Coffee-Nut Scones

These are I-can't-believe-how-moist-these-scones-are scones. They've got a good coffee flavor, but as someone who likes sweets, I'd probably add an additional 1/3 cup of sugar. Three tablespoons of nuts doesn't do too much either.

Still, this would be an easy recipe to adapt: take out the coffee granules, cinnamon and nuts, and toss in orange extract and/or zest along with a some dried cranberries -- yum.

Coffee-Nut Scones (slightly adapted from Cooking Light)

2/3 c. skim or 1-percent milk
2 1/2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 large egg, lightly beaten
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 c. sugar
2 1/2 tsps. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup (4 Tbsp.) chilled butter, cut into small pieces
3 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans or walnuts
Cooking spray
2 Tbsp. skim or 1-percent milk
2 Tbsp. sugar

Combine 2/3 cup milk and the coffee granules in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high 1 minute; stir until coffee dissolves. Cover and chill completely. Stir in vanilla and egg.

Preheat oven to 425-degrees F.

Lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a food processor. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in walnuts. Add milk mixture, and pulse until just until moist.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface (dough will be sticky); knead lightly 4 times with floured hands. Pat dough into an 8-inch circle on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray. Cut dough into 8 wedges; do not separate. Brush the dough with remaining milk and sprinkle with remaining sugar. Bake for 20 minutes or until browned. Serve warm.

Serves 8.