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Cranberry Orange Scones

Cranberry Orange Scones
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Cranberry Orange Scones are flaky, buttery treats that perfectly balance the bright, tangy flavor of fresh oranges with the sweet tartness of cranberries. Ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a cozy snack, these scones boast a tender crumb and vibrant citrus-berry taste that is simple to make and customizable for any season or dietary preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Butter

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

Fruit and Flavorings

  • 1 cup fresh cranberries
  • 2 teaspoons orange zest (from fresh oranges)

Wet Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Make sure your butter is properly chilled and cubed, and your cranberries are fresh and rinsed. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and flavors.
  3. Cut in the Butter: Add the cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized pieces.
  4. Add Cranberries and Orange Zest: Gently fold in the fresh cranberries and orange zest, taking care to keep the cranberries mostly intact for bursts of flavor during baking.
  5. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently to combine without overmixing.
  6. Shape the Dough and Cut Scones: Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently pat it into a 1-inch thick circle. Use a sharp knife or bench scraper to cut the dough into 8 wedges and transfer them carefully to your prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake Until Golden: Bake the scones for 18-22 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Notes

  • Keep the Butter Cold: Ensures flaky layers by creating steam pockets during baking.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to avoid dense scones.
  • Use Fresh Cranberries: They provide the best texture and tartness.
  • Orange Zest Matters: Fresh zest offers a brighter flavor than extracts.
  • Chill the Dough (Optional): For even flakier scones, refrigerate the shaped dough for 15-20 minutes before baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: cranberry orange scones, scones, breakfast scones, cranberry scones, citrus scones, flaky scones, easy scones recipe

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