| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 20 mins – 25 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 320 | 17g | 10g | 38g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 5g | 0.2g |
When you grow up in a family that holds food close to its heart, weaving stories and laughter between hand-rolled pastas and simmering sauces, love for cooking becomes as ingrained as the patterns on an heirloom tablecloth. That’s exactly how it was for me. Of course, my Italian heritage is full of hearty fare and dishes drenched in homely affection, but it has also sprinkled an appreciation for seemingly simplistic, but truly delightful food. Take for instance, the recipe I want to share – the Marionberry Scones.
A Scone that Steals the Show
In this delightful mix of English and American baking cultures, these scones prominently feature an often under-appreciated fruit – Marionberries. Named after Marion County in Oregon, these tart yet sweet fruits bear a striking resemblance to blackberries. However, don’t let their humble appearance fool you. They have a distinct, robust flavor that will leave you smitten after just one bite.
When baked into a scone, Marionberries lend a slight tanginess that beautifully offsets the dense, buttery richness of the pastry. And let me assure you, there are few things as comforting as biting into a warm, freshly baked scone, burst of Marionberries surprising you at every bite.
Health Benefits and Heavenly Pairings
Not only do they grant an unmatched flavor, Marionberries are also packed with an array of health benefits. They are a potent source of antioxidants (source), fiber, vitamins and minerals. So, these scones are not just a treat for your taste buds, but your body too!
The Marionberry scones can be paired with a myriad of dishes. If you ask me, nothing complements a warm scone better than a pot of classic English tea or a steaming cup of American coffee. However if you’re fond of wintry morning brunches, a stack of fluffy pancakes or a hearty frittata might make for delightful accompaniment. These scones are also similar to the traditional English currant scones (source) in texture, so adapting this recipe to switch up the fruit shouldn’t be too challenging!
From my family traditions to yours, this Marionberry Scone recipe is eager to create new memories, and perhaps begin a new tradition. Baking, after all, is much more than stirring ingredients together, it is about bringing family together and making every moment feel special.
What You’ll Need
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup fresh Marionberries
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for topping
Method
Step One
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Set this aside for later.
Step Two
In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Grate the frozen butter into the flour mixture using the large holes of a box grater. Use your fingers to work in the butter until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Step Three
In a separate bowl, whisk the sour cream and the egg until smooth. Pour this into the flour and butter mixture and stir until a dough forms.
Step Four
Gently fold in the fresh Marionberries, being careful not to crush them.
Step Five
Pour the dough onto a floured surface and shape into a disc that is about 1 inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each scone with a bit of milk and sprinkle the granulated sugar over the tops.
Step Six
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown. Allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool further. Enjoy your homemade Marionberry Scones!
