There's something comforting about biting into a warm, buttery scone, especially when it is bursting with the vibrant tanginess of red currants. These Red Currant Scones are a delightful mix of flaky, sweet, and tart, making them a perfect treat for breakfast or afternoon tea.
Scones are a classic baked good, but these Red Currant Scones add a fresh twist to the traditional recipe. Using all-purpose flour and baking soda as the backbone, we incorporate unsalted butter, organic sugar, and pure vanilla extract to create a rich and flavorful dough.
The addition of fresh, homegrown red currants gives these scones a unique, fruity flavor that sets them apart from your average baked goods.
What makes this recipe truly special is the use of homegrown red currants. Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the scone, while their juicy texture adds an unexpected burst of flavor in every bite.
Want to learn how to make this red currant scones recipe? Then keep on reading.
Table of Contents
- What are Red Currant Scones?
- What Makes This Red Currant Scone Recipe Special?
- What You Need to Make Red Currant Scones at Home
- How to Make Red Currant Scones (Step-by-Step)
- Tips for Making the Best Red Currant Scones Ever
- Serving Suggestions for Red Currant Scones
- Recipe Variation Ideas for Red Currant Scones
- Frequently Asked Questions
- How to Store Leftover Red Currant Scones
- Similar Recipes You'll Love
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What are Red Currant Scones?
Red currant scones are a delightful baked treat that is both sweet and slightly tart. These scones are made from a simple dough that includes basic ingredients like flour, baking powder, and butter. The star of the show, however, is the red currants, which are mixed into the dough and give these scones their distinctive flavor and color.
Making red currant scones at home is a great way to bring a bit of gourmet baking into your kitchen. These scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet afternoon treat.
And the taste? Well, between the buttery, flaky dough and the tart burst of flavor from the red currants, these scones are simply divine. They are best enjoyed warm, dusted with a little icing sugar for that extra touch of sweetness.
Trust me, once you've tried them, you'll be baking these beauties on the regular!
What Makes This Red Currant Scone Recipe Special?
Family-favorite: These scones have become a family favorite in our household. Their light, moist, and fluffy texture, combined with the tartness of the red currants, makes every bite a treat.
Versatile: While this recipe calls for red currants, it is versatile enough to allow for other fruits as well. You can easily substitute the red currants with other berries depending on the season or your personal preference.
Delicious: The combination of sweet and tart from the red currants, the buttery scones, and the dusting of powdered sugar makes these scones absolutely delicious. They are sure to impress at breakfast, brunch, or during an afternoon coffee break.
What You Need to Make Red Currant Scones at Home
All you need are some simple pantry staple ingredients to make this red currant scones recipe at home. Let's look at them in more detail:
- All-Purpose Flour: This is the foundation of your scones. It gives them structure and substance.
- Baking Powder: Baking powder is a raising agent. It helps make your scones light and fluffy.
- Baking Soda: This works with the baking powder to give your scones that perfect rise.
- Sea Salt: A pinch of sea salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Unsalted Butter: The fat in this recipe gives your scones a rich, buttery flavor and tender crumb.
- Large Eggs: Eggs add moisture, help bind the ingredients, and contribute to the light, fluffy texture of the scones.
- Sugar: This sweetens the scones, but also helps to make the outside crispy while the inside remains soft.
- Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract adds a depth of flavor and enhances the sweetness of the scones.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: This is used for dusting the scones after baking, giving them a sweet, professional finish.
- Homegrown Red Currant: This is the star ingredient! Red currants add a burst of tart, fruity flavor that perfectly balances the sweetness of the scones.
How to Make Red Currant Scones (Step-by-Step)
Making these incredible red currant scones is easier than you think. Here's how to make them at home step by step:
How to Make Scones Batter
To start, you'll need to prepare your red currants. Pick them off their stems, give them a good rinse under cool water, then pat them dry using a paper towel. Once dry, set them aside for use later on.
Next, preheat your oven to a temperature of around 350 ℉. In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients which include flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together using a hand whisk until they're well combined.
Now, add cubed cold butter to your dry mixture. Use a pastry dough cutter to crumble the butter into the mixture. This should create a coarse, crumbly texture.
Once you're done, cover the bowl with a lid or food plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. This will help make sure that the butter doesn’t melt or soften, which is crucial for the final texture of your scones.
In a separate medium bowl, beat together eggs and sugar using a hand mixer. You're looking for a foamy, light, and fluffy texture. Once achieved, reduce your mixer speed to low and add pure vanilla extract, mixing for another half a minute.
Now, combine this egg mixture with your crumbled flour. Add in your prepared red currants and fold everything together using a silicone spatula.
How to Shape and Cut Scones
Transfer your scone mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Split the dough into two portions, then gently press and roll each portion together using your hands.
Remember, you don't want to knead the dough, just bring it together. If the dough is a bit sticky, feel free to sprinkle a little extra flour. Flatten each ball into a disk using your hands.
To create the traditional scone shape, use a dough cutter to slice each disk into equal-sized wedges.
How to Bake Red Currant Scones
Using a cake spatula, carefully transfer each scone onto a baking pan (around a size of 15 x 21) lined with parchment paper.
Bake your scones in your preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for roughly five minutes.
Transfer your scones onto a cooling rack, dust them with a touch of powdered sugar, and serve while still warm - that's when they taste the best!
Enjoy these delightful red currant scones!
Tips for Making the Best Red Currant Scones Ever
Handle the red currants with care: When preparing the red currants, make sure to remove them from the stems and rinse them gently. Pat them dry with a paper towel and set them aside until ready for use. This will preserve their natural freshness and tartness.
Don't overwork the dough: When combining the egg mixture with the crumbled flour and red currants, be sure to fold everything together gently using a silicone spatula. Overworking the dough can result in tough scones.
Shape the scones properly: Divide the dough into two portions and gently press and roll each one into a disk. Cut into equal-sized wedges for consistency in baking and presentation.
Bake at the right temperature: Preheat your oven to the correct temperature (350 F or 180 C) prior to baking. This makes sure that your scones bake evenly and have a perfect golden-brown exterior.
Enjoy them warm: These red currant scones are best enjoyed warm, dusted with a little bit of powdered sugar. They make a delightful treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon coffee break.
Serving Suggestions for Red Currant Scones
- Kickstart your day with these red currant scones paired with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. The tartness of the currants is a delightful contrast to the rich, aromatic coffee.
- For a delightful brunch option, serve these scones with a dollop of whipped cream or clotted cream on the side. The creaminess will compliment the scones' flaky texture and fruity flavor.
- These scones also make an excellent dessert option. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a satisfying end to your meal.
- If you're on the go, these red currant scones are your best bet. Just wrap them up in a napkin and enjoy a delicious treat on the run.
Recipe Variation Ideas for Red Currant Scones
This delicious red currant scones recipe is absolutely perfect as is, but if you're looking to change things up, here are a few variation ideas you can try:
Try it with citrus: If you're a fan of tangy flavors, this variation is for you. Simply add the zest of one lemon to the scone mixture. The citrus notes will balance the sweetness of the red currants and add a refreshing twist to your scones.
Make it nutty: For a delightful crunch, consider adding half a cup of chopped almonds to the dough. The nuts will provide a contrast to the soft, flaky scones, and their subtle flavor will compliment the red currants beautifully.
Add some spice: If you enjoy a hint of warmth in your baked goods, try adding a teaspoon of cinnamon to the dry ingredients. This spice will lend a comforting aroma and a gentle heat to your red currant scones.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely, you can use frozen red currants for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them properly and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the dough.
Certainly! This recipe is quite versatile. You can substitute red currants with other berries such as blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or even cranberries.
If your dough is too sticky, add a little more flour and gently fold it in. Be careful not to overwork the dough as it can make the scones tough.
How to Store Leftover Red Currant Scones
If you've tried out the Red Currant Scones recipe and found yourself with leftovers, don't fret! These delightful treats can be stored properly to maintain their light and fluffy texture.
After allowing your scones to cool completely, place them in an airtight container. This helps to keep them moist and prevents them from drying out. You can store these in the refrigerator for up to a week. Remember not to stack them on top of each other as it can make them soggy.
When you're ready to enjoy your scones, you can easily reheat them. Preheat your oven to about to about a low temperature, around the range of a warm setting or at most, at about half of your baking temperature. Heat the scones for about ten minutes or until they are warm to the touch.
If you wish to store your scones for longer, you can freeze them. After they have cooled completely, wrap each scone individually in cling film or aluminum foil and place them in a freezer bag. They can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.
To thaw, remove the scones from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few hours. After they've thawed, follow the reheating instructions above to enjoy warm, delicious Red Currant Scones anytime!
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Easy Red Currant Scones (Your New Favorite Tea-Time Recipe)
Ingredients
For Redcurrant Scones
- 3 cups – organic all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp. – baking powder
- 1 tsp. – baking soda
- ¼ tsp. – sea salt
- 8 oz. – unsalted butter
- 2 large – eggs
- ¾ cup – organic sugar
- 2 tsp. – organic pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups – homegrown redcurrant
- 2 tbsp. - confection sugare (for dusting scones)
Instructions
How to Make Scones Batter
- To start, you'll need to prepare your red currants. Pick them off their stems, give them a good rinse under cool water, then pat them dry using a paper towel. Once dry, set them aside for use later on.
- Next, preheat your oven to a temperature of around 350 ℉. In a large bowl, combine your dry ingredients which include flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir these together using a hand whisk until they're well combined.
- Now, add cubed cold butter to your dry mixture. Use a pastry dough cutter to crumble the butter into the mixture. This should create a coarse, crumbly texture.
- Once you're done, cover the bowl with a lid or food plastic wrap and place it in the fridge. This will help make sure that the butter doesn’t melt or soften, which is crucial for the final texture of your scones.
- In a separate medium bowl, beat together eggs and sugar using a hand mixer. You're looking for a foamy, light, and fluffy texture. Once achieved, reduce your mixer speed to low and add pure vanilla extract, mixing for another half a minute.
- Now, combine this egg mixture with your crumbled flour. Add in your prepared red currants and fold everything together using a silicone spatula.
How to Shape and Cut Scones
- Transfer your scone mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Split the dough into two portions, then gently press and roll each portion together using your hands.
- Remember, you don't want to knead the dough, just bring it together. If the dough is a bit sticky, feel free to sprinkle a little extra flour. Flatten each ball into a disk using your hands.
- To create the traditional scone shape, use a dough cutter to slice each disk into equal-sized wedges.
How to Bake Red Currant Scones
- Using a cake spatula, carefully transfer each scone onto a baking pan (around a size of 15 x 21) lined with parchment paper.
- Bake your scones in your preheated oven to ℉ for about 25 minutes. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for roughly five minutes.
- Transfer your scones onto a cooling rack, dust them with a touch of powdered sugar, and serve while still warm - that's when they taste the best!
- Enjoy these delightful red currant scones!
Notes
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Hi Valya, would you be able to share how do you take care of red currant bushes? Thanks
Yes, in the future I sure will. The bush does not need much care except some pruning in the spring. Needs to be watered a lot as well.
Can I use frozen red currant Thank you
I've never used frozen ones, but I don't see why not. They may leak a bit while baking since they are frozen.
Just made it! My currants are darker and it still is studded with burst jewels.
The cooking time is several minutes too long even with my oven on the cool side. Watch them carefully to not burn.
I really like the generous currant content.
Yes, ovens do differ in temperature one from another. Thank you for your review!