Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Original recipe (1X) yields 14 servings

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups flour, plus more for rolling
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped dried cherries
• 2 tablespoons white sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 1/2 teaspoons orange zest, plus more for garnish
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter
• 3/4 cup full-fat Greek-style yogurt
• 1/2 cup very cold orange juice, or more as needed

Icing:

• 1 cup sifted powdered sugar
• 5 teaspoons whole milk
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425F (218C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, dried cherries, sugar, baking powder, orange zest, baking soda, and fine sea salt.

Step 3: Coat the whole stick of butter in the flour mixture. Using a box grater, grate the butter into the bowl using the large holes. If the butter starts to melt, coat it again with the flour mixture and continue grating. Use your fingers to toss the butter in the flour mixture until all pieces are separated and coated. The mixture should resemble coarse crumbs.

Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and orange juice. Add this mixture to the flour mixture and gently fold it in until the dough begins to come together. The dough should be moistened but still crumbly. If its too dry, add more cold orange juice, one tablespoon at a time, until fully moistened.

Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently 3-4 times until it comes together. Sprinkle with flour and pat the dough into a 3/4-inch thick layer.

Step 6: Cut the dough into four equal portions. Stack the portions, press down, and pat again to form a 3/4-inch-thick rectangle. Repeat the process three more times, adding flour as needed.

Step 7: Press a 2 1/2- to 3-inch biscuit cutter straight down into the dough to cut out biscuits. Gather the scraps, knead gently, and repeat the process. Arrange the biscuits on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are barely touching each other.

Step 8: Bake the biscuits for 15-16 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and crisp. Let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes.

Step 9: In a small bowl, stir together the powdered sugar, milk, and 1/8 teaspoon sea salt until the icing is smooth and well combined.

Step 10: Drizzle the icing over the warm biscuits and garnish with additional orange zest.

Step 11: Store the biscuits in an airtight for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. To reheat, bake at 375F (190C) for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 213
• Total Fat: 8g (10% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 5g (23% DV)
• Cholesterol: 19mg (6% DV)
• Sodium: 438mg (19% DV)
• Total Carbohydrate: 34g (12% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 1g (3% DV)
• Total Sugars: 16g
• Protein: 3g (5% DV)
• Vitamin C: 7mg (8% DV)
• Calcium: 79mg (6% DV)
• Iron: 1mg (7% DV)
• Potassium: 89mg (2% DV)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits

Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits are a delightful creation that combine the buttery richness of traditional American biscuits with the tart sweetness of dried cherries and a delicate citrus glaze. Biscuits themselves have a long-standing history in the United States, tracing back to early European settlers who brought techniques of quick breads made with butter or lard. The addition of dried cherries and icing is a more modern innovation, likely inspired by the mid-20th-century trend of incorporating dried fruits and confectionery toppings into baked goods to create visually appealing and flavor-rich desserts.

Regional Variations

While these biscuits are broadly American, regional variations exist. In the Northeast, bakers often use dried cherries sourced from local orchards in Michigan and New York, incorporating them directly into the dough for bursts of flavor. In the South, the biscuits may be slightly sweeter and topped with a cream-based glaze rather than a simple powdered sugar icing, reflecting the regions preference for richer, more decadent baked goods. These subtle differences highlight how local ingredients and taste preferences influence the same base recipe across different regions.

Distinguishing Features

Unlike standard sweet biscuits or scones, Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits balance both sweetness and tartness without being overwhelmingly sugary. They differ from fruit scones, which are usually denser and often include eggs and cream, as these biscuits rely on Greek yogurt and orange juice for moisture and lift. The use of grated cold butter ensures a flaky texture, which is a hallmark of classic American biscuits, making them light and airy compared to more cake-like pastries.

Typical Serving Contexts

These biscuits are most commonly enjoyed as a breakfast or brunch item, often served alongside tea or coffee. They can also be a festive addition to holiday tables, especially in late summer and winter when dried cherries are more readily available. In cafs, they are frequently paired with fresh fruit preserves or a small pat of butter to accentuate their delicate texture and nuanced flavor profile.

Interesting Facts

• Grating cold butter into the flour mixture rather than cutting it in helps create the signature flakiness without melting the butter too quickly.
• The combination of dried cherries and orange zest adds a sophisticated tang, making this biscuit unique compared to plain sweet biscuits.
• The icing not only adds sweetness but also creates a visually appealing contrast against the golden-brown biscuit tops, making it popular for social media-friendly presentations.
• Despite being considered a dessert-like biscuit, these treats maintain a relatively moderate calorie count, making them a versatile option for an indulgent yet not overly heavy snack.

Overall, Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits are a fusion of tradition and innovation: rooted in classic biscuit-making techniques while embracing the creativity of modern baking trends. Their unique texture, balance of flavors, and aesthetic appeal make them a memorable treat for both casual and festive occasions.

FAQ about Iced Dried Cherry Biscuits Recipe