Introduction:
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delicious and zesty treat perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful afternoon snack. These scones are soft and buttery, packed with the tanginess of fresh or dried cranberries and the refreshing citrus burst of orange zest. Topped with a sweet and vibrant orange glaze, they make for a truly irresistible baked good. If you love the blend of tart cranberries and sweet oranges, this is the recipe for you!
Ingredients:
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Sweet Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some butter pieces should be pea-sized for flakier scones.
Step 4: Add the Cranberries and Orange Zest
Fold in the fresh or dried cranberries and the orange zest. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 7: Shape the Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Step 8: Bake the Scones
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Prepare the Sweet Orange Glaze
While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze the Scones
Once the scones have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the sweet orange glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
COOKING Note:
- Be sure to use cold butter; this helps to create a flaky texture in the scones.
- Avoid over-mixing the dough as it can make the scones dense rather than light and crumbly.
- If you’re using dried cranberries, you can soak them in orange juice for about 10 minutes to soften them up and add extra flavor.
- For a richer flavor, you can substitute heavy cream with buttermilk.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve these scones warm with a pat of butter or a dollop of clotted cream for a luxurious treat.
- Pair them with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon snack.
- You can also add a side of fresh orange slices to enhance the citrus theme.
Tips:
- Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag.
- You can reheat frozen scones by baking them at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Experiment with adding nuts like chopped walnuts or pecans for an added crunch.
- If you want a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, add a splash of orange juice.
Prep Time:
15 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Scone):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 220mg
Conclusion:
These Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect combination of tangy, sweet, and buttery. They are ideal for cozy mornings, holidays, or any time you crave a sweet treat with a zesty twist. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, these scones will soon become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Scones:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cold, cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the Sweet Orange Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons orange juice (freshly squeezed)
- Zest of 1/2 an orange
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Some butter pieces should be pea-sized for flakier scones.
Step 4: Add the Cranberries and Orange Zest
Fold in the fresh or dried cranberries and the orange zest. Gently toss to distribute evenly.
Step 5: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, freshly squeezed orange juice, egg, and vanilla extract.
Step 6: Form the Dough
Pour the wet ingredients over the dry mixture. Stir gently with a spatula until the dough comes together. Be careful not to over-mix; the dough should be slightly sticky.
Step 7: Shape the Scones
Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Pat the dough into an 8-inch circle, about 3/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
Step 8: Bake the Scones
Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart. Brush the tops with a little extra heavy cream for a golden finish. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the scones are lightly golden brown.
Step 9: Prepare the Sweet Orange Glaze
While the scones are cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, orange zest, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
Step 10: Glaze the Scones
Once the scones have cooled for about 10 minutes, drizzle the sweet orange glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 220mg
- Protein: 4g