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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed - 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 orange - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze) - 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze) To make the best cranberry orange scones, you need fresh ingredients. Start with all-purpose flour for a light texture. The granulated sugar adds sweetness, while the baking powder helps them rise. A touch of salt brings out the flavors. Using cold unsalted butter is key for flakiness. Chop fresh cranberries for a burst of tartness. The zest of one orange gives a bright, citrus flavor that pairs well with the cranberries. Buttermilk keeps the scones moist and tender. A large egg helps bind everything together. Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth. For the glaze, powdered sugar and fresh orange juice create a sweet finish. Gather these ingredients before you start. Each one plays a role in making these scones scrumptious and easy to bake. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for a perfect bake. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will keep the scones from sticking. 3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together: - 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup granulated sugar - 1 tablespoon baking powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt This mixes the dry ingredients well. 1. Add 1/4 cup of cold unsalted butter, cubed, into the dry mix. 2. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix the butter in. Keep mixing until it looks like coarse crumbs. 3. Now, gently fold in: - 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, chopped - Zest of 1 orange This adds great flavor and color to your dough. 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract This mixture will bring moisture to your dough. 5. Gradually add the wet mix to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Do not overmix; you want it to be light. 1. Turn the dough onto a floured surface. Gently knead it a few times until it holds together. 2. Pat the dough into a circle, about 1-inch thick. Cut it into wedges, like a pizza. 3. Place the wedges on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each one. 4. Bake them for 15-18 minutes. They should be golden brown when done. 5. While they bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together: - 1/2 cup powdered sugar - 1-2 tablespoons fresh orange juice This will give your scones a sweet finish. 6. Once the scones are baked, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, drizzle the glaze over them. Enjoy your freshly baked scones! To make the best cranberry orange scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix the wet and dry ingredients just until they combine. If you stir too much, the scones can turn tough. When cutting the scone wedges, use a sharp knife. Press down firmly to make clean cuts. This helps the scones rise evenly while baking. For a beautiful presentation, serve the scones warm. Place them on a tiered cake stand or a wooden board. Garnish with extra cranberries and orange slices for a festive look. Pair your scones with clotted cream or butter for a rich taste. A cup of tea or coffee complements the flavors well. Enjoy your scones fresh for a delightful treat! Pro Tips Chill the Dough: For best results, chill the scone dough for 15-30 minutes before baking. This helps the butter firm up and results in a flakier texture. Use Fresh Cranberries: Opt for fresh cranberries rather than dried for a burst of tartness. If fresh cranberries are unavailable, frozen can be used; just do not thaw them first. Don’t Overmix: Mix the dough until just combined to avoid tough scones. The goal is to have a light, tender texture. Glaze Variation: For an extra flavor twist, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze for a warm spice note that complements the citrus. {{image_2}} You can change the fruits in these scones for fun. Try using blueberries or raspberries instead of cranberries. Each fruit brings a unique taste. Fresh or dried fruits work well. You can also add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. A dash of almond extract can add a nice twist too. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free flour. Look for blends made for baking. They work well in scone recipes. For a dairy-free version, use almond milk or coconut milk instead of buttermilk. Replace the butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free spread. These swaps make the scones friendly for many diets. To keep your scones fresh, store them in an airtight container. This method locks in moisture and prevents them from getting dry. Place parchment paper between layers if stacking them. If you want to freeze scones, wrap each one in plastic wrap tightly. Then, put them in a freezer bag. This way, they won’t stick together. When you’re ready to eat, just take one out. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight, or warm it in the oven for a few minutes. Homemade scones last about 2-3 days at room temperature. If you store them properly, they can stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Freezing extends their life for about 3 months. Always check for signs of spoilage before eating. Enjoy your scones at their best! Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can use frozen cranberries. Just chop them while still frozen. They will work well in your scones. Keep in mind, they may add a bit more moisture. How can I make scones ahead of time? You can prepare the dough a day in advance. Wrap it tightly and store it in the fridge. When ready, cut and bake the scones straight from the fridge. What’s the best way to reheat scones? To reheat scones, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-10 minutes. This keeps them warm and fresh. Can I substitute butter with oil? Yes, you can substitute butter with oil. Use about 3-4 tablespoons of oil for this recipe. However, butter gives the best flavor and texture. You learned how to make tasty cranberry orange scones. We covered the key ingredients, easy steps, and helpful tips for perfecting your scones. Remember, folding gently is key to a great texture. You can explore fun flavor variations and smart storage options too. Enjoy your scones fresh or warmed. With these tips, you can impress anyone with your baking skills. Dive into this delicious recipe and make it your own!

Cranberry Citrus Delight Scones

Delicious scones with a festive blend of cranberries and orange zest.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 0.5 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
  • 0.75 cup fresh cranberries, chopped
  • 1 zest of 1 orange
  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh orange juice (for glaze)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter into the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Gently fold in the chopped cranberries and orange zest.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and vanilla extract until well combined.
  • Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
  • Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and gently knead it a few times until it comes together.
  • Pat the dough into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut the dough into wedges (like a pizza) and place them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each scone.
  • Bake for 15-18 minutes or until the scones are golden brown.
  • While the scones are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth.
  • Once baked, let the scones cool for a few minutes before drizzling the glaze over them.

Notes

Serve warm on a tiered cake stand or rustic wooden board, garnished with extra cranberries and orange slices.
Keyword baking, cranberry, orange, scones