Description
Homemade cranberry orange scones blend zesty citrus with tart berries in a buttery pastry. Delicate crumbs and sweet-tangy flavor promise a perfect morning companion for coffee or tea lovers.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250 g) all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup (65 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Fat Ingredients:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
Wet and Flavor Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 zest of orange
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (90 g) fresh or dried cranberries
Orange Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- ½ teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and baking surface by heating to 400F (200C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- Create a dry ingredient base by whisking flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt together in a spacious mixing bowl.
- Incorporate cold butter into the flour mixture, using a pastry cutter or fingertips to break it down until the texture resembles rough breadcrumbs.
- Whisk the liquid components in a separate vessel, combining heavy cream, egg, vibrant orange zest, and vanilla extract until well blended.
- Gently marry the wet and dry ingredients, stirring minimally to maintain a delicate texture. Carefully fold in the crimson cranberries, ensuring even distribution without overworking the dough.
- Transfer the loose mixture onto a lightly floured surface, using gentle kneading to form a cohesive mass. Shape the dough into a circular disk approximately one inch thick, then segment into eight equal triangular portions.
- Carefully position the scone wedges on the prepared baking sheet, delicately brushing their surfaces with a thin layer of heavy cream to encourage golden browning.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, allowing the scones to transform into golden-kissed delicacies for 15-18 minutes, watching for a rich amber top.
- Craft a luminous glaze by whisking powdered sugar with fresh orange juice and zest until achieving a silky, smooth consistency.
- After allowing the scones a brief cooling interlude, elegantly drizzle the citrusy glaze across their surfaces, creating an appetizing finish ready to be savored either warm or at ambient temperature.
Notes
- Choose room-temperature butter for easier incorporation, ensuring flakier and more tender scones.
- Freeze dried cranberries work wonderfully if fresh ones aren’t available, providing intense berry flavor without extra moisture.
- Handle the dough minimally to prevent tough scones; gentle mixing creates a delicate, crumbly texture.
- Swap heavy cream with alternatives like Greek yogurt or buttermilk for different dietary needs while maintaining moisture.
- Reduce sugar content by using fresh orange zest and a lighter glaze to maintain bright, citrusy flavors.
- Prepare scones ahead and freeze unbaked dough, allowing you to bake fresh scones directly from frozen state with minimal extra time.
- Add toasted nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and depth of flavor without compromising the scone’s delicate structure.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg