Description of this recipe
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange, baked into a tender and crumbly treat. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these scones are incredibly easy to make and offer a burst of vibrant flavors in every bite. The addition of a sweet orange glaze elevates them to a truly special indulgence.
Why you will love this recipe
You’ll absolutely adore these scones because they bring together the best of both worlds: comforting textures and bright, invigorating flavors. The slight tartness of the cranberries pairs beautifully with the sweet and citrusy orange, creating a balanced and delicious taste. They’re incredibly versatile, perfect for a cozy weekend breakfast, a holiday brunch centerpiece, or a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, the recipe is straightforward, requiring minimal effort to achieve impressive results. The aroma that fills your kitchen as these bake is simply divine, promising a treat that’s as enjoyable to make as it is to eat. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice in the kitchen, these Cranberry Orange Scones are guaranteed to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
- 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, measured then sifted
- 1 Tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 3 Tbsp orange juice
- 2 Tbsp fresh orange zest
- 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/4 cups fresh cranberries
Glaze:
- 1/3 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tsp orange juice
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. This prevents the scones from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Cube 7 tablespoons of the unsalted butter and place the cubes into the freezer until needed. Reserve the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Freezing the butter is crucial for creating the flaky, crumbly texture characteristic of good scones.
Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the baking powder. Sifting the flour ensures there are no lumps, resulting in a lighter scone.
Step 4: Add the frozen, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, a fork, or your fingertips, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Work quickly to prevent the butter from melting. The small pieces of cold butter create steam as they bake, which helps create the desired flaky layers.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined. The sugar helps to tenderize the scones, while the eggs bind the ingredients together.
Step 6: Add the orange juice, fresh orange zest, and heavy whipping cream to the egg mixture. Whisk until everything is thoroughly combined. The orange zest provides a burst of citrusy aroma and flavor, complementing the cranberries perfectly. The heavy cream adds richness and moisture to the scones.
Step 7: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries into the wet ingredients. Be careful not to crush the cranberries, as they will release their juices and potentially make the dough too wet.
Step 8: Create a well in the center of the flour mixture. Pour the wet mixture into the well and mix until the mixture just begins to come together. The mixture should be crumbly and slightly shaggy. Avoid overmixing, as this will develop the gluten in the flour and result in tough scones.
Step 9: Lightly sprinkle your workspace with flour. Turn the scone batter out onto the floured surface and gently shape it into an 8-inch disk. Handle the dough with care, as overworking it can lead to dense scones.
Step 10: Using a pastry scraper or a sharp knife, divide the disk into eight evenly sized scones. The scones can be cut into triangles or squares, depending on your preference.
Step 11: Transfer the scones onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. This allows for even baking and prevents them from sticking together.
Step 12: Melt the reserved 1 tablespoon of butter. Brush the melted butter over the tops of the scones. The melted butter adds flavor and helps the scones brown beautifully.
Step 13: Sprinkle the tops of the scones with coarse sugar, such as turbinado or sanding sugar. This adds a touch of sweetness and a delightful crunch to the finished scones.
Step 14: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep a close eye on the scones during the last few minutes of baking to prevent them from burning.
Step 15: While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Step 16: Once the scones are out of the oven, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 17: Drizzle the cooled scones with the orange glaze. The glaze adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful finishing touch to the scones.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these Cranberry Orange Scones warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter, clotted cream, or a dollop of whipped cream. They pair perfectly with a cup of coffee, tea, or a glass of orange juice. These scones are also a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a holiday dessert table.
Tips:
- For the best texture, use very cold butter and avoid overmixing the dough.
- If you don’t have fresh cranberries, you can use frozen cranberries. Do not thaw them before using.
- Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dough for a warm, spicy twist.
- For a richer flavor, use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar.
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them briefly in the oven or microwave before serving.
- You can freeze unbaked scones for up to 2 months. Freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few minutes to the baking time.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per scone, approximate)
Calories: 320
Protein: 5g
Sodium: 250mg
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their tender crumb, bright flavors, and simple preparation, they’re sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re enjoying them for breakfast, brunch, or a sweet afternoon snack, these scones offer a taste of homemade goodness that’s hard to resist. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to bake up a batch of these irresistible Cranberry Orange Scones!
Questions and Answers about Cranberry Orange Scones:
Q1: Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh cranberries?
A: While fresh cranberries are recommended for their texture and moisture content, you can substitute dried cranberries if needed. Rehydrate them by soaking them in warm water or orange juice for about 10-15 minutes before adding them to the dough. This will help prevent them from being too dry and chewy in the baked scones.
Q2: How do I prevent my scones from being too dry?
A: Several factors contribute to dry scones. First, ensure you’re using the correct ratio of wet to dry ingredients. Avoid overmeasuring the flour, as too much flour can lead to dry scones. Also, be careful not to overbake the scones. Bake them until they are just golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Finally, using good-quality butter and heavy cream can add moisture and richness to the scones.
Q3: Can I make these scones ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Wrap the dough tightly in plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out. When you’re ready to bake, simply shape the dough into a disk, cut out the scones, and bake as directed. You can also freeze the unbaked scones for longer storage.
Q4: What can I use if I don’t have orange zest?
A: If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can substitute orange extract or orange oil for the zest. Use about 1/2 teaspoon of orange extract or a few drops of orange oil for every 2 tablespoons of orange zest. Keep in mind that the flavor may not be as vibrant as using fresh zest.
Q5: Can I add nuts to these scones?
A: Absolutely! Adding nuts can enhance the flavor and texture of these scones. Consider adding about 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the dough along with the cranberries. Toast the nuts lightly before adding them for a richer flavor.
