Get ready to uplift your breakfast routine with my easy and tasty Cranberry Orange Scones recipe! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create scones that burst with flavor. The tart cranberries and zesty orange elevate each bite, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned pro, you’ll find joy in creating these delightful treats. Let’s dive into the ingredients and get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Combination: The tartness of cranberries paired with the bright zest of orange creates a refreshing and delightful flavor profile that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, these scones can be whipped up quickly, making them ideal for both beginner and experienced bakers.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, these scones are versatile enough to be enjoyed anytime of the day.
- Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by using dried cranberries for a sweeter taste or adding nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/3 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tablespoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
– 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
– Zest of 1 large orange
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
You need just a few simple items to make these delightful scones. First, gather your flour, sugar, and baking powder. You’ll also need salt and baking soda for flavor and rise.
Next, grab some unsalted butter. It should be cold and cut into cubes. This helps keep the scones light and fluffy. For the fruity kick, you can use either fresh or dried cranberries. I love using fresh for their tartness, but dried cranberries work well too if you prefer sweetness.
Don’t forget the zest of one large orange! This adds a bright flavor that pairs perfectly with cranberries. For the wet ingredients, you’ll need heavy cream, one egg, and pure vanilla extract. These ingredients help bind the dough and add richness.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating the perfect cranberry orange scone. So, make sure you have them all ready before you start!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation and Mixing
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda. Whisk until well combined.
3. Add in 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter. Use your fingers or a pastry cutter to mix until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. You want small pieces of butter to remain.
4. Fold in 1 cup of chopped fresh cranberries and the zest of 1 large orange. Ensure they are evenly mixed into the dough.
Combining Wet Ingredients
1. In another bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of heavy cream, 1 large egg, and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract. Mix until everything is blended well.
Forming and Baking Scones
1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spatula until just combined. The dough should be a bit sticky but hold together.
2. Place the dough on a lightly floured surface. Pat it into a rectangle about 1-inch thick.
3. Cut the dough into 8 triangles, or any shape you like. Move each scone to the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them.
4. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. They should turn golden brown. Use a toothpick to check if they are done. If it comes out clean, they are ready.
5. Let the scones cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack.
Tips & Tricks
Ideal Baking Conditions
– Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the scones rise well.
– Bake the scones for 15 to 20 minutes. Look for a golden top and a toothpick that comes out clean.
Handling Dough
– Mix the dough gently. Overmixing makes scones tough. You want a soft and slightly sticky dough.
Serving Suggestions
– Pair the scones with tea or coffee for a warm treat. The citrus flavor goes well with both drinks.
– Add a glaze for extra sweetness. Mix powdered sugar with orange juice until smooth. Drizzle it over the warm scones for a tasty finish.
Pro Tips
- Use Cold Ingredients: Ensure your butter and cream are chilled; this helps create flaky layers in the scones.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to prevent tough scones. A light hand is key!
- Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to swap cranberries with other fruits like blueberries or add nuts for different flavor profiles.
- Store Properly: Keep leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or freeze for longer storage.
Variations
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use dried cranberries instead of fresh ones. Dried cranberries make the scones sweeter. They also add a nice chewiness. If you want to keep them tart, stick with fresh cranberries.
For those who need gluten-free options, you can use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Just make sure to check for a blend that works well in baking. This will keep your scones light and fluffy.
Flavor Enhancements
You can add spices to boost the flavor of your scones. Cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Start with a pinch, then adjust to your taste.
Nuts are another great addition. Chopped walnuts or pecans give a nice crunch. Chocolate chips can also be a fun twist. They add sweetness and richness to each bite.
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Scones
You can store leftover scones in two ways: at room temperature or in the fridge. If you plan to eat them within a day, keep them at room temperature. Place them in a container with a lid to keep them soft. If you want to keep them fresh for longer, store them in the fridge. This helps to maintain their flavor and texture.
Freezing Scones
Freezing is a great option if you have extra scones. To freeze them, let the scones cool completely first. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When you want to enjoy them, just take out as many as you need.
Reheating Tips
To enjoy your scones warm, reheating is easy. You can use an oven, toaster oven, or microwave. For the oven, preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. If using a microwave, heat each scone for about 15-20 seconds. This keeps them soft and tasty!
FAQs
How can I make scones fluffier?
To make scones fluffier, focus on adding air to the dough.
– Use cold butter. It helps create steam when baking.
– Avoid overmixing. Mix just until combined for a tender texture.
– Use a light hand when patting the dough. Too much pressure can flatten it.
– Consider adding baking powder. Extra leavening gives more rise.
Can I make these scones ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare scones ahead of time.
– Mix the dry and wet ingredients separately.
– Store the dry mix in a sealed container.
– Keep the wet mix in the fridge until ready to bake.
– You can also shape the scones and freeze them.
– Bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
If you need a substitute for heavy cream, there are options.
– Use whole milk with melted butter. Mix 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup butter.
– Try coconut cream for a dairy-free option.
– You can also use almond milk with a bit of oil.
– Greek yogurt works too. It adds creaminess and protein.
You’ve learned about making delicious scones with easy steps. We covered the right ingredients, how to mix and bake them, and tips for perfect results. You can enjoy these treats fresh, or store and reheat them later. Feel free to try different flavors or ingredients, too. Explore and have fun with your scone-making. Enjoy your tasty creation
