These cranberry orange scones are tender, buttery, and packed with bright, zesty flavors. They feature a perfect balance of tart cranberries and sweet, citrusy orange, making them an ideal treat for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon snack.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Delightfully Flavorful: The combination of tangy cranberries and orange zest creates a harmonious burst of flavor.
- Easy to Make: These scones come together quickly with simple pantry staples.
- Perfect Texture: Buttery, flaky, and moistโeverything a good scone should be.
- Customizable: Add nuts, glaze, or other fruits to suit your taste preferences.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and enjoy anytime with minimal effort.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Unsalted butter
- Fresh cranberries
- Orange zest
- Heavy cream
- Egg
- Vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead a few times to bring it together.
- Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick and cut into wedges. Transfer to the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops with cream and sprinkle with sugar if desired.
- Bake for 15โ20 minutes, or until golden brown. Let cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 8 scones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15โ20 minutes
- Total Time: 30โ35 minutes
Variations
- Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch.
- Glaze It: Drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice over the scones.
- Dried Cranberries: If fresh cranberries arenโt available, use dried ones; soak them in warm water to plump them up before adding to the dough.
- Lemon Twist: Substitute orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: Mix in white or dark chocolate chips for a sweet surprise.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Freeze scones individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm scones in a 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) oven for 5โ7 minutes or in the microwave for about 20 seconds.
FAQs
How do I ensure my scones are tender?
Use cold butter and handle the dough minimally to avoid overworking it, which can make the scones tough.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well. Add them to the dough directly without thawing to prevent excess moisture.
Whatโs the best way to cut butter into the flour?
A pastry cutter works best, but you can also use your fingers or a food processor. Be careful not to overmix.
Can I make these scones gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking.
Do I have to use heavy cream?
Heavy cream ensures a rich and tender texture, but you can substitute it with full-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative if needed.
Why is my dough too sticky?
Overmixing or measuring errors can cause stickiness. Add a little extra flour, one tablespoon at a time, until manageable.
How can I keep the scones from spreading?
Chill the shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking to firm up the butter and prevent spreading.
Can I prepare the dough in advance?
Yes, shape the scones and refrigerate them overnight. Bake directly from the fridge the next day.
What can I serve with cranberry orange scones?
Pair them with clotted cream, butter, jam, or a drizzle of honey. A cup of tea or coffee complements them perfectly.
Are these scones sweet or savory?
They are mildly sweet, with a hint of tartness from the cranberries, making them versatile for different accompaniments.
Conclusion
Cranberry orange scones are an effortless way to elevate your mornings or tea time. Their delightful flavor, versatility, and easy preparation make them a go-to recipe for any occasion. Whether you enjoy them plain or dressed up with glaze, these scones are sure to become a household favorite. Bake a batch today and savor the perfect harmony of cranberry and orange in every bite!
PrintCranberry Orange Scones
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Total Time: 30-33 minutes
- Yield: 8 scones 1x
- Category: Breakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These scones are slightly crisp and flaky on the outside, with a moist center bursting with cranberry and orange flavors. Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon snack.
Ingredients
- For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, frozen
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 1/3 cup heavy whipping cream, plus extra for brushing
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries, halved if large
- For the Glaze:
- 2/3 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed orange juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:ย Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients:ย In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Incorporate Butter:ย Grate the frozen butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or fork to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Chill the bowl in the refrigerator while preparing the wet ingredients.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:ย In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, sour cream, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.
- Combine Mixtures:ย Pour the wet ingredients into the chilled dry mixture. Gently stir until just combined and the dough starts to come together. Fold in the cranberries.
- Shape Dough:ย Transfer the dough onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently shape it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Cut the circle into 8 equal wedges.
- Prepare for Baking:ย Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with a bit of heavy cream.
- Bake:ย Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden on the edges. Remove from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes.
- Prepare Glaze:ย While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Adjust the consistency as needed by adding more powdered sugar or juice.
- Glaze Scones:ย Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones. Allow the glaze to set before serving.
Notes
- Butter:ย Using frozen butter and incorporating it into the dry ingredients helps create a flaky texture.
- Cranberries:ย If using dried cranberries, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding to the dough.
- Storage:ย Scones are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed scones for up to three months. Thaw and warm them before glazing and serving.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *