Breakfast

Easy Cranberry Orange Scones

Name: Easy Cranberry Orange Scones
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 55 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup butter (frozen); 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 1 cup frozen cranberries; 2 teaspoons orange zest; 2 cups all-purpose flour spooned & leveled (plus extra for hands and work surface); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; sanding sugar

KrystelAugust 14, 2024

DifficultyEasy

Servings8

Cranberry Orange Scones: a Zesty Morning Delight

Introduction

Hey there! I'm diving into one of my absolute favorite recipes today - cranberry orange scones. They're this perfect zesty morning treat that I've fallen head over heels for. Making these scones is such a joy, especially with the unique combo of tart cranberries and sweet, fragrant orange zest. Trust me, it’s a match made in baking heaven.

If you’re new to the scone game or you’ve been baking for years, this recipe is a breeze. It’s all about enjoying the process, taking in the citrusy aromas, and of course, the delightful taste. Whether you're savoring these warm scones with a hot cup of coffee on a lazy morning or sharing them during a special holiday brunch, they’re bound to bring smiles all around.

Key Takeaways:

Easy-to-follow recipe: Perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Unique flavor combination: The tartness of cranberries meets the sweet zest of oranges.
Ideal for any occasion: Enjoy with morning coffee or at special gatherings.

Why Cranberry and Orange?

Imagine the tang of fresh cranberries dancing with the zest of a large orange, delivering a flavor that is as bold as it is beautiful. The tartness of the cranberries perfectly complements the sweet, citrusy tang of orange zest, creating a balance that sings of the holiday season with each bite. But it's not just about the taste—adding these vibrant fruits to our cranberry orange scones recipe packs a nutritional punch, too. Cranberries, bursting with antioxidants, and oranges, rich in Vitamin C, make these scones a healthier treat. And let's not forget the appeal of these flavors during the holiday season. There's something magical about the combination of cranberry and orange that just feels like home, making these scones the perfect addition to any morning coffee or special occasion. It’s a merry melody of flavors that brings joy, bite after delightful bite.

Gathering Your Ingredients

Gathering the perfect ensemble of ingredients for our Cranberry Orange Scones is like assembling a group of close friends for a special occasion; each brings their own unique flavor to the mix. You'll want to start with the stars of the show: fresh cranberries and plenty of orange zest. These aren't just any ingredients; they're the heart and soul of our scones, offering that irresistible tartness and zesty orange flavor that'll wake up your taste buds.

Now, let’s talk butter and cream. Opt for cold butter and heavy cream, as these cold ingredients are the secret behind the scone's delightful flakiness and rich taste. They're what give our scones that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave alongside our morning cup of coffee or at a festive afternoon tea.

And while we're all about using fresh and seasonal produce, sometimes you need a backup plan. If fresh cranberries aren’t available, don’t fret! Dried cranberries make a fantastic substitute, bringing a concentrated burst of tartness and a hint of sweetness to every bite. The most important thing? Whether fresh or dried, those cranberries ensure our Cranberry Orange Scones are a vibrant, zesty delight, perfect for any holiday season gathering or a cozy morning coffee moment.

Prepping Your Workspace

Before we start diving hands-first into our scone dough, let's talk about setting up that perfect workspace. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way and makes the whole baking process smoother and, dare I say, more enjoyable. First off, I cannot stress enough how vital it is to have all your ingredients measured and ready to go. There's nothing more frustrating than realizing you're short on powdered sugar halfway through. So, let's gather our dry ingredients, fresh cranberries, heavy cream, and not forget our cold butter - it's the secret to deliciously flaky scones.

Now, onto the tools of the trade. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a first-timer, having the right tools can make all the difference. For this recipe, either a pastry cutter or a food processor is not just helpful, it's a game-changer for combining your flour mixture into that sought-after coarse meal texture. And trust me, once you've tried it, there's no going back. So, let's roll up our sleeves, prep our tools, and get ready to make some cranberry orange scones that are bound to be a hit at your next morning coffee or afternoon tea.

Creating the Perfect Dough

Alright, let's dive into the heart of these orange cranberry scones, the dough. Trust me, nothing brings the family together like the aroma of freshly baked scones on a brisk morning. I always start with gathering my dry ingredients - the purpose flour, a dash of baking powder, and, of course, a pinch of salt, all whisked together in a large bowl. Then comes my secret to a flaky texture, cold butter. I make sure the butter is frozen, grating it right into the flour mixture using the coarse side of a box grater. This is where a good old-fashioned pastry cutter comes into play, blending the butter into the flour until we've got what looks like a coarse meal peppered with pea-sized chunks of butter.

Now, for the gently does it part. I whisk together the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and that all-important egg until just combined. Ever so gently, I fold the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, turning it until just moistened. Truth be told, the dough will be sticky - and that's perfectly okay. It's a sign you're on the right track. If it's too sticky, I dust my hands with a bit more flour, but I'm careful not to overdo it. A dollop too much could make the scones dense rather than delightfully tender. Here's where a bench scraper becomes your best friend, allowing you to nimbly lift and fold the dough without it lodging itself under your nails.

This simple approach prepares the foundation for what's about to become a feast for the senses. Rich, buttery layers interspersed with tart cranberries and vibrant orange zest, ready to be shaped, baked, and ultimately, enjoyed. Trust me, the minimal effort involved in creating this perfect dough pays off exponentially when you pull those golden-brown treasures out of the oven. It's not just baking; it's creating moments, memories, and perhaps, your new favorite morning ritual.

Shaping and Baking

Now, let's talk about shaping and baking the scone dough — my favorite part. Firstly, I gently press the dough into an 8-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. This size gives us perfectly thick scones that aren't too dry. And here's a little trick I picked up: using a bench scraper to cut the dough into neat, even wedges. It's like magic how this simple tool makes such a difference, ensuring each scone bakes evenly.

But before popping them into the oven, I always chill the scones on a prepared baking sheet for about 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it helps maintain their shape, giving them that beautiful, flaky texture we all love. I bake them until they're golden brown, which usually takes about 22-25 minutes at 400°F. It's that golden brown color that tells me they're baked to perfection, ready to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee or your favorite tea.

Finishing Touches and Serving

Once your Cranberry Orange Scones reach that golden-brown perfection, it's time for what I believe is the best part - the sweet orange glaze. You'll whisk together powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and a bit of vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzling this over your cooled scones transforms them into a morning or afternoon masterpiece. I love serving these scones warm, alongside a steaming cup of coffee or my favorite tea. It's the kind of treat that makes you want to slow down and savor the moment. And if you have leftovers, just tuck them into an airtight container. They'll stay deliciously fresh, ready to brighten up your next morning or teatime.

Treat Yourself to Homemade Delight

There's something truly special about the art of homemade baking, isn't there? The aroma of freshly baked Cranberry Orange Scones filling the air just has a way of making a house feel like a home. I've always believed that the kitchen is the heart of the house, a place where memories are baked and shared just as much as recipes. From the first sprinkle of flour on a lightly floured surface to the last drizzle of sweet orange glaze, every step in making these scones is a sprinkle of love.

And let me tell you, there's nothing quite like enjoying a warm scone with a tartness of the cranberries perfectly balanced with the zestiness of fresh orange zest. Served alongside your morning coffee or as a delight for afternoon tea, these scones are not just treats, they're little celebrations. Imagine the joy of sharing these warm scones, fresh out of the oven, with your loved ones during special occasions or a casual gathering. It's the simple pleasures, like a cup of coffee and a homemade cranberry orange scone, that often mean the most.

So, I encourage you, relish in the joy of homemade baking. Let this cranberry orange scones recipe be a stepping stone to exploring more recipes, to unleashing your creativity in the kitchen. Whether it's creating flaky scones on a quiet morning or experimenting with a new recipe for the holiday season, these moments of making, baking, and sharing are what bring us together. Treat yourself, and those around you, to these homemade delights. Trust me, it's not just about the scones; it's about the memories you create along the way.