CRANBERRY ORANGE SCONES RECIPE

Step 2: Make the Scone Dough

Combine Dry Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ½ cup of sugar, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Cut in the Butter:

Cut ½ cup (1 stick) of cold butter into small cubes and add them to the flour mixture. Using a pastry blender or two forks, cut the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse meal with pieces of butter about the size of peas. The small chunks of butter will create a flaky texture in the baked scones.

Add Cranberries and Liquid Ingredients:

Gently fold in ½ cup of fresh cranberries. Then, add ¾ cup of heavy cream, 1 tablespoon of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough just begins to come together. If the dough is too dry and crumbly, add more heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until it just holds together.

Step 3: Shape the Scones

Shape the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently pat the dough into a round disc, about 1 inch thick. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make the scones tough.

Cut the Scones:

Using a sharp knife or a bench scraper, cut the disc into 8 equal-sized wedges. Place the wedges onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.

Brush with Butter:

Melt about 2 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the scones. This will help them develop a beautiful golden-brown color as they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Scones

Bake:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the scones are just beginning to turn lightly brown around the edges. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them as they bake.

Cool:

Once the scones are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. This initial cooling period allows them to set slightly, making them easier to handle.

Step 5: Make the Orange Glaze

Prepare the Glaze:

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together 1 cup of confectioner’s sugar, 3-4 tablespoons of orange juice, and 1 tablespoon of orange zest until smooth. Adjust the amount of orange juice to achieve your desired glaze consistency.

Step 6: Glaze the Scones

Glaze the Scones:

Drizzle the orange glaze over the slightly cooled scones. You can use a spoon or a small whisk to create a decorative drizzle. The glaze adds a sweet and tangy finish that complements the tart cranberries and zesty orange in the scones.

Variations & Substitutions

Dried Cranberries:

If fresh cranberries are not available, you can use dried cranberries. Soak them in hot water for a few minutes to rehydrate before adding them to the dough.

Alternative Zests:

For a different flavor profile, try using lemon zest instead of orange zest. Lemon adds a bright, citrusy note that pairs well with cranberries.

Nut Additions:

Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as almonds or pecans, to the dough for added texture and flavor.

Gluten-Free Option:

Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour to make these scones gluten-free. Ensure that your other ingredients, like baking powder, are also gluten-free.

Dairy-Free Option:

Substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, and use a dairy-free margarine in place of butter.

Conclusion

Cranberry Orange Scones are a delightful treat that bring a touch of elegance to any occasion. Their bright, zesty flavor and tender, flaky texture make them a favorite for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy afternoon tea. The combination of tart cranberries and fragrant orange zest is simply irresistible, while the sweet orange glaze adds a perfect finishing touch.

This recipe is straightforward and versatile, allowing you to customize it to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Whether you’re baking for a special event or simply treating yourself, these scones are sure to impress. Enjoy the process of baking and savoring these delicious scones, and share the joy with friends and family.