Why Make This Recipe
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful combination of tart cranberries and zesty orange, making them perfect for breakfast or a snack. They are easy to make and can bring warmth and a touch of sweetness to your day. Whether you are hosting guests or simply treating yourself, these scones are sure to impress.
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
- Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
- While the scones bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones
Serve these scones warm, straight from the oven. They pair wonderfully with tea or coffee. You can enjoy them as they are, or add a bit of butter for extra flavor.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Scones
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just be sure to wrap them well!
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
- Use cold butter for a tender texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix just until combined for light scones.
- Feel free to add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for a different twist.
Variation
You can substitute dried cranberries if fresh ones are not available. You can also try adding a hint of cinnamon for a warm spice flavor that pairs nicely with the orange.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just make sure to chop them and do not thaw before adding to the dough.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the dough, shape it into a circle, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.
3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can use buttermilk or milk as a substitute, but the scones may not be as rich and tender.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced Use cold for a tender texture.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries, chopped Frozen cranberries can be used if needed.
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream Can substitute with buttermilk or milk.
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice Adjust for desired consistency.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold diced butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
Mixing
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Shaping and Baking
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently. Pat into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges.
- Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until lightly golden.
Glazing
- While the scones bake, prepare the glaze by mixing powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm scones and enjoy!