Name: Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 cup apricot jam; 1 teaspoon cornstarch; 3.5 cups all-purpose flour; 0.5 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons baking powder; 0.75 teaspoon salt; 2.5 cups heavy cream; 0.75 cup dried apricots; 0.5 cup chopped white chocolate chunks

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There’s something incredibly special about baking on a sunny spring morning, and that’s exactly when I first made these Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones. The scent of fresh apricots mingling with the warm, buttery aroma of baked goods wafting through my kitchen made the moment feel magical. I remember it vividly: the sun streaming through the window, the birds chirping outside, and the joy of creating something delightful to share with friends and family. As I mixed the simple ingredients, I couldn’t help but imagine the smiles on everyone’s faces as they took their first bite of these tender, sweet scones. The cream adds a rich texture, perfectly complementing the fruity apricots and the burst of flavor from the jam in the center. It’s a moment of pure bliss, and I can’t wait to share this recipe with you!

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
45 mins

Prep Time:
15 mins

Cook Time:
30 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
320 kcal

Protein:
4 g

Diet:
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
18 g

Tools Used:
Oven, Baking Sheet, Frying Pan, Wooden Spoon, Cutting Board, Whisk, Chef’s Knife, Mixing Bowl

The Beauty of This Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones

Why You’ll Love These Scones

Creating the perfect scone is an art form, and every bite of these Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones reflects that beauty. Here are some reasons why this recipe stands out:

Perfect Texture: The combination of heavy cream and butter ensures that these scones are incredibly tender and flaky. You’ll love the way they crumble delicately in your mouth.
Bright and Fruity: The dried apricots and apricot jam add a lovely sweetness and vibrant color, making these scones not only delicious but visually appealing as well.
Versatile Treat: Whether you enjoy them for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or a delightful dessert, these scones fit any occasion. They also pair beautifully with tea or coffee!
Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and simple ingredients, you don’t need to be a baking expert to whip these up. It’s a fun project for both beginners and seasoned bakers!
Sharing Delight: Imagine serving these warm, fresh from the oven, to your loved ones. The joy of sharing homemade treats is one of the best parts of baking!
Springtime Vibes: The seasonal apricots truly elevate the experience. They capture the essence of spring, making every bite feel like a celebration of the season.

What You’ll Need for Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones

When it comes to baking, the quality and combination of ingredients are essential. Each component in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating the delightful flavors and textures of the Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones. The key players include the rich heavy cream, the sweetness from granulated sugar, and the tangy notes of apricot jam. Together, they create a symphony of flavors that dance on your taste buds.

1 cup apricot jam: This sweet spread serves as a luscious filling in the center of each scone, providing a burst of flavor.
1 teaspoon cornstarch: This helps to thicken the jam, ensuring it holds its shape when placed in the scone.
3 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of your scones, giving them structure and body.
½ cup granulated sugar, plus more for sprinkling: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor of the scones.
2 tablespoons baking powder: This leavening agent helps the scones rise, creating that perfect fluffy texture.
¾ teaspoon salt: A key ingredient that balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
2 ½ cups heavy cream, plus more for brushing: The secret ingredient that makes these scones rich and tender.
¾ cup dried apricots, diced into ¼-inch chunks: Provides additional fruitiness and texture throughout the dough.
½ cup chopped white chocolate chunks: A touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the apricot flavor.

Directions for Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones

Making these scones is a delightful process. Follow these steps for a batch of beautiful and tasty Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones!

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats. This will prevent the scones from sticking and help them bake evenly.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the apricot jam. Whisk together cornstarch with one tablespoon of cool water and add it to the jam. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens and starts to bubble. Remove it from heat and refrigerate until cool, about 15 minutes.
In a large mixing bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until well mixed. This dry mixture is the base of your scones.
Add the heavy cream, diced dried apricots, and chopped white chocolate to the bowl. Mix on low speed or stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The dough will be thick and a bit sticky.
Using an ice cream scoop or a large cookie scoop, portion out equal-sized scoops of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about two inches of space between each scoop. They will spread a little while baking.
Make a deep impression in the center of each scone with your thumb or the back of a teaspoon. This will hold the thickened apricot jam.
Spoon a generous teaspoon of cooled apricot jam into each depression in the scones, filling them generously but not overflowing.
Lightly brush the outer edges of the scones with more heavy cream or half and half, avoiding the jam. This will give them a nice golden color as they bake.
Sprinkle a little extra granulated sugar on top of each scone for a sweet finishing touch that creates a delightful crunch.
Bake in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden brown and the tops are lightly golden. Let them cool for about 15 minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t Overmix: When combining the ingredients, avoid overmixing the dough. This helps keep the scones tender and flakey.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using heavy cream at room temperature helps create a smoother dough, which makes for fluffier scones.
Jam Consistency: Ensure your apricot jam is thick enough; it should not be too runny to avoid spilling out of the scones.
Cooling Time: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet. This helps maintain their structure and prevents them from falling apart.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones turn out perfectly, here are some essential tips to keep in mind:

Storage: Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer freshness, consider refrigerating them.
Freezing: You can freeze unbaked scone dough. Just scoop the dough onto a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Bake directly from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
Serving: These scones are lovely served warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They also make a great addition to a brunch spread!
Glazing: For an extra special touch, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and cream over the cooled scones.
Variations: Feel free to substitute the dried apricots with other fruits like cranberries or cherries for a different flavor profile.

Serving Options for Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones

Serving these lovely scones offers endless possibilities to impress your guests or indulge yourself. Here are some suggestions:

Brunch Delight: Serve these scones alongside a fresh fruit salad and a selection of jams for a delightful brunch spread.
Tea Time Treat: Pair them with your favorite tea for an elegant afternoon snack. A light, floral tea complements the fruity flavors beautifully.
Picnic Perfection: Pack these scones for a picnic in the park, alongside a thermos of iced tea or lemonade.
Seasonal Celebrations: These scones are perfect for spring gatherings, Easter brunches, or any special occasion where you want to impress.
Storage Tips: Keep in mind to store any leftovers in a cool, dry place. If you live in a humid climate, refrigerate them to maintain freshness.

FAQ

While dried apricots provide a concentrated flavor and chewy texture, you can use fresh apricots if you’d like. Just keep in mind that fresh apricots have higher moisture content, so you may need to adjust the other ingredients slightly to maintain the dough’s consistency. Also, you might consider adding a bit more granulated sugar since fresh apricots are less sweet.

The best way to determine if your Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones are done is to check their color and texture. They should be golden brown on the bottoms and lightly golden on top. You can also gently press the tops; they should feel firm and spring back slightly. Finally, if you lightly tap the bottoms, they should sound hollow, indicating they are fully baked.

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough in advance. After mixing, cover it tightly and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just keep in mind that you may need to let it sit at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes before scooping and baking to allow for easier handling. This is a great time-saving tip for busy mornings!

These Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones pair beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. Consider serving them with clotted cream, butter, or a selection of jams for an even sweeter experience. They also go wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee. For a delightful brunch, serve them alongside a fresh fruit salad or a light yogurt parfait!

Conclusion

The Apricots Cream Thumbprint Scones are a delightful treat that captures the essence of spring with their bright flavors and tender texture. I encourage you to try making them for your next gathering or as a personal indulgence. The joy of sharing these homemade delights is truly special, and I know they will bring smiles to your loved ones. Happy baking!