Description
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed)
1/2 cup dried cranberries (or fresh)
Zest of 1 orange
2/3 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Glaze
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons orange juice
Zest of 1 orange (optional for extra flavor)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). 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 hands until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. Add this to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Shape the dough into a 1-inch thick circle on a floured surface. Cut into 8 wedges and place on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Drizzle the scones with the orange glaze and let set before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 33 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 310 kcal per serving
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect scones. First, ensure all ingredients are cold, especially the butter and cream. This is crucial for a flaky texture. When cutting the butter into the flour mixture, work quickly to prevent the butter from warming. The mixture should look like uneven peas and crumbs. When adding the wet ingredients to the dry, use a fork and mix only until a shaggy dough forms. Overmixing leads to toughness. On a lightly floured surface, gently pat the dough into a 7-inch circle about 1-inch thick. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut into 8 equal wedges. For better browning, place wedges at least 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
These scones are wonderfully versatile. Serve them warm from the oven with a pat of good butter, clotted cream, or a dollop of orange marmalade. They pair beautifully with a cup of Earl Grey tea, black coffee, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, present them alongside fresh fruit salad and yogurt. The glaze adds sweetness, but for a less sweet option, you can brush the scones with a little cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar before baking instead.
How-to Summary
To make Cranberry Orange Scones: Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter, and mix in cranberries and zest. Whisk cream, egg, and vanilla, then stir into dry mix until just combined. Pat dough into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Finally, drizzle with a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried? Yes, but chop them coarsely and toss with 1 tablespoon of the recipe’s sugar to offset their tartness. Be aware they may add more moisture.
How do I store leftover scones? Store unglazed scones in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days. For longer storage, freeze them unglazed for up to 2 months. Thaw and warm before glazing.
Why are my scones dense and not flaky? This is usually due to overmixing the dough or using butter that was too warm. Handle the dough as little as possible.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap tightly in plastic, and refrigerate overnight. Cut and bake straight from the fridge, adding a minute or two to the bake time.
What can I substitute for heavy cream? Full-fat coconut cream is a good non-dairy alternative. For a lighter option, whole milk or half-and-half can work, but the scones will be less rich.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using room temperature butter, which melts too quickly and ruins the flaky layers.
- Overworking the dough after adding the liquid, which develops gluten and creates tough scones.
- Not measuring flour correctly. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off; scooping packs in too much.
- Baking on an unlined or ungreased sheet, which can lead to sticking or over-browned bottoms.
- Applying the glaze while the scones are piping hot, causing it to melt and soak in completely instead of setting.
Conclusion
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful balance of tart, sweet, and buttery flavors, perfect for a special breakfast or afternoon treat. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve bakery-quality results at home. The bright citrus and chewy cranberries make them a festive favorite year-round. Enjoy the process and the delicious reward!