Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe

Best Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe 🍊✨

Deliciously flaky, tender, and bursting with citrusy zest, these Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat for breakfast or afternoon tea. Paired with a luscious orange glaze, they are the perfect balance of sweet and tangy. Easy to make and oh-so-rewarding, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!

🟣 Ingredients

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using dried, soak in warm water for 10 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

🟪 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scone Dough

1. Preheat your oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Cut in butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
4. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
5. Combine wet and dry: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to ensure tender scones.
6. Add cranberries: Fold in the cranberries.

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Scones

1. Shape the dough: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disk.
2. Cut into wedges: Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 equal wedges, like slicing a pizza.
3. Place on baking sheet: Arrange the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
4. Top with coarse sugar: Sprinkle coarse sugar over the tops for a delightful crunch and sparkle.

Step 3: Bake the Scones

1. Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are fully cooked.
2. Cool: Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Glaze

1. Mix glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and optional orange zest until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not runny. Adjust the consistency with more powdered sugar or orange juice as needed.

Step 5: Glaze the Scones

1. Drizzle glaze: Once the scones are fully cooled, drizzle the orange glaze generously over each scone.
2. Set and serve: Allow the glaze to set before serving. Enjoy these zesty delights with a warm cup of tea or coffee.

🌟 Tips for Success

1. Cold Butter is Key: Use very cold butter to achieve a flaky texture. Handle it as little as possible to prevent it from melting.
2. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough just until combined to avoid tough scones.
3. Custom Cranberries: Soak dried cranberries in orange juice for extra flavor.
4. Freezing Tip: For make-ahead scones, shape the dough, freeze the wedges, and bake directly from frozen (add a few extra minutes to the baking time).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I substitute fresh cranberries with dried cranberries?
A: Yes! If using dried cranberries, soak them in warm water or orange juice for about 10 minutes to rehydrate.

Q: How do I store leftover scones?
A: Store scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving for the best texture.

Q: Can I freeze scones?
A: Absolutely! Freeze unbaked scones or baked ones. For unbaked, bake from frozen (add extra time). For baked, thaw and warm in the oven.

🚩 Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake: Dense scones.

• Solution: Handle the dough gently and avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.

Mistake: Dry scones.

• Solution: Measure ingredients accurately and don’t overbake. Add a little extra cream if the dough feels too dry.

Mistake: Scones spread too much.

• Solution: Chill the scones for 10–15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape.

These Cranberry Orange Scones are a vibrant and flavorful treat with the perfect balance of tart cranberries and zesty orange. Paired with a sweet glaze, they’re a delightful addition to any morning or afternoon gathering. Enjoy! 🍊❤️

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