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Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones
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These easy Cranberry Orange Scones combine the tart zing of cranberries with bright citrus notes of fresh orange zest. Tender, flaky, and buttery, they make a quick and delicious breakfast, brunch, or snack that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest
  • 1/2 cup dried cranberries
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 egg (optional, for egg wash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, granulated sugar, and salt until evenly combined to ensure the leavening agents and sugars are well distributed.
  2. Cut in the butter: Add the cold, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized bits of butter remaining, which is key for flaky scones.
  3. Add the cranberries and orange zest: Stir in the dried cranberries and fresh orange zest, spreading them evenly throughout the dry mixture to distribute their vibrant flavors.
  4. Mix wet ingredients and combine: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Pour this liquid into the dry ingredients and gently fold everything together using a spatula until a soft dough forms. Be careful not to over-mix or the scones will turn dense.
  5. Shape and cut the dough: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or a bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges, like slicing a pizza. Handle the dough as little as possible to keep the texture light.
  6. Optional egg wash and baking: If desired, brush the tops of the scones with a beaten egg for a golden sheen. Place the wedges on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them evenly. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are risen and golden brown around the edges.

Notes

  • Keep butter cold to create flaky layers and avoid greasy dough.
  • Do not overwork the dough to ensure tender, flaky scones.
  • Use freshly grated orange zest for vibrant and aromatic flavor.
  • If kitchen is warm, chill dough before baking to prevent spreading.
  • Bake on parchment paper for easy release and even baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry scones, orange scones, breakfast scones, easy scones, homemade scones

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/cranberry-orange-scones/