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Cranberry Orange Scones Recipe 

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Introduction

Start your day with the perfect Cranberry Orange Scones—a delightful balance of tart cranberries, bright orange zest, and a tender, flaky texture. These scones are easy to make, ready in under 40 minutes, and topped with a sweet, citrusy glaze that takes them to the next level. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or enjoying a quiet morning, these scones are a treat everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Flavor

The tangy cranberries and vibrant orange zest make every bite refreshing and flavorful.

Perfect Texture

These scones strike the ideal balance between tender and crumbly, with a slight crunch from the coarse sugar topping.

Simple and Quick

With basic pantry ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip these up for any occasion.

Ingredients

For the Scones

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp orange zest (from about 1 orange)
  • 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (soak dried cranberries in warm water for 10 minutes)
  • 1 tbsp coarse sugar (for topping)

For the Orange Glaze

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
  • 1 tsp orange zest (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Scone Dough

  1. Preheat the oven:
    • Preheat to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Mix dry ingredients:
    • In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
  3. Cut in the butter:
    • Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry 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. Mix the dough:
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender.
  6. Add the cranberries:
    • Fold in the cranberries (drained, if soaked).

Step 2: Shape and Cut the Scones

  1. Shape the dough:
    • Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead 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 disk into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza.
  3. Prepare for baking:
    • Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for extra crunch and sparkle.

Step 3: Bake the Scones

  1. Bake:
    • Bake in the preheated oven for 18–20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the scones are cooked through.
  2. Cool:
    • Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 4: Prepare the Orange Glaze

  1. Mix the glaze:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar or orange juice, as needed.

Step 5: Glaze the Scones

  1. Drizzle the glaze:
    • Once the scones are completely cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top of each scone using a spoon or piping bag.
  2. Let set:
    • Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Serving Suggestions

  • With Coffee or Tea: Pair these scones with your morning brew for a cozy start to the day.
  • As a Brunch Treat: Serve alongside fruit salad, yogurt, or a savory quiche for a complete spread.
  • For Dessert: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a side of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish.

Pro Tips

1. Keep Ingredients Cold

Cold butter and cream help create flaky layers. Work quickly to keep everything chilled.

2. Don’t Overmix

Overworking the dough can make the scones dense. Mix until just combined for the best texture.

3. Use Fresh Zest and Juice

Fresh orange zest and juice add a bright, natural flavor that elevates the scones.

FAQs

Can I freeze scones?

Yes! Freeze unbaked scones on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture may be slightly less rich.

How do I store leftovers?

Store baked scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for longer freshness.

Can I use other fruits?

Yes! Blueberries, raspberries, or chopped dried apricots make great alternatives.

What’s the secret to flaky scones?

Using cold butter and handling the dough minimally ensures tender, flaky scones.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

These Cranberry Orange Scones combine a buttery, tender texture with the zesty brightness of orange and the tart sweetness of cranberries. The added orange glaze takes them over the top, making them the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack.

Conclusion

Brighten your mornings with these Cranberry Orange Scones. Easy to make and bursting with flavor, they’re a delightful way to enjoy a sweet, homemade treat. Share them with family and friends or savor them with your favorite cup of coffee. One thing’s for sure—they won’t last long!

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