ADVERTISEMENT
These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, with bursts of tart cranberries and refreshing orange zest in every bite. They’re flaky, buttery, and golden on the outside, while remaining tender on the inside. Enjoy them with your morning coffee or serve them at your next holiday gathering!
Ingredients:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, coarsely chopped
- 1-2 tbsp orange juice (for brushing the tops)
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven & Prepare Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the Scone Dough:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Add the cold cubed butter and use a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingers to cut the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix—this will keep your scones light and tender.
- Fold in the chopped cranberries, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- Shape the Scones:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
- Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle.
- Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza).
- Prepare for Baking:
- Place the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each piece.
- Brush the tops of the scones with a little orange juice to help them brown nicely.
- Bake the Scones:
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Glaze (optional):
- While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones for a sweet finish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the scones warm or at room temperature with tea, coffee, or as a breakfast treat. Enjoy the perfect combination of tangy cranberries and sweet orange flavor!
Tips for Success:
- Chill the Butter: Ensure your butter is cold to create a flaky texture. If needed, pop it in the freezer for a few minutes before cutting it into the dough.
- Cranberry Tip: If you’re using frozen cranberries, don’t thaw them—add them directly to the dough. This helps prevent them from bleeding into the dough too much.
- Don’t Overmix: The key to tender scones is mixing just until combined. Overworking the dough can result in dense scones.
- Make-Ahead: You can freeze the scone dough before baking. Just shape the wedges, freeze them on a baking sheet, and store them in a freezer bag. When ready to bake, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
These Best Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect blend of sweetness, tartness, and citrusy brightness. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for a comforting, delicious treat that will fill your kitchen with warmth and joy!
ADVERTISEMENT