Warm and Nutty Delight: The Ultimate Walnut Raisin Scones Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm scone, fresh from the oven. And when that scone is packed with the nutty goodness of walnuts and the sweet chewiness of raisins, it elevates the experience to a whole new level. This recipe for walnut raisin scones is your ticket to baking bliss. It’s relatively simple, incredibly satisfying, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring a batch of perfectly golden, delightfully crumbly scones every time.

## Why Walnut Raisin Scones are a Must-Try

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why these scones are so special:

* **Flavor and Texture:** The combination of walnuts and raisins offers a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture. The walnuts provide a subtle bitterness and a satisfying crunch, while the raisins contribute sweetness and a soft, chewy element. This balance is what makes these scones so addictive.
* **Easy to Make:** Scones are known for their simplicity. Unlike bread or cakes, they don’t require kneading or long rising times. This makes them an ideal choice for a quick and easy baking project.
* **Versatile:** These scones are incredibly versatile. They can be enjoyed plain, with butter, jam, clotted cream, or even a drizzle of honey. They pair perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee.
* **Perfect for Any Occasion:** Whether you’re hosting a brunch, preparing a cozy breakfast, or simply craving a sweet treat, walnut raisin scones are always a welcome addition.
* **Customizable:** This recipe is easily customizable to suit your preferences. You can adjust the amount of walnuts and raisins, add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even incorporate other dried fruits or nuts.

## The Ultimate Walnut Raisin Scones Recipe

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter: the recipe itself. This recipe yields approximately 8-10 scones.

**Yields:** 8-10 scones
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes

### Ingredients:

* 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
* 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
* 1 tablespoon baking powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 cup (113g) cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
* 3/4 cup (180ml) cold heavy cream
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten, for egg wash
* 1/2 cup (50g) chopped walnuts
* 1/2 cup (85g) raisins
* Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Optional: Coarse sugar, for sprinkling

### Equipment:

* Large mixing bowl
* Pastry blender or fork
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Baking sheet
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
* Wire rack

### Instructions:

**1. Preheat and Prepare:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This prevents the scones from sticking and makes cleanup easier.

**2. Combine Dry Ingredients:**

* In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure everything is evenly distributed. This ensures that the scones rise properly and have a consistent flavor.

**3. Cut in the Butter:**

* Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the butter into the flour mixture. The goal is to create small, pea-sized pieces of butter coated in flour. This is crucial for creating flaky scones. If using your fingertips, work quickly to prevent the butter from melting.

**4. Add Walnuts and Raisins:**

* Gently fold in the chopped walnuts and raisins until they are evenly distributed throughout the flour mixture. Make sure they are not clumped together.

**5. Add Wet Ingredients:**

* In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cold heavy cream and vanilla extract (if using). Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.

**6. Mix the Dough:**

* Use a fork or your hands to gently mix the ingredients until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the dough. Overmixing will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. The dough should be slightly shaggy and sticky.

**7. Shape the Scones:**

* Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a biscuit cutter to cut the circle into 8-10 wedges or rounds. Alternatively, you can use cookie cutters for different shapes.

**8. Arrange on Baking Sheet:**

* Carefully transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each scone. This allows for even baking and browning.

**9. Egg Wash and Sugar:**

* Brush the tops of the scones with the lightly beaten egg wash. This will give them a beautiful golden-brown color. If desired, sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for added sweetness and texture.

**10. Bake:**

* Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on them, as baking times may vary depending on your oven.

**11. Cool and Serve:**

* Remove the scones from the oven and transfer them to a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve warm with butter, jam, clotted cream, or your favorite toppings. They are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are baked.

## Tips for Perfect Walnut Raisin Scones

Here are some tips to ensure your walnut raisin scones turn out perfectly every time:

* **Use Cold Ingredients:** Cold butter and cream are essential for creating flaky scones. The cold butter creates pockets of steam as it melts in the oven, which contributes to the light and airy texture.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the dough will develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough scones. Mix the ingredients until just combined. A few streaks of flour are okay.
* **Handle the Dough Gently:** Be gentle when shaping and handling the dough. Avoid pressing or kneading it too much.
* **Use a Sharp Knife or Biscuit Cutter:** A sharp knife or biscuit cutter will help you create clean cuts and prevent the edges of the scones from sealing. This allows them to rise properly.
* **Bake at a High Temperature:** Baking at a high temperature helps the scones rise quickly and develop a golden-brown crust.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaked scones will be dry and crumbly. Bake until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
* **Add a Touch of Spice:** Consider adding a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cardamom to the dry ingredients for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Vary the Nuts and Dried Fruits:** Feel free to experiment with different nuts and dried fruits. Pecans, almonds, cranberries, and dried apricots are all great alternatives.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. You may need to add a bit more liquid to achieve the right consistency.
* **Freezing Scones:** Baked scones can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes.

## Variations on the Classic Walnut Raisin Scone

Want to add a unique twist to your walnut raisin scones? Here are a few creative variations to try:

* **Orange Zest Scones:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of orange zest to the dry ingredients for a bright and citrusy flavor.
* **Lemon Glaze Scones:** Drizzle the cooled scones with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.
* **Maple Walnut Scones:** Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a rich and caramel-like flavor. Add a sprinkle of chopped walnuts to the top of the scones before baking.
* **Chocolate Chip Walnut Raisin Scones:** Add 1/2 cup of chocolate chips to the dough for a decadent treat.
* **Cinnamon Swirl Scones:** Roll the dough into a rectangle and spread it with a mixture of melted butter, cinnamon, and sugar. Roll the dough up like a jelly roll and then cut it into slices to create cinnamon swirl scones.

## Serving Suggestions

Walnut raisin scones are delicious on their own, but they can also be paired with a variety of toppings and accompaniments:

* **Butter:** A classic choice, butter adds richness and flavor to the scones.
* **Jam:** Choose your favorite jam, such as strawberry, raspberry, or apricot.
* **Clotted Cream:** A traditional accompaniment for scones, clotted cream is thick, rich, and decadent.
* **Honey:** A drizzle of honey adds sweetness and a touch of floral flavor.
* **Lemon Curd:** A tangy and creamy lemon curd is a delicious addition to scones.
* **Whipped Cream:** Lightly sweetened whipped cream is a delightful topping for scones.
* **Fruit Salad:** Serve scones with a side of fresh fruit salad for a light and refreshing meal.
* **Coffee or Tea:** Scones are the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Please note that the following nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.*

* **Calories:** 250-300 per scone
* **Fat:** 12-15g
* **Saturated Fat:** 7-9g
* **Cholesterol:** 50-60mg
* **Sodium:** 200-250mg
* **Carbohydrates:** 30-35g
* **Fiber:** 1-2g
* **Sugar:** 10-12g
* **Protein:** 4-5g

## Conclusion

Walnut raisin scones are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their nutty flavor, chewy texture, and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting batch of homemade scones. Happy baking!