The scent of freshly baked orange cranberry scones wafts through the air like a warm hug. Imagine biting into a buttery, flaky treat bursting with the tangy sweetness of cranberries and the bright zing of fresh oranges. It’s a flavor explosion that makes you want to do a happy dance in your kitchen.
These delightful orange cranberry scones are more than just a treat; they’re steeped in memories. I remember one chilly morning when my friend and I decided to bake these beauties together, turning our kitchen into a delightful mess of flour and laughter. Whether it’s brunch with friends or an afternoon tea, these scones elevate every moment.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These orange cranberry scones are easy to whip up and perfect for beginners in the kitchen
- The combination of sweet oranges and tart cranberries creates an irresistible flavor profile
- Their golden-brown crust makes them visually stunning on any table, while their versatility allows you to enjoy them any time of day
I still chuckle remembering how flour ended up on our faces rather than in the bowl during our baking adventure.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: Use high-quality flour for the best texture; it’s the foundation of your scone’s flaky goodness.
- Granulated Sugar: A touch of sweetness enhances the flavors; adjust according to your taste.
- Baking Powder: Ensure it’s fresh; this is crucial for making your scones rise beautifully.
- Salt: Just a pinch adds balance to the flavors; don’t skip it!
- Cold Unsalted Butter: Cut into small cubes; this helps create those flaky layers we all love.
- Cranberries: Use fresh or dried; their tartness pairs perfectly with the sweetness of oranges.
- Zest of an Orange: Fresh zest adds vibrant flavor; don’t be shy—zest generously!
- Heavy Cream: This keeps your scone batter moist and rich; opt for high-fat cream for best results.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for binding and enriching the dough; they help create that fluffy texture.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash adds warmth and depth to your flavorful mix.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This creates a solid base for our lovely scones.
Add Butter: Toss in those cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until it resembles coarse crumbs. It should look like sandy beach terrain—a little crumbly but full of promise.
Add Fruits & Zest: Stir in cranberries and orange zest gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture without squishing them too much. We want bursts of juicy fruit!
Add Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and fold gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing or you’ll end up with tough scones—not what we want!
Scoop & Shape: Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into wedges or use a biscuit cutter for round shapes—whatever tickles your fancy!
Bake & Enjoy: Place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown on top. Keep an eye out for that beautiful color change—it’s like watching magic happen!
These orange cranberry scones are sure to become a favorite treat at any gathering or simply enjoyed solo with your morning coffee!
Now you’ve got everything you need to create these delightful pastries that are perfect any time of day!
You Must Know
- Orange cranberry scones are perfect for breakfast or tea time
- Their zesty flavor and crumbly texture create an irresistible treat
- The aroma of citrus mingling with warm baked goods will have everyone flocking to the kitchen
- A delightful way to brighten any day!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that warms up, mix dry ingredients, then add butter until crumbly. Finally, fold in cranberries and orange zest before shaping and baking—perfect efficiency for perfect results!
Add Your TouchDiscover how to make delicious orange cranberry scones that are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Feel free to customize these scones by swapping cranberries for blueberries or adding nuts. A sprinkle of cinnamon can also elevate the flavor profile and make your scones uniquely yours!
Storing & ReheatingDiscover how to make delicious orange cranberry scones that are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Store leftover scones in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about five minutes to restore their delightful crunch.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use cold butter for a flaky texture; it creates those lovely layers we all crave
- Ensure not to overmix the dough; a few lumps are just fine!
- Serve them warm with butter or cream for an indulgent experience
There’s a certain magic when I bake orange cranberry scones on a rainy Sunday morning. The smell fills my home, and suddenly it feels like a cozy café, complete with family gathered around the table, eagerly waiting for their first bite.
FAQDiscover how to make delicious orange cranberry scones that are bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion.
Can I use frozen cranberries in orange cranberry scones?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well but don’t thaw them beforehand.
How do I know when my scones are done baking?
Your scones should be golden brown on top, typically after 15-20 minutes in the oven.
Can I freeze orange cranberry scones?
Absolutely! Freeze them before baking or after cooling completely for later enjoyment.
Delightful Orange Cranberry Scones
Indulge in these buttery, flaky orange cranberry scones, bursting with tangy cranberries and citrus zest—perfect for any occasion, from breakfast to afternoon tea.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cold unsalted butter
- Fresh or dried cranberries
- Zest of one orange
- Heavy cream
- Large eggs
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gently fold in cranberries and orange zest.
- In another bowl, whisk together heavy cream, eggs, and vanilla; add to dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Turn out the dough onto a floured surface, shape it into a 1-inch thick circle, and cut into wedges.
- Place on the baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 scone (50g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
