Hey there! I’m absolutely buzzing to share with you a fantastic recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones. These delightful treats bring together the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing zing of orange zest, creating a beautiful balance that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or that afternoon tea you’ve been dreaming about. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out in your kitchen adventures, I promise you’ll find joy in every step of the process. So, grab your apron, and let’s dive into the scrumptious world of baking!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should you give these scones a try? First off, they’re incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for those busy mornings when you crave something homemade but don’t have too much time on your hands. Plus, nothing beats the tantalizing aroma of freshly baked scones wafting through your kitchen.
These Cranberry Orange Scones are bursting with flavor and offer a delightful texture that is simultaneously crumbly and soft. The combination of cranberries and orange is an absolute classic and will surely impress your family and friends. They’re ideal for a cozy coffee date, a special brunch gathering, or just a quiet afternoon treat. Each bite is like a hug from the inside, and don’t we all need a little more warmth in our lives?
How to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
Making these delightful scones is as simple as it gets! Here’s how you can make them in just a few easy steps.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup frozen butter, grated
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the grated frozen butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for getting that flaky texture we all love in a scone!
Fold in the cranberries and orange zest. The orange zest will make your kitchen smell heavenly, and the cranberries will add a touch of tartness.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. The vanilla really elevates the flavor, trust me!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix, it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Aim for a nice, even thickness to ensure they bake consistently.
Cut into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Feel free to brush the tops with a little cream for added browning.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown. You’ll know they’re ready when they look beautiful and smell incredible!
Allow to cool slightly before serving. This is the hardest part because the smell might just be too tempting!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones
Serving these scones is just as delightful as making them! They shine best when served warm, perhaps alongside a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream. You could also pair them with a drizzle of honey or your favorite jam for an extra touch of sweetness.
For a brunch-worthy presentation, serve them on a pretty platter with fresh fruit and a selection of teas or coffees. Now that’s a spread worth showing off!
How to Store Cranberry Orange Scones
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best enjoyed within a couple of days, but if you need to store them longer, you might consider freezing them. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. They should last for about a month in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, just pop them in the oven for a few minutes to warm them up!
Tips to Make Cranberry Orange Scones
Use Frozen Butter: Grating frozen butter ensures that it stays cold, which is key to achieving that flaky texture in your scones.
Don’t Overmix: It’s okay to have a few lumps in your dough. Overmixing can lead to tough scones, and nobody wants that!
Chill the Dough: If you have time, chill your dough for about 15 minutes before cutting it. This helps in maintaining its shape and gives you a better rise.
Experiment with Mix-Ins: Feel free to swap out the cranberries for other fruits like blueberries or raspberries, or add in some nuts for an additional crunch.
Variation
Want to switch things up a bit? Try adding a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the scones after they cool. It adds a lovely sweetness and enhances that orange flavor. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon in the dry ingredients for an extra layer of warmth.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried ones?
Absolutely! Fresh cranberries are perfect for this recipe, but keep in mind they are more tart than their dried counterparts. You might want to adjust the sugar slightly to compensate for the tartness.
2. Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and chill it in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before cutting and baking.
3. What’s the best way to reheat scones?
The best way to reheat them is in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes. This helps bring back their fresh-baked taste and warmth.
So, there you have it! Cranberry Orange Scones are a simple yet delightful treat to make and share. I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of baking these beauties. Happy baking, my friends!
Print
Cranberry Orange Scones
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful scones with the tartness of cranberries and the refreshing zing of orange zest, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup frozen butter, grated
- 1/2 cup cranberries, fresh or dried
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, cold
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Add the grated frozen butter to the dry ingredients and mix until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Fold in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or jam. Store in an airtight container for freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Baked Goods
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 40mg