Description
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 large egg
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Creamy Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon orange zest
Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work it into the dry until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract. Pour into the dry mixture and stir until just combined.
Gently fold in the cranberries.
Transfer the dough to a floured surface, shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick, and cut into 8 wedges.
Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
While the scones cool, mix the powdered sugar, heavy cream, and orange zest to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cooled scones before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 280 kcal per scone
Servings: 8 scones
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect scones every time. First, ensure all your ingredients, especially the butter and cream, are very cold. This is crucial for a flaky texture. After whisking your dry ingredients in a large bowl, cut the cold butter in using a pastry cutter until the pieces are no larger than peas. In your separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients thoroughly before adding them all at once to the dry mix. Use a fork to stir until a shaggy dough just forms—do not overmix. When folding in cranberries and shaping, handle the dough as little as possible. Pat it into a 1-inch thick circle on a floured surface and use a sharp knife to cut clean wedges. For even browning, ensure the scones are spaced apart on the baking sheet.
Serving Suggestions
These orange-cranberry scones are delightful on their own with the glaze, but can be elevated further. Serve them warm with a side of clotted cream and a dollop of orange marmalade. They pair beautifully with a cup of strong black tea, a latte, or a glass of cold milk. For a brunch spread, present them alongside fresh fruit salad and yogurt. The scones also freeze beautifully before baking; simply add a few minutes to the bake time when cooking from frozen.
How-to Summary
In summary: Combine dry ingredients, cut in cold butter. Mix wet ingredients separately, then combine with dry until just mixed. Fold in cranberries, shape into a circle, cut into wedges, and bake at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Finish with a simple orange glaze after cooling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, but do not thaw them first. Toss them in a bit of flour to prevent bleeding and add them frozen to avoid soggy dough.
My scones are dense. What went wrong? The most common cause is overworking the dough or using room-temperature butter. Handle the dough minimally and keep everything cold.
Can I make the dough ahead of time? Absolutely. You can shape the scones, place them on the baking sheet, and refrigerate overnight. Bake directly from the fridge.
How should I store leftover scones? Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze unglazed scones and glaze after thawing.
Can I substitute the heavy cream? For a slightly less rich result, you can use full-fat buttermilk, which will also add a pleasant tang.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using softened or melted butter, which prevents flaky layers.
- Overmixing the dough, which develops gluten and leads to toughness.
- Not measuring flour correctly. Spoon flour into the measuring cup and level it off.
- Placing scones too close together on the baking sheet, causing them to steam instead of bake.
- Applying the glaze while the scones are hot, causing it to melt off completely.
Conclusion
These Orange Cranberry Scones are a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and buttery flavors, with a tender, flaky crumb. By following the step-by-step guide and heeding the common pitfalls, you can master this classic bakery treat at home. They are surprisingly simple to make and are sure to impress, whether for a quiet morning coffee or a special weekend brunch. Enjoy the process and the delicious results!
