DRIED APRICOT AND SAGE SCONES

Dried Apricot and Sage Scones image

Yield makes 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon fine salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup chopped dried apricots (about 4 ounces)
2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh sage
1 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
Sanding sugar, for sprinkling

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. Work in the butter with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the dried apricots and sage. Add the cream; gather the mixture together with your hands until it starts to hold together.
Turn out the mixture onto a lightly floured work surface. Quickly bring the dough together; pat into an 8-inch circle 1 inch thick. Smooth the top with a rolling pin. Cut into 8 wedges with a bench scraper.
Arrange the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Brush the tops with cream, then sprinkle generously with sanding sugar. Bake until scones are cooked through and golden brown, about 30 minutes. Immediately transfer the scones to a wire rack; let cool at least 10 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Making Scones
The dough for scones, like that of biscuits, should be handled as little as possible. Cut out scones by pressing straight through the dough with a bench scraper (or with a biscuit cutter). Brush the tops with heavy cream or beaten egg, then sprinkle with sanding sugar so the scones glisten when they come out of the oven.