Description
These Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat combining tart cranberries with bright orange zest. Perfectly tender and lightly sweetened, these scones feature a buttery crumb and a zesty glaze, making them ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (plus more for brushing)
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Cut in Butter: Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, ensuring a flaky texture.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk the heavy cream, egg, orange zest, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined to avoid overworking the dough.
- Fold in Cranberries: Gently fold the cranberries into the dough, preserving their shape and preventing the dough from becoming tough.
- Shape the Scones: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat it into a 1-inch thick disc. Cut the disc into 8 even wedges and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet with space between each.
- Brush with Cream: Lightly brush the tops of each scone with a bit of heavy cream to enhance browning and add a slight richness.
- Bake: Place the scones in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Remove and let cool on a wire rack.
- Prepare Glaze: Whisk the powdered sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest together until smooth to create a vibrant, citrusy glaze.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled scones. Serve warm or at room temperature alongside tea or coffee for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Use cold butter to ensure flaky scones.
- Fresh cranberries provide a tart bite, while dried cranberries add sweetness; both work well.
- Do not overmix the dough to keep the scones tender.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
- Scones are best enjoyed the day they are made but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven before serving for freshness.
- The glaze can be adjusted in thickness by adding more orange juice or powdered sugar as needed.
