Cranberry Orange Scones

Meta Description: Learn how to make delicious cranberry orange scones with a perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange flavor. This easy recipe is ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack!

Introduction

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful treat to elevate your breakfast or brunch, look no further than cranberry orange scones. The perfect blend of tart cranberries and refreshing citrusy orange zest, these scones are soft, flaky, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy morning or a gathering with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.

In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these cranberry orange scones from scratch, offering helpful tips and tricks along the way.

Why You’ll Love This Cranberry Orange Scone Recipe

These scones are more than just delicious—they are versatile and perfect for a variety of occasions:

• Perfect for Breakfast or Brunch: Pair them with a cup of coffee or tea for a simple but delightful start to your day.
• Great for Holiday Baking: Cranberry and orange are classic holiday flavors, making these scones a festive addition to your table.
• Easy to Make: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, this recipe is great for beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients Needed for Cranberry Orange Scones

To make these cranberry orange scones, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (plus extra for sprinkling)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon orange zest
• 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries (dried cranberries work well too)
• 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (optional, for extra citrus flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

this recipe

1. Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Add Cranberries: Gently fold in the cranberries, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
7. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Using a sharp knife or bench scraper, cut the dough into 8 wedges.
8. Bake: Transfer the scones to the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle the tops with a little extra sugar. Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
9. Cool and Serve: Let the scones cool for a few minutes before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle them with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice.

Tips for Perfect Scones

• Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is key to creating the perfect flaky texture in scones. Don’t skip this step!
• Don’t Overmix: Overworking the dough can result in tough scones. Mix until just combined for a light, tender crumb.
• Add a Glaze: For an added burst of orange flavor, drizzle a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled scones.
• Substitute Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries are out of season, dried cranberries are a great substitute and will add a chewy texture to your scones.

Why Cranberry and Orange Make the Perfect Pairing

The combination of cranberries and orange is a match made in heaven. Cranberries bring a tart and slightly sweet flavor, while oranges add a burst of refreshing citrus. Together, they create a deliciously balanced taste that’s both bright and comforting, making them an ideal flavor duo for your scones.

Serving Suggestions

• With Tea or Coffee: These cranberry orange scones are perfect when served alongside a hot cup of tea or coffee.
• As a Snack: They make a great afternoon snack or can be packed into lunchboxes for a midday treat.
• For Special Occasions: Serve them at holiday gatherings, brunches, or when you have guests over—everyone will love them!

Conclusion

Cranberry orange scones are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of cranberries with the bright, zesty flavor of oranges. Easy to make, perfect for any occasion, and wonderfully versatile, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your baking repertoire. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast or sharing them with loved ones, these scones will never disappoint.

Give this recipe a try and enjoy the scrumptious, homemade goodness of cranberry orange Serving and Storage Tips for Cranberry Orange Scones

Serving Tips:

• Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve cranberry orange scones warm. Reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes to restore their flaky texture.
• Add a Glaze: Drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the scones for an extra burst of citrus flavor. It’s an easy way to elevate their sweetness.
• Pair with Beverages: These scones pair wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. They’re perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea.
• Top with Butter or Jam: While delicious on their own, cranberry orange scones can be even better with a spread of butter or fruit jam, such as orange marmalade or strawberry jam.

Storage Tips:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy your scones within a few days, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. This will help maintain their freshness and texture.
• Freezing for Later: If you have leftover scones or want to make them ahead of time, you can freeze them. Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw them at room temperature or warm them in the oven for a few minutes.
• Reheat for Freshness: To bring back the fresh, just-baked taste, reheat your scones in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if you’re in a hurry. This will ensure they remain moist and soft.

By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy your cranberry orange scones fresh or save them for later without losing their delightful taste and texture!

1. Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use frozen cranberries instead of fresh ones. Just make sure to keep them frozen until you add them to the dough. There’s no need to thaw them, as they will bake just fine and maintain their texture.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream with something else?
   If you don’t have heavy cream on hand, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, although the scones may be a bit less rich. For a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or a plant-based milk like almond milk.
3. How do I make the scones extra flaky?
   To achieve extra flaky scones, be sure to use cold butter and handle the dough gently. The key is not to overwork the dough. The colder the butter, the flakier your scones will be.
4. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. After mixing, wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, simply shape the scones, bake, and enjoy!

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