Cranberry Orange Scones

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There’s just something about the combination of sharp cranberry and bright orange that brings a burst of flavor to your morning routine.

Cranberry orange scones are perfect for breakfast or a delightful snack with your afternoon tea.

Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, these scones are incredibly easy to make and are sure to impress your family and friends.

Plus, the scent of these scones baking in your oven is enough to make your mouth water with anticipation.

Let’s dive into this recipe that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!

Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try

Cranberry orange scones are a wonderful way to enjoy seasonal flavors, especially during the fall and winter months.

They are fluffy on the inside with just a crispy, golden exterior.

The sweetness of the cranberries perfectly balances the zesty orange, making every bite a delightful experience.

This recipe is quick and straightforward, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.

Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a Sunday brunch, these scones are bound to become a favorite.

Ingredients

To make these scrumptious cranberry orange scones, you will need the following ingredients:

• 2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
• ¼ cup (60 ml) sour cream
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) orange juice
• 1 tablespoon orange zest
• 1 teaspoon (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, fridge cold
• 1 cup (110 g) cranberries, chopped

How To Make Cranberry Orange Scones

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C).

This will ensure that the scones bake evenly and rise beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

This will prevent the scones from sticking and make cleanup a breeze.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

This step incorporates air into the flour, which helps to create lighter scones.

Step 4: Incorporate the Butter

Cut the cold unsalted butter into small cubes and add it to the dry ingredients.

Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

It’s fine if there are small chunks of butter left; they’ll create flakiness in the scones.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, sour cream, egg, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

Make sure everything is well mixed.

Step 6: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined.

Be careful not to overmix.

It’s okay if the dough is a bit sticky; you want to maintain that fluffy texture!

Step 7: Fold in the Cranberries

Carefully fold in the chopped cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the dough.

This is where the scone gets its delicious burst of flavor!

Step 8: Shape the Dough

Transfer the scone dough onto a lightly floured surface.

Gently form the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick.

Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 wedges.

Step 9: Bake Your Scones

Place the dough wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each scone.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the scones from the oven and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes.

Serve warm, plain, or with a drizzle of icing for an extra touch.

Expert Tips

• Use cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries work well, but if you can’t find fresh, dried cranberries can be a substitute. Just be sure to adjust the sweetness accordingly.
• Keep the butter cold: This is essential for flaky scones! You can even freeze the butter for a few minutes before cutting it into the flour.
• Don’t overmix: Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Mix just until the ingredients come together for the best texture.
• Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add a handful of nuts or different spices, such as cinnamon or nutmeg, for a unique twist.

Variations and Customizations

• Orange Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled scones for a sweet finish.
• Chocolate Chips: Add a handful of semi-sweet chocolate chips for a decadent twist on the classic flavor combination.
• Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary into the dough for an unexpected savory burst.
• Citrus Mix: Use lemon or lime juice and zest in place of orange for a different citrusy flavor.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have any leftover scones (which I doubt!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To keep them fresh for longer, place them in the refrigerator, where they can last for about a week.

You can reheat them in the toaster oven for a few minutes until warmed through, which helps bring back that fresh-baked texture!

FAQ

Can I use other types of fruit in this scone recipe?

Absolutely! You can try using blueberries, raspberries, or chopped apples instead of cranberries.

Just be sure to adjust the sugar if you choose a fruit that’s sweeter or less tart.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

You can substitute sour cream with plain yogurt or buttermilk.

Both will maintain the moisture and tanginess needed for the scones.

How do I know when the scones are done baking?

The scones should be golden brown on top, and if you gently tap the bottom, it should sound hollow.

Oven temperatures may vary, so keep an eye on them toward the end of the baking time.

Can I freeze the scone dough before baking?

Yes! You can freeze the formed scones before baking.

Just place them on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container.

When you’re ready to bake, you can bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Making cranberry orange scones is a delightful and simple way to enjoy a sweet treat at home.

With their perfect balance of tartness and zest, they bring a burst of flavor that’s sure to brighten your day.

Whether you savor them with a cup of coffee, tea, or as part of a breakfast spread, these scones are a delicious addition to your baking repertoire.

So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a batch of these delightful scones.

Enjoy every bite!

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