CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES
These cranberry orange scones are tender, flaky, and bursting with fresh cranberries and zesty orange flavor. Perfect for breakfast or afternoon tea, they’re easy to make and a festive treat any time of year.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter cubed
- 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- ¾ cup heavy cream plus more for brushing
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons coarse sugar optional, for topping
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
Cut in Butter:
- Add the cold cubed butter. Use a pastry cutter or fingers to blend butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Add Cranberries and Orange Zest:
- Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract.
Combine:
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
Shape and Cut:
- Turn dough onto a floured surface. Pat into an 8-inch circle about 1 inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges and place on baking sheet.
Brush and Sprinkle:
- Brush the scones with heavy cream and sprinkle with coarse sugar if desired.
Bake:
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Make Ahead:
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Customizing the Flavor:
Add chopped nuts or substitute dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam. Allergy-Friendly Options:
Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes for a vegan version. Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.
You can prepare the dough in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Customizing the Flavor:
Add chopped nuts or substitute dried cranberries if fresh aren’t available. Serving Suggestions:
Serve warm with butter, clotted cream, or your favorite jam. Allergy-Friendly Options:
Use dairy-free butter and cream substitutes for a vegan version. Storage Tips:
Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving.