If you have a craving for a delightful treat that’s both fluffy and packed with tropical sweetness, this Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe is the answer. These scones are a beautiful balance of tender crumb, the chewy texture of dried apricots, and the subtle crunch from coconut flakes. Each bite offers a sunny burst of flavor that feels like a little celebration in your mouth. Whether you’re serving them for an indulgent breakfast or an afternoon pick-me-up, these scones bring warmth and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create these magical scones. Each component plays a key role: the flour establishes structure, baking powder ensures rise and fluffiness, while coconut and apricots add texture and bursts of sweetness. Butter enriches the dough with a tender flake, and just a touch of vanilla brings everything together beautifully.
- 1â…” cups all purpose flour: The foundation of the scone, providing the perfect crumb.
- 2½ tsp baking powder: This helps your scones rise beautifully and become delightfully fluffy.
- 3 tbsp white sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness to balance the tartness of apricots.
- Pinch of table salt: Enhances all the flavors and cuts sweetness just right.
- 3 tbsp butter: Cold and cubed, it creates that tender, flaky scone texture.
- ½ cup milk: Moistens the dough, giving it softness and richness.
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional): A fragrant note that ties the flavors together softly.
- 1 egg: Binds the ingredients and adds a golden color to the crust.
- 1/3 cup coconut: Toasty, chewy flakes that bring tropical flair and texture.
- 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots: Sweet and slightly tangy bites that make each scone special.
How to Make Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dry Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F so it’s nice and hot when the scones are ready to bake. Mixing the flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt ensures that your base ingredients are evenly combined. You can use a food processor for ease or simply whisk them together in a bowl if you prefer a hands-on approach.
Step 2: Cut in the Butter
Add your cold butter next. If using a food processor, pulse until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. If you’re mixing by hand, use your fingertips to rub the butter in until you reach the same texture. This step is key to getting those tender, flaky layers that make scones irresistible.
Step 3: Incorporate Coconut and Apricots
Transfer the crumbly mixture to a large bowl and fold in the coconut flakes and chopped dried apricots. These flavorful add-ins elevate the scones from ordinary to extraordinary, giving you textured pockets of sweetness and richness in every bite.
Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients
Whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Set aside a few teaspoons to brush on top of the scones later, which will help create a golden, shiny crust when baked.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl with the dry ingredients and gently stir with a wooden spoon until a soft dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky – be careful not to overwork it, or your scones might turn out tough and less fluffy.
Step 6: Form and Cut the Dough
Turn your dough out onto a well-floured surface. Lightly sprinkle flour on top and pat the dough into a round, about ¾ inch thick. Use a 1½ inch biscuit cutter to cut out your scones and place them spaced about two inches apart on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Step 7: Use All the Dough and Prep for Baking
Don’t forget to gather and re-roll the scraps to cut out the remaining scones. Brush the tops of all the scones with the reserved milk and egg liquid to give them a lovely color as they bake.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Pop your scones into the preheated oven for around 12 to 15 minutes, or until the tops turn lightly golden brown. After baking, place them on a wire rack to cool just enough to enjoy without missing out on the warmth.
How to Serve Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe
Garnishes
While these scones are delicious all on their own, a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of honey can add a beautiful finishing touch and a hint of extra sweetness. You might also enjoy them with a smear of butter or a dollop of clotted cream for a classic pairing.
Side Dishes
Pair these Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe bites with a fresh fruit salad, a pot of aromatic tea, or a cup of strong coffee. The tropical flavors complement fruity or citrusy accompaniments beautifully, making your snack time feel like a mini getaway.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your scones halved and spread with cream cheese mixed with a little orange zest for a zesty flavor twist. You can also arrange them on a cake stand surrounded by edible flowers or fresh apricot slices to impress guests at brunch or tea time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep them soft and flavorful. Avoid refrigeration as it can dry out the scones quickly.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze your unbaked scones by placing them on a baking sheet first, then transferring once solid to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to three months and baked fresh whenever you’re craving a warm treat from your Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe collection.
Reheating
Reheat baked scones in a warm oven at 300 degrees F for about 5 to 7 minutes to regain their fresh-out-of-the-oven texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them chewy or tough.
FAQs
Can I substitute fresh apricots for dried?
Fresh apricots have a higher moisture content which may affect the dough’s texture and baking time. It’s best to stick with dried apricots to maintain the right balance of chewiness and structure in the Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe.
Is it necessary to use coconut in the recipe?
The coconut adds wonderful texture and a tropical flavor that complements the apricots, but if you’re not a fan, you can reduce or omit it. Your scones will still be delicious, just slightly different in flavor and mouthfeel.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend can work well, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binder to help with texture. Keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly with different flour types.
What if I don’t have a biscuit cutter?
No worries. You can simply shape the dough into a round, slice it into wedges, and place them on your baking sheet. The wedges will bake just as deliciously and give a rustic look to your Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe.
Can I add nuts for extra crunch?
Absolutely! Toasted almonds or pecans would be delightful additions, adding a nutty flavor and crunch that pairs beautifully with apricot and coconut.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe is like bringing a little sunshine into your day with every bite. The tender crumb, toasted coconut, and sweet apricot bits create a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. So, grab your ingredients and give these scones a try — you might just find they become your new favorite cozy treat to share with friends and family.
Print
Apricot Coconut Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 18 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Delight in these tender and flaky Apricot Coconut Scones, a perfect combination of sweet dried apricots and tropical coconut. These baked scones are easy to prepare and offer a moist, crumbly texture with a golden, slightly crunchy top—ideal for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1â…” cups all purpose flour
- 2½ tsp baking powder
- 3 tbsp white sugar
- pinch table salt
Wet Ingredients
- 3 tbsp butter
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract, optional
- 1 egg
Mix-ins
- 1/3 cup coconut (shredded, dried)
- 3/4 cup chopped dried apricots
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when your scones are prepared.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a food processor, combine flour, baking powder, sugar, and salt. Pulse until well mixed. Alternatively, mix these ingredients by hand in a large bowl.
- Incorporate Butter: Pulse in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse meal texture. If processing by hand, rub butter into the dry ingredients with fingertips to achieve the same consistency. Transfer mixture into a large bowl and stir in dried coconut and chopped dried apricots evenly.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract in a separate bowl. Set aside a few teaspoons of this mixture for brushing the tops later to promote browning.
- Form Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir briefly with a wooden spoon just until a soft, slightly sticky dough forms. Avoid overmixing to keep scones tender and well risen.
- Shape Dough: Lightly flour a clean surface, turn the dough onto it, and sprinkle flour over the top. Using your hands, gently pat dough into a round about 3/4 inch thick.
- Cut Scones: Use a 1½ inch biscuit cutter to cut out scones, placing them on a parchment-lined baking sheet approximately 2 inches apart to allow room for rising.
- Reuse Scraps: Gently gather leftover dough pieces, re-roll, and cut more scones until all dough is used. Brush all scones’ tops with reserved milk and egg mixture for a golden finish.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden on top.
- Cool: Remove scones from oven and cool on a wire rack before serving to maintain their perfect texture.
Notes
- Do not overwork the dough to avoid tough scones.
- Brushing the tops with reserved milk and egg mixture helps achieve a beautiful golden crust.
- Use fresh dried apricots for better flavor and texture.
- These scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.
