When I first laid eyes on these red currants at the farmers market, their crimson skins gleaming like tiny rubies, I knew I had to have them. Though often used to make curds or preserves, I prefer to use them in baking, like these Flaky Red Currant and Chevre Scones, allowing their tartness to shine and mellow out the butter and sugar. These scones are perfectly balanced with a flaky, buttery pastry, creamy and tangy chevre strewn throughout, tart currants and spicy black pepper. The addition of ground cardamom adds a warm sweetness that won’t stand out immediately, but I feel would be lacking without it. Snach up the last of the red currants at the market and toss them into something sweet – you won’t be disappointed! 
Flaky Red Currant and Chevre Scones with Cardamom + Black Pepper
Serves: makes 6 large, 8 small scones
Time: 20 minutes active, 40-50 minutes total
Notes: If you can’t find Red Currants, wild blueberries or or even just some lemon zest in place of berries would be lovely, too.
Ingredients:
2 cups All Purpose flour
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tbsp sugar
pinch salt
1/4 tsp ground cardamom
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
5 tbsp cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup cold chevre (soft goats cheese)
3/4 cup cold 2% milk or 10% cream
1 cup fresh red currants
Remove from the freezer and add the chevre, milk and currants and gently press together with your hands until combined. You don’t want to manipulate it too much as your hands will warm the butter. Dump bowl out on a very lightly floured surface and press together gently. Roll into a rectangle. Fold the rectangle into thirds, much like a business letter, and roll out again. Repeat twice more and roll the final rectangle out to 1″ thickness. If the dough is starting to warm, place in the freezer for 10 minutes to firm it up. Use a cookie cutter or thin-edge glass (1-2″ radius) to press down (don’t roll it around or rock it back and forth, just press directly down) into the dough and remove. Place the scone on a parchment lined cookie sheet and repeat until you can’t get any more scones. Feel free to re-roll the scrap dough to make more scones. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown on top. Serve with more butter and berries, if you’re so inclined.
If you try these Flaky Red Currant and Chevre Scones out, tag us in instagram with #bakedtheblog so we can share in the joy.
Michelle says
Hi there, these look delicious, thank you. I love the way the photo looks. I need to work on improving my food photos for my clinic!
Sini | My Blue&White Kitchen says
I love the flavor combinations in these scones! To pair red currants with goat cheese and spice it up with a hint of cardamom and black pepper is downright genius. Have to make this breakfast treat!
Monica says
I don’t have currents at my disposal….. any suggestions for an alternative fruit, that would be just as compatible with the other delicious ingredients?
Kelly Brisson // the gouda life says
Hi Monica!
If you don’t have currants, you could absolutely use diced strawberries or some fresh figs (dried in a pinch). It won’t have the same tartness as the fresh currants but they’ll go really nicely with the other flavours.
Maria says
You’re killing me…I should be sleeping but instead I’m salivating and planning my next dinner party. Where in God’s name in Canada are you? If on the West Coast please have a cooking class or something!
Kris Osborne says
This is the best comment ever! haha
Kelly Brisson // the gouda life says
Hahaha – what a great comment! So happy to make you drool, Maria. I’m in Ottawa unfortunately but sending some love from this end of the country. <3 Thanks for the awesome comment.