Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that brings a burst of flavor to your breakfast or afternoon snack. With hints of sweet cranberries and zesty orange, these scones are both fresh and comforting. They’re simple enough to make on a busy morning yet special enough for a weekend brunch.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
These scones are incredibly easy to whip up, making them perfect for both beginners and busy families. The ingredients are common pantry staples. You can have warm scones ready in about 30 minutes. Plus, the sweet and tangy flavors are irresistible. It’s a cozy recipe that even your kids will enjoy.
How to Make Scones
Making these scones is straightforward. You’ll combine the dry ingredients, cut in the butter, mix in the wet ingredients, and then shape the dough. There’s no complicated equipment needed, so you can easily involve the kids in the fun. Just remember to handle the dough gently for the best texture.
What You Need
Ingredients for Cranberry Orange Scones
- 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 fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice (for glaze)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to create scones.
- Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones. Enjoy!
How to Serve Cranberry Orange Scones
These scones are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. They make a wonderful addition to a brunch table alongside fruit and yogurt. For a festive touch, you could add a fruit compote or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream. They’re great for casual gatherings or even just to brighten your morning.
How to Store Cranberry Orange Scones
To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, you can freeze them for up to a month. Just make sure to wrap them tightly. To reheat, pop them in the oven for a few minutes, or use a microwave for a quick warm-up.
Recipe Tips
- Use cold butter for a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough; mix until just combined.
- Experiment with different dried fruits like blueberries or raisins.
- Adjust the glaze by adding more or less orange juice for your desired sweetness.
- You can make the dough a day in advance and bake fresh scones in the morning.
Variations & Swaps
- Try adding chopped nuts for extra crunch.
- Swap out cranberries for chocolate chips for a sweet twist.
- Make a savory version by omitting the sugar and adding cheese and herbs.
- Use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
FAQs
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough and shape the scones. Refrigerate them overnight, and bake in the morning for fresh scones.
Can I freeze the baked scones?
Absolutely! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to a month.
How do I reheat them?
To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds.
What can I use instead of cranberries?
Dried cherries, apricots, or even chocolate chips can work well in this recipe.
What mistakes should I avoid?
Be careful not to overmix the dough, as this can result in tough scones. Also, ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons orange juice
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, mix heavy cream, egg, and vanilla.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and gently knead a few times. Pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick.
- Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter to create scones.
Baking
- Place them on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle over cooled scones.
