Orange Cranberry Scones

Introduction

There’s something so delightful about starting the day with a warm, flaky scone. And when you add the zesty burst of orange and the tartness of cranberries, you’ve got the perfect combination for a delicious breakfast treat or afternoon snack. Orange Cranberry Scones are the perfect blend of sweet and tangy, with a hint of citrusy brightness. Whether you’re sipping your morning coffee, hosting a brunch, or just craving something cozy, these scones are sure to hit the spot. They’re quick to whip up, and the citrusy aroma that fills your kitchen while they bake is absolutely irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s so much to love about these Orange Cranberry Scones:

• Citrusy Twist: The combination of fresh orange zest and a hint of juice brings a bright and refreshing flavor to every bite.
• Flaky Texture: These scones have the perfect balance of tenderness and flakiness, creating that ideal melt-in-your-mouth experience.
• Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll have scones in no time, even if you’re a beginner baker.
• Sweet and Tangy: The tart cranberries are balanced by the sweetness of the dough and the glaze, making each bite delightful.
• Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as an afternoon pick-me-up with a cup of tea or coffee.
• Freezer-Friendly: These scones can be frozen, making them an excellent make-ahead option.

Preparation Time and Cook Time

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 8 scones
• Calories per scone: Approximately 230 calories

Ingredients

For the scones, gather these simple ingredients:

the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into cubes
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh if preferred)
• Zest of 1 large orange
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice

For the Glaze:

• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons fresh orange juice (more if needed for consistency)
• Zest of 1/2 orange (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Scone Dough

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your hands, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also pulse this in a food processor for a quicker method.
4. Add the Cranberries and Orange Zest: Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice.
6. Form the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones dense.
7. Shape the Scones: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the dough into 8 wedges.
8. Prepare for Baking: Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish.

Bake the Scones

1. Bake: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Cool: Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Orange Glaze

1. Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add a little more orange juice until you reach the desired consistency.
2. Drizzle the Glaze: Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of each scone. Optionally, garnish with a bit of orange zest for an extra citrus punch.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the scones warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the lovely combination of flavors with a hot cup of tea or coffee.

How to Serve

These Orange Cranberry Scones are perfect for:

1. A Morning Treat: Serve them for breakfast with a cup of coffee or tea.
2. Brunch: Add these to a brunch spread alongside scrambled eggs, fruit, or yogurt.
3. A Holiday Gathering: Their festive flavor and appearance make them ideal for a holiday table or a gift for friends and family.
4. Afternoon Snack: Enjoy them with your afternoon tea for a sweet, citrusy pick-me-up.
5. On-the-Go: Wrap them individually for an easy grab-and-go breakfast or snack.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips for the best scones:

1. Cold Butter is Key: Make sure the butter is very cold when you mix it in with the flour. This will help create the signature flaky texture in your scones.
2. Don’t Overmix: Stir the dough gently and stop once it’s combined. Overworking the dough can make the scones dense.
3. Use Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the scones richness and helps with the flakiness. If you don’t have it, you can substitute with buttermilk or whole milk, but the texture might be slightly different.
4. Freeze for Later: If you have extra scones, freeze them after baking. Just pop them in the microwave for a few seconds or reheat them in the oven for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.
5. Add Nuts: If you love nuts, try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for extra crunch and flavor.

Recipe Variations

If you want to get creative with this recipe, here are some variations to try:

• Use Fresh Cranberries: If you prefer fresh cranberries, you can substitute them for the dried cranberries. Just make sure to chop them up a bit and adjust the sugar slightly to balance the tartness.
• Add a Streusel Topping: For an extra touch of sweetness, top the scones with a streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter before baking.
• Make It Lighter: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
• Spices: Experiment by adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a dash of ginger to the dough for a spiced version of these scones.
• Add White Chocolate: For a sweeter scone, try adding white chocolate chips along with the cranberries.

Freezing and Storage

To store your scones:

• Room Temperature: Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: If you live in a warm area, you can store them in the fridge for up to a week.
• Freezing: Freeze the scones after baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer bag. They will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Reheat them by popping them in the oven for a few minutes to restore their freshness.

Special Equipment

Here are the tools you’ll need to make these scones:

• Baking Sheet: For baking the scones.
• Mixing Bowls: For combining dry and wet ingredients.
• Pastry Cutter or Food Processor: To cut the butter into the flour mixture.
• Sharp Knife or Pizza Cutter: To cut the dough into wedges.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the scones evenly.
• Small Bowl: To make the glaze.

FAQ Section

Here are answers to some common questions about Orange Cranberry Scones:

• Can I make the dough ahead of time? Yes! You can make the dough, shape it into a circle, wrap it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze the shaped scones before baking—just bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
• Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Just do not thaw them before adding to the dough. They may bleed a little into the dough, but they will still bake up beautifully.
• How can I make these scones dairy-free? You can use a non-dairy butter substitute and a plant-based cream (like coconut cream or oat cream) in place of the heavy cream.

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Conclusion

These Orange Cranberry Scones are a cozy, delicious treat that’ll brighten up your day with their citrusy and tart flavors. The combination of zesty orange and tangy cranberries creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness in every bite. With their buttery, flaky texture, these scones are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or any time you want to indulge in something sweet.

Plus, the kitchen will smell absolutely divine as they bake, filling your home with warmth and comfort. Whether you’re enjoying them with a hot cup of tea, coffee, or just on their own, these scones are sure to become a new favorite. I hope you enjoy making (and eating) these scones as much as I do! Don’t forget to snap a photo and tag me on social media—I love seeing your delicious creations! Happy baking!