Name: Cranberry Orange Scones
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 tbsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup cold butter (cut into small pieces); 1 cup fresh cranberries (can substitute with dried if needed); Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tbsp orange juice

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Oh, let me tell you about these cranberry orange scones! They’re my go-to treat for breakfast or a delightful snack, and I promise you, they’re a game changer. The balance of tart cranberries and sweet, bright orange zest creates a flavor explosion that dances on your taste buds. I remember the first time I made them – the kitchen filled with that heavenly citrus aroma, and it felt like a cozy hug on a chilly morning. Seriously, there’s nothing like enjoying a warm scone with a cup of tea or coffee. They’re perfect for sharing at brunch with friends or just indulging in a quiet moment at home. Plus, you can whip them up in about 45 minutes, making them an easy yet impressive addition to any meal. Trust me, once you try these cranberry orange scones, you’ll want to make them again and again!

Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to baking these delightful cranberry orange scones. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Scone Mixture

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup cold butter, cut into small pieces
1 cup fresh cranberries (you can substitute with dried cranberries if you prefer)
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup heavy cream

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tbsp orange juice

How to Prepare Cranberry Orange Scones

Making these cranberry orange scones is easier than you might think! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a batch of scrumptious scones ready to enjoy in no time.

Preheat the Oven

First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 400°F (200°C) and while it warms up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures your scones won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Grab a whisk and give it a good stir to make sure everything’s well mixed. Now, here’s the fun part – cut in the cold butter! Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. You want those little bits of butter to stay intact for that flaky texture!

Combine Wet Ingredients

Next, toss in the fresh cranberries and the delightful orange zest. These ingredients add so much flavor! Now, pour in the heavy cream and gently stir until the dough just comes together. Don’t overmix; you want a tender scone, not a tough one!

Shape the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. With floured hands, gently knead it just a couple of times to bring it all together. Pat the dough into a circle about 1 inch thick. Then, grab a knife or a bench scraper and cut it into wedges – think pizza style! You should get about 8 scones out of this dough.

Bake the Scones

Place the scones on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re a bit spaced out. Slide them into the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re beautifully golden brown on top. You’ll know they’re ready when your kitchen fills with that irresistible scent of orange and cranberry!

Prepare the Glaze

While the scones are baking, let’s whip up that sweet glaze! In a small bowl, mix the powdered sugar with the orange juice until it’s smooth and pourable. As soon as the scones come out of the oven, drizzle that lovely glaze over them while they’re still warm. Oh boy, the combination of warm scones and that zesty glaze is simply divine!

Nutritional Information

Now, I know we all love a delicious treat, but it’s nice to have a bit of insight into what we’re munching on, right? Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one of these delightful cranberry orange scones:

Calories: 200
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 20mg
Sodium: 150mg
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 50mg
Iron: 1mg

Keep in mind these values are estimates based on typical ingredients used, so feel free to adjust as you experiment with your own variations. Enjoy every bite of these scrumptious scones, knowing they pack in some delightful flavors alongside a bit of nutrition!

Tips for Success

Want to make sure your cranberry orange scones turn out perfectly every time? Here are my top tips to help you achieve scone perfection!

Keep everything cold: Use cold butter and heavy cream to achieve that flaky texture. If your kitchen is warm, try chilling your mixing bowl and utensils too!
Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until they come together. This keeps the scones tender. If you overmix, they’ll be tough – and nobody wants that!
Use fresh cranberries: Fresh cranberries give a wonderful tartness and moisture. If you can’t find them, dried cranberries work, but you might want to reduce the sugar slightly.
Watch the baking time: Ovens can vary, so keep an eye on your scones as they bake. They should be golden brown on top and slightly firm to the touch.
Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to add your twist! Try mixing in chopped nuts, different fruits, or spices like cinnamon for a unique flavor profile.
Serve warm: These scones are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or lightly warmed. They pair deliciously with butter, jam, or a bit of clotted cream!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’ll be making scrumptious cranberry orange scones that your family and friends will rave about. Happy baking!

Variations

One of the best things about these cranberry orange scones is how adaptable they are! You can easily switch up the flavors to create your own unique twist. Here are some fun variations to try:

Berry Medley: Swap out the cranberries for a mix of fresh blueberries and raspberries. The sweetness from the berries will give a whole new dimension to your scones!
Nutty Delight: Add in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch. Toasting the nuts beforehand will enhance their flavor even more!
Spiced Pumpkin: For a fall-inspired treat, substitute 1/2 cup of mashed pumpkin for the heavy cream and add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice. You’ll have a cozy autumn vibe right in your kitchen!
Chocolate Chip Bliss: If you’re feeling indulgent, throw in some dark chocolate chips or white chocolate chips along with the cranberries. The sweet chocolate will perfectly complement the tartness of the cranberries.
Herb-Infused: For a savory twist, try adding fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme. Just a teaspoon of finely chopped herbs can elevate your scones into a delightful savory snack!
Citrus Zing: Mix in additional citrus zest, like lemon or lime, for an even brighter flavor. This pairs beautifully with the cranberries and adds a refreshing touch.

Feel free to experiment and make these scones your own! Each variation brings a new experience, and you might just discover your new favorite flavor combination. Happy baking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you’ve whipped up a batch of these luscious cranberry orange scones, let’s talk about how to elevate your meal experience! There’s nothing quite like enjoying these scones with a few delightful accompaniments. Here are my top serving suggestions to pair with your freshly baked treat:

Fresh Fruit: Serve your scones with a colorful assortment of fresh fruit like sliced strawberries, blueberries, or a citrus salad. The freshness complements the scones beautifully!
Clotted Cream or Butter: A generous dollop of clotted cream or a smear of softened butter adds a luxurious touch. The creaminess balances the tartness of the cranberries perfectly.
Homemade Jam: Consider offering a selection of homemade jams or preserves. Orange marmalade or raspberry jam are fantastic choices that play up the fruity flavors of the scones.
Yogurt Parfait: Create a yogurt parfait layered with Greek yogurt, honey, and granola. This makes for a delightful contrast to the scones and packs in extra protein!
Hot Beverages: Don’t forget a warm drink! A pot of freshly brewed tea, coffee, or even a cozy hot chocolate pairs wonderfully with scones, making for a comforting afternoon treat.
Cheese Selection: For a savory twist, serve with a cheese platter featuring creamy brie or tangy goat cheese. The combination of cheese and scones is surprisingly delightful!

These serving suggestions will not only enhance your meal but also impress your guests. Whether it’s a casual brunch or a cozy afternoon snack, you can’t go wrong with these pairings. Enjoy every bite and sip!

FAQ about Cranberry Orange Scones

Can I use dried cranberries instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Dried cranberries can be a great substitute if fresh ones aren’t available. Just keep in mind that dried cranberries are sweeter than fresh, so you might want to reduce the sugar a tad to balance the flavors. Also, let them soak in warm water for about 10 minutes before adding them to the dough. This little step helps rehydrate them, making them plump and juicy, just like fresh cranberries!

How do I store leftover scones?

To keep those scrumptious scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. They’ll stay good for about 2-3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in the fridge. Just remember to let them come to room temperature or warm them briefly in the oven before serving for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste!

Can I freeze cranberry orange scones?

You bet! Freezing scones is a fantastic way to enjoy them later. Once they’ve cooled completely, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a zip-top freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, simply take them out, let them thaw at room temperature, and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. They’ll taste just as amazing as when they were freshly baked!

What to Do Next

Now that you’ve baked up a batch of these delightful cranberry orange scones, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you! Did you enjoy the zesty burst of orange and the tartness of the cranberries? Your feedback means the world to me, so please take a moment to leave a comment below. I’m always excited to know your thoughts and any tweaks you made to the recipe!

If you loved this recipe, why not share it with your friends and family? Spread the joy of baking by posting about your scone-making adventure on social media! Tag me in your photos, and let’s connect over our shared love for delicious treats. Don’t forget to rate the recipe too – your ratings help others find this scrumptious gem!

Happy baking, and I can’t wait to hear from you! Whether you’re enjoying these scones with a friend or savoring them all by yourself, remember, there’s always room for a little more sweetness in our lives. Check out more recipes on Pinterest!