Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits with Orange Butter

These Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits with Orange Butter are a delightful twist on classic biscuits, combining the tartness of cranberries, the warmth of cinnamon, and the zesty freshness of orange butter. Baked in a cast-iron skillet for a golden, crispy exterior, these biscuits are soft, fluffy, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack. The orange butter adds a bright, citrusy finish that ties everything together beautifully!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Sweet and tangy – Cranberries and cinnamon create a perfect flavor balance.
• Warm and cozy – Perfect for chilly mornings or holiday gatherings.
• Easy to make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps.
• Impressive presentation – Baked in a skillet for a rustic, eye-catching look.
• Customizable – Swap cranberries for other fruits or add nuts for extra texture.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the biscuits:

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• Buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
• Fresh or dried cranberries

For the orange butter:

• Unsalted butter, softened
• Orange zest
• Powdered sugar
• Fresh orange juice

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a cast-iron skillet.
2. Make the biscuit dough:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the buttermilk until just combined, then fold in the cranberries.
3. Shape the biscuits:
   Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times. Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut out biscuits using a round cutter or the rim of a glass.
4. Bake in the skillet:
   Arrange the biscuits in the prepared skillet, leaving a little space between each one. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown on top.
5. Make the orange butter:
   While the biscuits bake, mix the softened butter, orange zest, powdered sugar, and a splash of orange juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy.
6. Serve and enjoy:
   Serve the warm biscuits with a dollop of orange butter on top or on the side. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 8-10 biscuits
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 18 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

• Nutty twist: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the biscuit dough.
• Different fruit: Swap cranberries for blueberries, raisins, or chopped apples.
• Spiced butter: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the orange butter.
• Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Vegan option: Use plant-based butter and milk.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store biscuits in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• Freezing: Freeze unbaked biscuits on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen cranberries?
  Yes, but thaw and pat them dry before using.
• Can I make the dough ahead of time?
  Yes, prepare the dough and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
• What can I use instead of buttermilk?
  Mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes.
• Is this recipe gluten-free?
  Use a gluten-free flour blend to make it gluten-free.
• Can I make this vegan?
  Use plant-based butter and milk.
• What can I serve with these biscuits?
  Enjoy them with coffee, tea, or as part of a brunch spread.

Conclusion
These Cranberry-Cinnamon Skillet Biscuits with Orange Butter are a warm, flavorful, and comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their fluffy texture, tart cranberries, and zesty orange butter, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, brunch, or a snack, these biscuits are guaranteed to bring smiles. Enjoy!

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