

The dough should be soft and slightly tacky, but manageable. If it is very sticky, dust your hands and work surface lightly with flour. If dry crumbs remain in the bowl, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

Serving Suggestions

• Spread warm scones with salted butter.
• Serve with strawberry jam and clotted cream for afternoon tea.
• Add a spoonful of cherry jam for extra fruit flavour.
• Pair with a pot of tea and a bowl of fresh berries.

Storage and Reheating

Room Temperature

Cool the scones completely, then store them unfilled in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To refresh, warm them in an oven at 160°C or 140°C fan for 5 to 8 minutes.

Refrigerator

Plain scones can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days, although they may dry out faster than at room temperature. Store cream separately in the fridge and add it just before serving.

Freezing

Freeze completely cooled, unfilled scones in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm in the oven if you like. Add butter, jam or cream after thawing.

Nutrition Information

Approximate values per scone, based on 8 scones and excluding toppings:

• Calories: 300 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated fat: 5g
• Sodium: 300mg

Nutrition values are estimates and will vary with the ingredients and brands used.

Frequently Asked Questions