Sour Cherry Chocolate Scones

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 3 tablespoons white granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, frozen
• 1/2 pound sour cherries or regular cherries, pitted and halved
• 6 ounces chocolate chunks or chips or morsels
• 1 cup buttermilk, plus about 2 tablespoons more for topping
• 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar, as topping

Instructions

1. 1
   Line a baking sheet with parchment and set aside.
2. 2
   In a large mixing bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt.
3. 3
   Using a box grater, grate the butter into the dry ingredients and mix quickly, breaking up the butter so it resembles the size of small peas.
4. 4
   Add the cherries and toss so they’re evenly distributed throughout the flour. Next, do the same with the chocolate chunks or chips.
5. 5
   Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and in one batch, add the buttermilk. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, mix it together until it forms a shaggy ball. Drop the dough onto a lightly floured counter and knead a few times, being sure to not over handle it, which will result in tough scones. Form the dough into 1 1/2-inch thick disk. Using a knife, cut the scones into 8 equal triangles. Transfer the scones to the baking sheet and put in the freezer to chill for 15 minutes. At this time, preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
6. 6
   Brush the tops with the buttermilk and sprinkle with a bit of turbinado sugar. Transfer the scones to the oven to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a skewer inserted into the centers comes out clean and the scones are golden brown.