Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe: Easy & Delicious Bakery-Style Scones

Scones are a beloved treat, ideal for breakfast, tea time, or an indulgent snack. Their delightful combination of flakiness and subtle sweetness makes them an all-time favorite in many households. Today, we’re going to share a recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones, a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing with joy. These scones are incredibly easy to make and even more enjoyable to eat, with the tangy burst of dried cranberries and the fresh, zesty flavor of oranges.

Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, this recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating the perfect scones that will rival those found in your favorite bakery. So, grab your ingredients and let’s get baking!

Why Cranberry Orange Scones?

Cranberry orange scones are an ideal way to incorporate vibrant flavors into a traditional recipe. The combination of dried cranberries and orange zest provides a sweet yet tangy balance, making these scones perfect for any occasion. Cranberries are rich in antioxidants, and when paired with the citrusy zest of oranges, the flavor profile is elevated to new heights. The result? A delicious treat that’s not only flavorful but also visually stunning, with its beautiful hints of red and orange.

In this article, we will cover every aspect of making Cranberry Orange Scones, from gathering ingredients to baking the scones to perfection. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones

To make these irresistible scones, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tbsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• ½ cup dried cranberries (or fresh/frozen cranberries, chopped)
• 1 tbsp orange zest
• ½ cup heavy cream (plus extra for brushing)
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze (Optional):

• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
• ½ tsp orange zest

With these simple ingredients, you can create the perfect batch of Cranberry Orange Scones. The heavy cream gives the scones a rich texture, while the butter and flour create the perfect flakiness. The orange zest and dried cranberries provide the pop of flavor that makes these scones unique and irresistible.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Cranberry Orange Scones

Now that we’ve gathered all of our ingredients, let’s walk through the process of making these flavorful scones. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds, and the end result is so worth it!

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that the scones bake evenly and become golden brown on the outside while remaining soft and fluffy on the inside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup easy and prevent the scones from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. These dry ingredients form the base of the scone dough and will provide the structure and leavening needed for a light and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Next, it’s time to cut in the unsalted butter. Use cold butter that’s been cubed to ensure that your scones are flaky. Add the butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter (or your fingers) to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key to achieving the desired texture for the scones, so take your time.

Step 4: Add Cranberries & Orange Zest

Once your butter is well incorporated, stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest. The cranberries add a lovely tartness to each bite, while the orange zest infuses the dough with a fresh, citrusy aroma. If you’re using fresh or frozen cranberries, make sure to chop them into smaller pieces before adding them to the mixture.

Step 5: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture will provide moisture and richness to the dough. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could result in dense scones.

Step 6: Shape the Scones

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick circle, and then cut it into 8 wedges. You can also shape the dough into rounds if you prefer smaller scones. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other.

Step 7: Brush with Heavy Cream

To give your scones a beautiful golden finish, brush the tops with a little bit of extra heavy cream. This will help them bake to a lovely golden brown while also giving them a slightly glossy finish.

Step 8: Bake the Scones

Bake your scones for 15-18 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and have risen nicely. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overbake.

Step 9: Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the scones are baking, you can prepare the glaze if you wish to add a little extra sweetness. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest until smooth. Once your scones are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a beautiful, glossy finish.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the scones to cool slightly before serving. These scones are best enjoyed warm, either on their own or with a dollop of butter or jam. The combination of cranberry and orange flavors will make each bite feel like a little celebration.

Tips for Perfect Cranberry Orange Scones

To ensure your Cranberry Orange Scones turn out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:

1. Use Cold Butter: Cold butter is essential for creating flaky scones. Don’t let it soften before adding it to the dry ingredients.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: Handle the dough gently. Overworking it can lead to tough scones.
3. Add the Glaze for Extra Flavor: The glaze is optional, but it adds a sweet and citrusy finishing touch that takes these scones to the next level.
4. Try Different Types of Cranberries: You can use fresh, frozen, or dried cranberries for this recipe. Dried cranberries will give you a chewier texture, while fresh or frozen cranberries will provide a burst of juiciness.
5. Experiment with Other Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with other ingredients like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or even a touch of cinnamon for a unique twist.

FAQs About Cranberry Orange Scones

1. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried?

Yes, fresh cranberries work well in this recipe. Just be sure to chop them up into smaller pieces, as whole fresh cranberries can be a bit too tart and large for the scones.

2. Can I make these scones ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the dough, shape it into wedges, and freeze it. When you’re ready to bake, simply place the frozen scones on a baking sheet and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

3. Can I use buttermilk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute buttermilk for the heavy cream, but it will result in a slightly different texture. Buttermilk will give the scones a more tender crumb, while heavy cream provides a richer, flakier texture.

4. How do I store leftover scones?

To store leftover scones, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, you can freeze them for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven before serving.

Conclusion

There you have it — the perfect recipe for Cranberry Orange Scones that will impress your friends and family alike. These scones strike the perfect balance between sweet and tart, with a rich, buttery texture and a burst of citrus flavor. Whether you’re serving them at breakfast, tea time, or as a delightful snack, they are sure to be a hit.

By following the easy steps in this recipe and using a few key tips, you’ll be able to create scones that are bakery-worthy and full of flavor. So, the next time you’re craving a delicious and satisfying treat, whip up a batch of these Cranberry Orange Scones and enjoy every bite!

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