| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
Warm, buttery, and rich with a fusion of flavors, the Honey-Mahleb Scones have secured a special place in my heart. There’s something about the blend of aromatic mahleb, tart mixed fruit, and the sweetness of honey that reminds me of home, and allows this recipe to capture my affection.
Nostalgia in Every Bite
These scones draw me back to the long, lazy afternoons spent in my grandmother’s kitchen back in Texas. We would bake together, her hands guiding mine as we piloted a symphony of flavors. While Honey-Mahleb Scones are not a traditional Tex-Mex or southern recipe, the use of honey and fruit brings back memories of Southern desserts like honey drizzled cornbread and fruit cobblers.
A Hug for Your Health
Not only do these scones have a comforting effect on the soul, but they have notable health benefits too. The use of honey as a natural sweetener provides a better alternative to refined sugars. Honey, when consumed in moderation, is known to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties. Likewise, including dried fruit in the mix adds a delightful burst of flavor, while contributing to the daily recommended fiber intake.
For those curious about mahleb, you’re in for a treat. Mahleb is a spice derived from the seeds of the St Lucie cherry, and has been a close-kept secret of Mediterranean cuisine for centuries. It’s packed with antioxidants and has been associated with improved heart health (source).
Perfect Paired, Served, or Shared
Our Honey-Mahleb Scones are not just splendid on their own, but can be paired delightfully with a range of dishes. Consider them as part of a brunch spread, next to a steaming pot of coffee and a platter of scrambled eggs. Or perhaps you could serve them as an elegant dessert, topped with a dollop of clotted cream or a drizzle of lemon curd.
In my experience, baked goods taste best when shared. Gift a batch to your neighbor, bring them to the office potluck, or surprise your children’s teachers. After all, their versatility is a testament to how food can bridge gaps and bring people closer together. As someone who has experienced this first-hand in my role as a grade school teacher, I can vouch for the magic that a lovingly baked scone can bring.
So whether you’re aching for a bit of culinary nostalgia, looking for a new breakfast treat, or simply want to try your hand at making the humble but delicious Honey-Mahleb Scones, know that this recipe is waiting for you with open arms.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1-2 teaspoons ground mahleb
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried mixed fruit
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- For glaze: 2 tablespoons honey and 2 tablespoons warm water mixed
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper.
Step Two
In a large bowl, combine the 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, 1-2 teaspoons of ground mahleb, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Step Three
Add the 1/2 cup of cold and cubed unsalted butter to the bowl. Rub it into the flour mixture with your fingertips until it forms a texture like coarse meal. Stir in the 1/2 cup of dried mixed fruit.
Step Four
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the 1/3 cup of honey and 1/2 cup of buttermilk. Pour this mixture into the large bowl with the flour and fruit. Use a fork to stir everything together until a dough starts to form.
Step Five
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times to bring it together, then pat it into a rectangle that’s about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles or your desired scone shape.
Step Six
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet. Bake them in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden and cooked through.
Step Seven
While the scones are still hot, brush them with the glaze made from 2 tablespoons of honey mixed with 2 tablespoons of warm water. Allow them to cool slightly, then enjoy your delicious Honey-Mahleb Scones!
