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Here are the ingredients you need to make delicious cranberry orange scones: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon fine salt - 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze) These simple ingredients blend to create a burst of flavor. The cranberries add tartness, while the orange zest brightens each bite. The heavy cream gives the scones a rich texture. Using cold butter creates those perfect flaky layers. When sourcing your ingredients, opt for fresh cranberries if possible. They provide a wonderful pop of flavor. If fresh ones are out of season, dried cranberries work just fine. You can also use organic sugar for a cleaner taste. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to start baking! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for the perfect bake. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes clean-up easy. In a large bowl, mix the dry ingredients. Combine 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of fine salt. Whisk them together well. This helps the scones rise nicely. Next, add 6 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend it in. Keep blending until the mixture has pea-sized crumbs. This texture gives the scones their flakiness. Now, gently fold in 1/2 cup of cranberries and the zest of 1 large orange. Make sure to mix evenly. This gives the scones their fruity and zesty flavor. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until it is well combined. This mixture will add moisture to your dough. Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mix. Use a spatula to stir gently. Be careful not to over-mix. Over-mixing can make the scones tough. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently a few times. Shape it into a circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges, like a pizza. Place them on the baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Bake the scones for about 15-20 minutes. Look for a light golden brown color on the edges. As they bake, your kitchen will fill with a wonderful aroma. This means they are almost ready! For light and fluffy scones, use cold butter. Cut it into small cubes and mix it quickly. You want to see small butter pieces in the dough. This creates air pockets as they bake. Avoid over-mixing. Mix until just combined. This keeps your scones tender and not tough. Store leftover scones in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about two days. If you want to keep them longer, freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. Serve these scones warm for the best taste. They pair well with tea or coffee. Try adding a dollop of clotted cream or butter. Fresh fruit, like strawberries or blueberries, adds a nice touch. Enjoy them for breakfast or as a snack during the day. The citrus flavor makes them perfect for brunch! Pro Tips Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are cold to create flaky layers in your scones. Don’t Overmix: Gently combine the wet and dry ingredients to avoid tough scones; a light touch is key! Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add nuts or other dried fruits for a personalized touch to your scones. Serve Warm: These scones are best enjoyed warm, so serve them fresh out of the oven for the ultimate experience. {{image_4}} You can swap fresh cranberries for other dried fruits. Dried cherries, blueberries, or raisins work well. They add a sweet twist to the scones. Just keep the amount the same. You will still get a tasty treat! Adding nuts or seeds gives a nice crunch. Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds are great choices. You can also try pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds. Mix in about half a cup with the cranberries. This extra texture makes each bite exciting! To make these scones gluten-free, use a gluten-free flour blend. Look for one that has xanthan gum in it. This helps the scones hold together. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly. Start with the same amount and add more if the dough is dry. Enjoy your gluten-free cranberry orange scones! Store your cranberry orange scones in an airtight container. They stay fresh for about 2-3 days at room temperature. To keep them soft, place a slice of bread in the container. The bread will help maintain moisture. For longer storage, freeze your scones. First, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. They will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat scones in the oven for the best results. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for 10-15 minutes. This restores their fresh-baked taste and texture. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit chewy. Heat them for about 15-20 seconds. Enjoy your delicious scones warm! You can use whole milk or half-and-half. These options work well in scones. If you want a thicker texture, add a bit of butter to the milk. This will help mimic heavy cream's richness. Yes, you can use frozen cranberries! Just make sure to thaw them before mixing. This will help them blend better in the dough. If you use them frozen, the scones may bake longer due to extra moisture. To reduce sweetness, cut back on sugar. Try using 1/4 cup of granulated sugar instead of 1/3 cup. You can also skip the glaze if you want a less sweet scone. The orange zest will still add a nice flavor. Serve these scones warm for the best taste. Pair them with butter or clotted cream. They also taste great with tea or coffee. For a special touch, add fresh orange slices or berries on the side. Cranberry orange scones stay fresh for about 2 days at room temperature. Store them in an airtight container to keep them soft. You can freeze them for up to a month. Just reheat before serving for the best flavor. We covered the key ingredients and steps to make delicious cranberry orange scones. You learned how to mix, bake, and even store them. Explore variations and tips to make them your own. Scones are a tasty treat at any time of day. Enjoy them fresh or with your favorite spread. With these simple steps, you can impress friends and family. Now, it's time to bake and enjoy this delightful recipe!

Cranberry Bliss Orange Scones

Delicious scones infused with orange zest and cranberries, topped with a sweet orange glaze.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1.0 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon fine salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
  • 0.5 cup fresh or dried cranberries
  • 1 large orange zest
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1.0 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and fine salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until well blended.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using your fingertips or a pastry cutter, blend the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, with pea-sized pieces of butter remaining.
  • Gently fold in the cranberries and orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, large egg, and pure vanilla extract until well mixed.
  • Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently with a spatula until just combined. Take care not to over-mix, as this can affect the texture of the scones.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead it gently just a few times until it comes together smoothly, then shape the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick.
  • Cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, much like slicing a pizza, and place them onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each wedge.
  • Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown around the edges, ensuring a delightful aroma fills your kitchen.
  • While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking the powdered sugar with 1-2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice until smooth and creamy.
  • Once the scones are baked, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack; this will keep them pleasantly warm.
  • Finally, drizzle the luscious orange glaze generously over the warm scones before serving, allowing it to soak in slightly for added flavor.

Notes

Arrange the scones beautifully on a charming platter. For an extra inviting touch, dust with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar and garnish with fresh cranberries and vibrant orange slices around for a festive look!
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones