Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe
Do you find yourself craving a sweet and tart treat for breakfast or a snack? Look no further than these delicious Cranberry Orange Scones! These scones are the perfect solution to satisfy your cravings with their burst of flavor and buttery texture.
In this blog post, we will share our easy-to-follow recipe for making these mouthwatering scones at home. Stay tuned to learn how to create these delectable treats that are sure to become a favorite in your household. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients for making Cranberry Orange Scones
Ingredients needed:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – A versatile ingredient that forms the base of the scone dough, providing structure and a tender crumb texture.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness to the scones without overwhelming the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder – Acts as a leavening agent to help the scones rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances the overall flavor of the scones and balances out the sweetness.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces – Adds richness and creates a flaky texture in the scones as the butter melts during baking.
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries – Tart and slightly sweet, the cranberries provide bursts of flavor throughout the scones.
- Zest of 1 orange – Adds bright citrus notes that complement the cranberries and give the scones a refreshing flavor.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream – Helps bind the dough together and adds moisture to ensure the scones are tender.
- 1 large egg – Acts as a binder and provides structure to the scone dough.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor of the scones with a hint of warmth and richness.
- 1-2 tablespoons turbinado sugar (optional) – Sprinkled on top of the scones before baking to add a crunchy texture and a hint of sweetness.
Equipments Needed for making Cranberry Orange Scones
Equipment needed:
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Pastry blender
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Zester
- Orange juicer
- Sifter
- Baking brush
- Oven
Cooking Process for making Cranberry Orange Scones
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into small pieces and add it to the dry ingredients.
- Use a pastry cutter or your hands to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the egg, orange zest, orange juice, and sour cream. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough scones.
- Gently fold in the cranberries until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a circle about 1 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges.
- Place the scones onto the prepared baking sheet and brush the tops with a little bit of milk or cream.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. These cranberry orange scones are best enjoyed warm with a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy!
Suggestions for Serving
Pairing Suggestions
Pair these delicious Cranberry Orange Scones with a hot cup of Earl Grey tea for a delightful morning treat. For a more indulgent option, serve them with a dollop of clotted cream and your favorite fruit preserves.
Tips for Plating
For an elegant presentation, arrange the scones on a decorative serving platter and garnish them with fresh orange zest or edible flowers such as pansies or lavender. Dust them with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar for a touch of sweetness.
Cultural Serving Customs
In some cultures, scones are traditionally served as part of an afternoon tea spread, alongside cucumber sandwiches and petit fours. Embrace this tradition by hosting a tea party and serving these Cranberry Orange Scones as one of the featured treats.
Nutritional Value of Cranberry Orange Scones
- Nutrition Value (per scone):
- Calories: 267
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Sugars: 13g
- Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 295mg
FAQ
How do you make cranberry orange scones?
To make cranberry orange scones, start by preheating your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and orange zest.
Cut in cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in dried cranberries. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, orange juice, and vanilla extract.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Form the dough into a circle on a floured surface, then cut into 8 wedges. Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, brush with cream, and bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown.
Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries in this recipe?
Yes, you can use fresh cranberries in this recipe but keep in mind that fresh cranberries are more tart than dried cranberries. You may want to increase the amount of sugar in the recipe or coat the fresh cranberries in sugar before adding them to the scone dough.
Can I make cranberry orange scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can make cranberry orange scones ahead of time. Simply follow the recipe as instructed, cut the scones into wedges, and place them on a baking sheet. Instead of baking them right away, cover the scones with plastic wrap and refrigerate them overnight. In the morning, brush the scones with cream and bake as directed.
How should I store leftover cranberry orange scones?
To store leftover cranberry orange scones, allow them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container or Ziploc bag. The scones can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the scones for up to 3 months by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe container.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Cranberry Orange Scones are a delicious and easy treat to make for breakfast, brunch, or afternoon tea. The combination of tart cranberries and bright orange zest give these scones a burst of flavor that will surely impress your family and friends.
With a crunchy exterior and soft, tender interior, these scones are the perfect balance of sweet and tart. Whether enjoyed warm out of the oven or at room temperature, these scones are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Give this recipe a try and wow your loved ones with a fresh batch of homemade Cranberry Orange Scones.
