Cranberry Orange Scones

$- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 medium orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Egg wash ingredients (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) - Optional: Turbinado sugar for sprinkling Gathering the right ingredients is key to making perfect cranberry orange scones. First, choose high-quality all-purpose flour for a light texture. The granulated sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness, while baking powder helps the scones rise. The salt balances flavors and enhances the taste. Use cold unsalted butter, as it keeps the scones flaky. Dried cranberries bring a sweet-tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh zest of an orange. Heavy cream gives the scones richness, while the egg adds moisture and binds everything together. You can also add a touch of vanilla extract for depth. Finally, brushing the tops with an egg wash gives the scones a beautiful golden color. If you like, sprinkle some turbinado sugar on top for a nice crunch. This mix of ingredients creates a delightful treat you will love! 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for even baking. 2. Mixing dry ingredients In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Make sure there are no lumps. 3. Incorporating butter Add 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed, into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend it until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step gives the scones a light texture. 4. Adding cranberries and orange zest Next, stir in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries and the zest of 1 medium orange. Mix until they are evenly spread throughout the flour. The zest adds a fresh flavor that pairs well with the cranberries. 1. Whisking wet ingredients In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This mixture provides moisture to the dough. 2. Mixing the dough Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful! Overmixing can make your scones tough. 1. Forming the scones Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into triangles or use a round biscuit cutter to form scones. 2. Applying egg wash and sugar Place the scones on a prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with an egg wash made from 1 beaten egg mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. If you want, sprinkle with turbinado sugar for a crunchy top. 3. Baking time and indicators Bake for 15-20 minutes. The scones should be golden brown on top and bottom. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, fluffy scones! - Avoiding overmixing: Mix the dough gently. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want a light, flaky texture. - Proper technique for cutting scones: Use a sharp knife or biscuit cutter. Cut straight down without twisting. This keeps the edges sharp and helps the scones rise. - Suggested flavor add-ins: Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. A sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg can also boost flavor. - Serving suggestions: Serve warm with orange marmalade or clotted cream. A drizzle of honey adds a nice touch, too. - Creative ways to display scones: Use a rustic wooden board for a warm feel. A light dusting of powdered sugar makes them look fancy. - Pairing recommendations: Serve with a cup of tea or coffee. A splash of fresh orange juice complements the flavors perfectly. {{image_2}} For those with dietary needs, you can make gluten-free scones. Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour. This swap works well and keeps the texture light. If you need to avoid sugar, try using honey or maple syrup. These natural sweeteners add a nice flavor. You can also use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This makes the scones dairy-free while keeping them rich and moist. You can get creative with flavors. Adding different fruits can change the whole taste. Try blueberries or raspberries in place of cranberries. Both add sweetness and a pop of color. You might also want to add spices. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg brings warmth to the scones. These spices pair nicely with the orange zest, enhancing the overall flavor. You can tweak this recipe for holidays or seasons. In the fall, add pumpkin spice to the dough. It gives a cozy, festive feel. For spring, consider adding lemon zest for a fresh twist. During winter, you can add chopped dried figs or nuts. These ingredients can give a heartier touch. Each season offers a chance to play with flavors and create something new. To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps keep them soft. If you don’t have a container, wrap them well in plastic wrap. Store them at room temperature. Avoid keeping them in the fridge, as this can dry them out. Enjoy your scones within two days for the best taste. 1. First, let the scones cool completely. 2. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. 3. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. 4. Label the bag with the date. To thaw, take a scone out of the freezer and leave it at room temperature for about an hour. For a warm scone, heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Cranberry orange scones last about two days at room temperature. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to a week. However, the texture may suffer. For the best flavor and texture, eat them fresh or freeze them as soon as possible. How can I make my scones lighter and fluffier? To make your scones lighter, use cold ingredients. Cold butter and cream create steam, which helps the scones rise. Mix the dough gently. Overmixing can make them tough. Use baking powder for a good lift. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh cranberries. They add a nice tartness. However, fresh cranberries have more moisture. You may need to reduce the cream slightly. Also, chop them to avoid large pockets of tartness. What’s the difference between scones and biscuits? Scones are often sweeter and denser than biscuits. They may include eggs and cream, making them richer. Biscuits are usually flaky and light, with a buttery taste. Scones often have fruits or flavors mixed in, while biscuits are often plain. Can I prepare the dough ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge for 1-2 days. When ready, cut and bake the scones. You might need to adjust the baking time slightly. In this post, I shared how to make delicious cranberry orange scones. We covered essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for the best results. I also discussed variations to suit your taste and storage tips to keep them fresh. Now, you can enjoy these scones for breakfast or tea time. Experiment with flavors and presentations to make them your own. Enjoy baking and sharing these tasty treats with loved ones!$

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful taste of these Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones! Perfectly fluffy and bursting with flavor, these easy scones combine dried cranberries and zesty orange for a sweet treat that's ideal for breakfast or afternoon tea. Follow our simple step-by-step recipe to impress your friends and family. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking skills today!

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Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour

1/3 cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 medium orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon of water for brushing)

Optional: Turbinado sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

Add the cubed butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.

Cut the dough into triangles or use a round biscuit cutter to create scones. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Brush the tops of the scones with the egg wash and sprinkle with turbinado sugar if using.

Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the tops and bottoms.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 8 scones

- Presentation Tips: Serve the scones on a rustic wooden board, dusted lightly with powdered sugar, and paired with some orange marmalade or clotted cream for dipping. Enjoy with a cup of tea!