You’ll appreciate the harmonious blend of tart cranberries and zesty orange in these scones.
Start by gathering quality ingredients—flour, sugar, and chilled butter are essential.
Precision in measuring and mixing guarantees a flaky texture.
Shape the dough into perfect wedges before baking to golden perfection.
The aroma will captivate your senses, and you’ll be keen to discover the best serving methods and storage solutions to maintain their delightful freshness.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Pastry cutter or fork
- 1 Grater
- 1 Measuring cup set
- 1 Measuring spoon set
- 1 Rolling pin
- 1 Pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Cranberry Orange Scones, follow this timeline:
- Preparation Phase (15 minutes)
- Minute 0-2: Read through the entire recipe to familiarize yourself with the steps and ingredients.
- Minute 2-5: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Minute 5-7: Measure and prepare all the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, baking powder, salt) and place them in a mixing bowl.
- Minute 7-10: Cube the chilled butter and add it to the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or fork until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Minute 10-12: Stir in the dried cranberries and grate the orange zest into the mixture.
- Minute 12-15: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Mixing and Dough Preparation (10 minutes)
- Minute 15-17: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Minute 17-22: Turn the dough onto a floured surface, knead gently, and roll out to about 1-inch thickness.
- Shaping and Baking (20 minutes)
- Minute 22-25: Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with additional heavy cream.
- Minute 25-45: Bake the scones in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Resting and Serving (10 minutes)
- Minute 45-55: Allow the scones to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
Roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.
Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the scones with additional heavy cream.
Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
Allow the scones to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Serving Tips
- Clotted Cream and Jam: Traditional accompaniments that add a rich and sweet contrast to the scones.
- Fresh Fruit: A side of sliced oranges or berries enhances the fruity flavors in the scones.
- Honey Butter: A blend of honey and butter adds a sweet and creamy touch.
- Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage pairs perfectly with the scones for a delightful breakfast experience.
- Yogurt Parfait: Serve with a yogurt parfait for a balanced and invigorating start to the day.
Storage
To store cranberry orange scones, cool completely.
Then place in an airtight container.
Keep at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Or freeze for longer preservation.
Freezing
To freeze cranberry orange scones, first cool them completely.
Wrap each scone individually in plastic wrap.
Then place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat cranberry orange scones, wrap them in foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes.
Alternatively, microwave individually for 20 seconds to maintain moisture and softness.
Final Thoughts
Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or brunch.
The combination of tangy cranberries and zesty orange makes these scones flavorful and invigorating.
The preparation time is quick, and with just a few simple steps, you can enjoy freshly baked scones in no time.
To achieve the best texture, verify your butter is very cold before incorporating it into the flour mixture.
This step helps create a flakier texture. If you prefer, you can freeze the cubed butter for a few minutes before use.
Additionally, be cautious not to overmix the dough, as this can make the scones tough.
Instead, mix until just combined to maintain a tender crumb.
The resting time after baking allows the scones to set, making them perfect for serving.
Enjoy these scones with a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful start to your day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute Fresh Cranberries for Dried?
You can substitute fresh cranberries for dried, but adjust the quantity for moisture balance. Use 1 cup fresh, roughly chopped. Pat them dry to reduce moisture, then fold them into the dough gently to maintain texture.
How Does the Orange Zest Affect the Flavor?
Orange zest imparts a bright, citrusy aroma and enhances flavor complexity by providing subtle bitterness and tang. When incorporating, guarantee fine zesting for even distribution, maximizing essential oils. This balances sweetness and adds depth to your baked goods.
What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
Substitute heavy cream with an equal amount of full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half for similar richness. Confirm the alternative is cold to maintain dough consistency. Avoid overmixing, as this can compromise the scones’ tender crumb structure.
Are There Gluten-Free Alternatives for Flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Look for one with xanthan gum for structure. Guarantee even mixing to avoid texture issues. Sift flour to incorporate air and achieve a lighter crumb.
Can I Add Nuts to the Scone Dough?
Yes, you can incorporate nuts for added texture. Chop them finely and fold them into the dough after adding cranberries. Ascertain even distribution by mixing gently to maintain the dough’s integrity and avoid overworking.
Cranberry Orange Scones
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Pastry cutter or fork
- 1 Grater
- 1 measuring cup set
- 1 measuring spoon set
- 1 Rolling Pin
- 1 pastry brush
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter chilled and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in the butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead gently.
- Roll the dough out to about 1-inch thickness.
- Cut the dough into 8 wedges and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Brush the tops of the scones with additional heavy cream.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Allow the scones to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
