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To make these delightful scones, gather these simple ingredients: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced - 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries) - 1 tablespoon orange zest - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Extra granulated sugar for sprinkling You can add a personal touch to your scones with these optional ingredients: - 1/2 cup chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans) - 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for warmth - 1/4 cup chocolate chips for sweetness - A drizzle of glaze made from powdered sugar and orange juice If you have dietary needs, try these substitutions: - Use whole wheat flour for a heartier scone. - Replace heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Substitute the egg with a flaxseed meal mix (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water) for a vegan choice. - Use a sugar substitute to lower the sweetness without losing taste. These adjustments help you enjoy the scones while meeting your dietary goals. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat helps the scones rise nicely. Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the scones from sticking. It also makes cleanup easy. In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make sure they mix well. This step is key for even flavor. The flour gives structure, while sugar adds sweetness. Baking powder helps the scones rise, and salt balances the flavors. In another bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract. This mixture brings moisture and flavor. Next, pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients. Gently stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; you want a slightly sticky dough. This dough will make soft and fluffy scones. Transfer the dough to a floured surface. Pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Now, you can cut the dough into 8 wedges. You can also use a round cutter for circular scones. Place the shaped scones on your lined baking sheet, leaving space between them. Brush the tops of the scones with a bit of extra cream. Then, sprinkle with some granulated sugar for sweetness. Bake in your preheated oven for 15-18 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top. Once baked, let them cool on the sheet for a few minutes. After that, move them to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy the amazing smell as they bake! To get the best scone texture, keep these tips in mind: - Use cold butter. Cold butter helps create flaky layers. - Don’t overmix the dough. Mix until just combined for a tender scone. - Pat the dough gently. Use your hands to shape it, not a rolling pin. - Chill the dough. If possible, chill the shaped scones for 15 minutes before baking. These steps give you a light and airy scone. Here are some helpful tools for making cranberry orange scones: - Mixing bowls: Use a large bowl for dry and a smaller one for wet ingredients. - Pastry cutter: This tool helps blend the cold butter into the flour. - Baking sheet: A sturdy baking sheet ensures even baking. - Parchment paper: Line the sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. - Wire rack: Use this for cooling the scones after baking. Having the right tools makes baking easier and more fun. Cranberry orange scones taste great on their own. Try these ideas to enhance your experience: - Serve with butter: Spread a little butter on warm scones. - Add jam or cream: Pair with orange marmalade or clotted cream. - Enjoy with tea or coffee: These scones make a perfect treat with your morning drink. - Top with glaze: A simple icing made from powdered sugar and orange juice is delightful. These serving ideas bring out the best flavors in your scones. Enjoy your tasty morning treat! Pro Tips Chill Your Ingredients: Ensure the butter and cream are very cold before using. This helps create flaky layers in your scones. Don't Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined. Overmixing can lead to tough scones. Add More Zest: For a more pronounced citrus flavor, feel free to add more orange zest to the dough. Experiment with Add-Ins: Try adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits to customize your scones. {{image_2}} Glazes can add a sweet touch to your scones. A simple glaze uses powdered sugar and orange juice. Mix them until smooth. Drizzle it on warm scones for a nice shine. You can also make a cream cheese glaze. Blend cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of orange juice. This adds richness and flavor. You can switch fresh cranberries for dried ones. Dried cranberries offer a sweeter flavor. If you want a tart taste, stick with fresh. You can also swap orange zest with lemon zest for a different citrus kick. Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier option. Adding spices can elevate your scones. A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg gives warmth. You might also add chopped nuts for crunch. Walnuts or pecans work well with the cranberries. For a fun twist, mix in some chocolate chips. The sweetness pairs nicely with the tartness of the cranberries. To keep your scones fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from drying out. You can store them at room temperature for up to two days. If you want to keep them longer, consider refrigerating them. Just make sure they are sealed well to maintain moisture and flavor. If you have extra scones, freezing is a great option. First, let the scones cool completely. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. After that, place them in a freezer bag or airtight container. They can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy, just thaw them in the fridge overnight. To reheat your scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them warm and soft. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat them in short bursts to avoid making them tough. Enjoy your delicious scones fresh and warm! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. They work well in scones. Just chop them while frozen. This keeps the scones moist and flavorful. However, fresh cranberries give a brighter taste. If you use frozen, expect a slight change in texture. To make the scones healthier, swap some flour for whole wheat flour. Use less sugar or a natural sweetener. You can also add oats for extra fiber. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. These changes keep the scones tasty and nutritious. Serve cranberry orange scones warm from the oven. They pair well with butter or cream cheese. Add a drizzle of honey for sweetness. A hot cup of tea or coffee complements the scones perfectly. You can also serve them with fresh fruit for a lovely breakfast. Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time. Form the dough into a disc and wrap it tightly. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, just slice and bake. This way, you can enjoy fresh scones with minimal effort! Cranberry orange scones are easy and fun to make. We covered the key ingredients, offered tips for texture, and shared ways to customize them. You can swap ingredients or add flavors to fit your taste. Proper storage and reheating help keep scones fresh. In the end, enjoy baking these scones and sharing them. They bring warmth and fun to any gathering. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and everyone will love the results!

Cranberry Citrus Delight Scones

Delicious scones with a burst of cranberry and citrus flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 cup unsalted butter, chilled and diced
  • 0.75 cup fresh cranberries, chopped (or dried cranberries)
  • 1 tablespoon orange zest
  • 0.5 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • to taste tablespoon extra granulated sugar for sprinkling

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
  • Add the chilled, diced butter into the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Stir in the chopped cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
  • Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix with a spatula or your hands until just combined. Avoid overmixing; the dough should be slightly sticky.
  • Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a disc about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for circular scones.
  • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart. Brush the tops with a little extra cream and sprinkle with granulated sugar.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

Best served warm with butter.
Keyword baking, citrus, cranberry, scones