Best Cranberry Orange Scones

Introduction

There’s something about the combination of cranberries and orange that just feels like a celebration of flavors, especially when baked into the perfect scone. These Best Cranberry Orange Scones have become a staple in our home, and I can’t say enough about how much we all enjoy them. The tangy sweetness of the cranberries paired with the bright, citrusy burst of orange zest creates the most perfect balance. With their golden, flaky texture and the added sweetness of a simple orange glaze, they’re the ideal treat for a cozy breakfast or an afternoon tea. The whole family loves them, and they never fail to make the house smell amazing as they bake. Whether you’re serving them for a holiday brunch or just a quiet weekend morning, these scones are sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love These Best Cranberry Orange Scones

These scones are more than just a delicious treat — they’re an experience. From the moment the dough comes together, you’ll know you’re in for something special. The texture of the scones is light and flaky, thanks to the cold butter and careful mixing technique. The bright, zesty flavor of orange pairs beautifully with the tartness of cranberries, creating a refreshing and balanced flavor profile. The simple yet elegant orange glaze drizzled over the top adds a touch of sweetness that complements the scones perfectly. They’re incredibly versatile, too. Whether enjoyed as a breakfast with a cup of tea or served as a dessert after dinner, they’re a crowd-pleaser that works for any occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these delicious Best Cranberry Orange Scones:

For the Scones:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (from about 1 orange)
• 1 cup fresh or dried cranberries (if using dried, soak in warm water for 10 minutes)
• 1 tablespoon coarse sugar (for topping)

For the Orange Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice
• 1 teaspoon orange zest (optional)

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to make your Best Cranberry Orange Scones:

1. Prepare the Scone Dough:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
   • Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces of butter.
   • In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and orange zest.
   • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
   • Fold in the cranberries.
2. Shape and Cut the Scones:
   • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it just a few times to bring it together. Pat the dough into a 1-inch thick disk.
   • Use a sharp knife to cut the dough into 8 wedges (like a pizza).
   • Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
   • Sprinkle the tops with coarse sugar for a little crunch and sparkle.
3. Bake the Scones:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on the edges and cooked through.
   • Allow the scones to cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely.
4. Prepare the Orange Glaze:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange juice, and orange zest (if using) until smooth. The glaze should be pourable but not too thin. If needed, add a bit more powdered sugar or juice to reach the desired consistency.
5. Glaze the Scones:
   • Once the scones have cooled, drizzle the orange glaze over the top of each scone. Allow the glaze to set before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8 scones
Calories per serving: 300-350 kcal (varies depending on portion size)

Nutrition per scone:

• Calories: 300-350 kcal
• Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 3g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes

How to Serve

These Best Cranberry Orange Scones are perfect for a variety of occasions. Here are some great ways to serve them:

• For breakfast: Serve with a hot cup of tea or coffee for a cozy start to your day.
• As a snack: Pair with some fruit or yogurt for a light afternoon snack.
• For brunch: Add these scones to a brunch spread with other pastries and fresh fruit for a delicious treat.
• As a dessert: Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent finish to a meal.
• For gifting: Wrap them up in a pretty box or bag and share them with friends and family as a homemade gift.

Additional Tips

1. Use cold butter: Cold butter is key to achieving the flakiness in these scones. Make sure the butter is chilled before you start mixing.
2. Don’t overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, be gentle. Overmixing can lead to dense, tough scones.
3. Experiment with dried cranberries: If you don’t have fresh cranberries, dried cranberries work well too. Just be sure to soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before adding them to the dough.
4. Customize the glaze: For an extra kick, add a splash of liqueur like Grand Marnier to the orange glaze for a festive twist.
5. Freezing: These scones freeze well. Simply freeze the unbaked scone wedges on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from the freezer when you’re ready to enjoy them.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make these scones without heavy cream? Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the texture may not be as rich and flaky.
2. Can I use bottled orange juice instead of fresh juice? Fresh orange juice will provide the best flavor, but you can use bottled juice in a pinch.
3. How can I make these scones sweeter? If you prefer sweeter scones, you can increase the sugar in the dough or glaze.
4. Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just be sure not to thaw them before adding them to the dough.
5. How do I store leftover scones? Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze them for up to 3 months.
6. Can I make the scone dough ahead of time? Yes, you can make the dough ahead of time, shape it into wedges, and freeze it. Bake the frozen dough straight from the freezer.
7. Can I add nuts to these scones? Yes, adding chopped walnuts or pecans can give these scones a nice crunch and complement the cranberry and orange flavors.
8. What’s the best way to reheat scones? To reheat scones, place them in a preheated oven at 300°F for about 5-10 minutes to restore their texture.
9. Can I skip the glaze? Yes, you can skip the glaze if you prefer a less sweet scone, but it adds a nice finishing touch.
10. Are these scones suitable for a vegan diet? To make these scones vegan, substitute the butter with plant-based butter, the egg with a flax egg, and the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative.

Conclusion

These Best Cranberry Orange Scones are the perfect blend of flaky texture and bright, refreshing flavor. The combination of fresh or dried cranberries with the zesty orange glaze creates a treat that is both indulgent and light. Whether you’re serving them at a special brunch, enjoying them with a cup of tea, or giving them as a gift, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone. Try them out and discover why they’ve become a favorite in our home!

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