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To make cranberry orange scones, gather these key items: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/3 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large - Zest from 1 large orange, finely grated - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice You can easily swap some ingredients based on your taste or needs: - Use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour for a hearty texture. - Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar for a different sweetness. - Baking soda can replace baking powder; use 1/2 teaspoon and add 1 teaspoon of vinegar. - Replace heavy cream with almond milk for a lighter option. - For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter instead of cold unsalted butter. Choosing the right ingredients is key to great scones: - Flour: Look for unbleached all-purpose flour for better flavor. - Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter for rich taste. Cold butter helps create flakiness. - Cranberries: Opt for plump, unsweetened dried cranberries for vibrant flavor. - Oranges: Choose organic oranges for zest to avoid pesticides. Freshly squeeze the juice for natural taste. - Eggs: Use fresh, organic eggs for the best texture and nutrition. These tips ensure you create the best cranberry orange scones every time! {{ingredient_image_2}} To make these cranberry orange scones, you start with simple steps. First, gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will help prevent the scones from sticking. 1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk well until fluffy. 2. Add the cold butter cubes to the flour mix. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. 3. Fold in the dried cranberries and the orange zest. Mix gently so everything is well distributed. 4. In another bowl, whisk together the cream, egg, vanilla, and orange juice until smooth. 5. Pour the wet mix into the dry ingredients. Stir just until moistened. A slightly sticky dough is perfect. 6. Lightly flour your surface. Turn out the dough and knead it gently a few times. Shape it into a disc, about 1 inch thick. 7. Cut the disc into 8 wedges with a sharp knife. Place them on the baking sheet, spaced about 2 inches apart. 8. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes. Look for a golden top and a clean toothpick when inserted. 9. Let the scones cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. - Do not overmix the dough. This makes the scones tough. - Use cold butter. This keeps the scones flaky. - Ensure the oven is preheated. An oven that is too cool may lead to uneven baking. - Space the scones apart. They need room to rise and bake evenly. To get the best texture for your scones, avoid overmixing. Mix until just combined. A slightly sticky dough is what you want. This helps keep your scones tender and light. Use cold butter for a flaky result. Cut it into the flour until it looks like small peas. This step is key for that perfect bite. Store your scones in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh for a few days. If you want to enjoy them later, freeze them. Wrap each scone in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. They'll taste just like fresh! When mixing the dough, use a gentle hand. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, but don’t overdo it. Stir just until the flour disappears. If you see dry spots, it’s okay. You can knead it lightly on a floured surface. This brings the dough together without toughening it. Remember, the goal is a tender scone, not a tough biscuit! Pro Tips Use Cold Butter: Ensure your butter is very cold to achieve the light and flaky texture that scones are known for. This helps create steam pockets as they bake. Don't Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until moistened. Overmixing can lead to dense scones instead of light and airy ones. Chill the Dough: If time allows, chill the shaped scone dough for about 15 minutes before baking. This helps them keep their shape and enhances the texture. Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to customize your scones by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or different dried fruits to create your perfect flavor combination. {{image_4}} You can enhance your cranberry orange scones with nuts or spices. Adding 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans gives a lovely crunch. You might also try a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth. These small changes make a big difference in taste. Experiment with flavors that you enjoy to make each batch unique! If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free all-purpose flour. Make sure it has xanthan gum for the best texture. Replace the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative, like coconut cream. This swap keeps the scones rich and moist. You’ll still get that delightful orange and cranberry flavor in every bite. Feel free to replace dried cranberries with other dried fruits. Dried cherries or blueberries work well for a twist. You can even mix dried fruits for a fun flavor combo. Just keep the same amount to maintain balance in your scones. Each fruit brings its own sweetness and character, making your scones exciting every time! Cranberry orange scones shine when paired with warm drinks. A cup of fresh tea works wonders. Coffee also complements the bright flavors. For a special touch, try a lightly sweetened orange herbal tea. You may enjoy a glass of fresh orange juice, too. The bright citrus notes enhance the scones’ taste. Serve the scones warm for the best experience. A light dusting of powdered sugar adds charm. Place them on a pretty platter or a rustic wooden board. You can arrange fresh orange slices beside the scones for color. A small bowl of creamy butter or orange marmalade makes a lovely addition. This setup invites guests to savor each bite. Cranberry orange scones are perfect for brunch or afternoon tea. They add a festive touch to holiday gatherings. Serve them at casual get-togethers or cozy family breakfasts. They also fit well in picnics or outdoor events. The delightful flavors bring joy to any occasion. Yes, you can freeze Cranberry Orange Scones. After baking, let them cool completely. Wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag. They can stay fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy them, thaw overnight in the fridge. The best way to reheat scones is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5 to 10 minutes. This method keeps the scones crispy on the outside and warm inside. You can also use a microwave, but this may make them a bit soggy. To make vegan Cranberry Orange Scones, swap out the butter and cream. Use 1/4 cup of coconut oil instead of butter. Replace heavy cream with a non-dairy milk, like almond or oat milk. Use a flax egg by mixing 1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water, letting it sit for a few minutes to thicken. These swaps keep the scones tasty and light. In this article, we explored the essential ingredients for cranberry orange scones. We discussed quality selections, substitutes, and key tips for baking. You learned common mistakes and tricks for the best texture. We also shared delightful variations and serving suggestions to elevate your scones. With this guide, you can bake wonderful scones suited for any occasion. Remember, practice makes perfect, so have fun and enjoy the process!

Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones

Delicious scones infused with the flavors of cranberry and orange.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries, chopped if large
  • 1 large orange, zest finely grated
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined and fluffy.
  • Incorporate the cold cubed butter into the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter, fork, or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture forms coarse crumbs resembling small peas.
  • Carefully fold in the dried cranberries and grated orange zest, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and freshly squeezed orange juice until smooth and combined.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently just until everything is moistened. Take care not to overmix; a slightly sticky dough is ideal.
  • Lightly flour a clean surface and turn out the dough, kneading it gently a few times to bring it together. Shape it into a disc about 1 inch thick.
  • Using a sharp knife or pizza cutter, slice the disc into 8 equal wedges. Transfer the wedges to the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced about 2 inches apart for even baking.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are beautifully golden brown on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  • Allow the scones to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Serve warm with powdered sugar or orange marmalade.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones