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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 - 1/2 cup dried cranberries - Zest of 1 large orange - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1 large egg - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1/2 cup orange juice When I create cranberry orange scones, I focus on fresh, simple ingredients. The all-purpose flour forms the base. It gives the scones structure. Granulated sugar adds sweetness that balances the tart cranberries. Baking powder helps the scones rise. A pinch of salt enhances all the flavors. Next, I consider the key flavors. Cold unsalted butter is a must. It keeps the scones flaky. I enjoy using dried cranberries for their chewy texture and bright taste. The zest of one large orange brings a burst of citrus that brightens the dough. Heavy cream adds richness, making the scones moist. For the wet ingredients, I use a large egg for binding. Vanilla extract adds warmth. Fresh orange juice gives a vibrant flavor, tying all the ingredients together. Each component plays a role in making these scones a delightful treat. - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This first step is simple but vital. Preheating helps the scones rise and bake evenly. Lining the sheet keeps them from sticking. - Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients well. This helps distribute the baking powder and salt evenly. It sets a good base for your scones. - Mix in cold cubed butter and cranberries. - Add wet ingredients and form dough. Add the cold cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter or fork to blend until it looks like coarse crumbs. Then stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, egg, vanilla, and orange juice. Pour this mixture into the dry mix. Gently stir until just combined. Don't overmix; we want light scones. - Turn dough onto a floured surface and shape. - Cut into wedges or rounds. Take the dough out and place it on a floured surface. Shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. You can cut it into 8 wedges or use a round cutter for rounds. This step helps create the classic scone shape. - Refrigerate before baking. - Bake for 15-18 minutes until golden brown. Chilling the shaped scones for 15 minutes helps them hold their shape. Bake them in the preheated oven. Look for a golden brown top. This means they are ready to enjoy! To get the best texture for your scones, avoid overmixing the dough. Mix just until everything comes together. This keeps the scones light and fluffy. Use cold ingredients for flakiness. Cold butter gives your scones that nice, crumbly texture we all love. You can enhance the flavor by experimenting with fresh orange juice or zest. It adds brightness to each bite. Adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg gives the scones extra depth. Just a pinch can make a big difference in taste. Cranberry orange scones are best served warm. A dusting of powdered sugar on top makes them look special. Pair them with cranberry-orange marmalade for a sweet touch. This combination boosts the flavors and makes each bite delightful. {{image_2}} You can boost your scone's taste easily. Try adding nuts like pecans or walnuts. They add crunch and flavor. You can also mix in chocolate chips. They bring a sweet touch that kids love. If you want a gluten-free scone, use almond flour instead of regular flour. This swap keeps the scone tasty and safe. For a vegan version, replace heavy cream and butter with plant-based options. Almond milk and coconut oil work well here. Change up the fruit based on what’s fresh. Blueberries or raspberries can add a new twist. You can also make festive scones by adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for the holidays. This makes your treats feel special and seasonal. Cranberry orange scones taste best fresh. Enjoy them within a day of baking. Store them at room temperature in an airtight container. This keeps them soft and moist. Avoid leaving them uncovered, as they can dry out quickly. You can freeze the scones for up to 2 months. To do this, let them cool completely first. Then, wrap each scone in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag to keep air out. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the fridge overnight. This method helps maintain their texture. The best way to reheat scones is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the scones on a baking sheet and warm them for about 5-10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy on the outside and soft inside. If you need a quick option, use the microwave. Heat each scone for about 20-30 seconds. But remember, the oven is best for taste! Yes, you can freeze cranberry orange scones. To do this, let the scones cool completely after baking. Then, wrap each scone tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped scones in a freezer bag or container. This keeps them fresh for up to two months. To thaw, take the scones out and leave them at room temperature for a few hours. You can also warm them in an oven set to 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. This will help restore their soft texture. To know if scones are done, look for a golden-brown color on top. They should feel firm to the touch but spring back slightly when pressed. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Baking usually takes 15 to 18 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking. You can use fresh cranberries in place of dried ones. However, fresh cranberries are more tart. This change will alter the taste and texture of your scones. If you use fresh cranberries, consider adding a bit more sugar to balance the tartness. You may also need to adjust the baking time since fresh cranberries have more moisture. Cranberry orange scones pair well with various foods and drinks. Try serving them warm with a dusting of powdered sugar. A small bowl of cranberry-orange marmalade makes a great spread. For drinks, serve them with tea or coffee. They also go well with fresh orange juice. This makes for a bright and refreshing breakfast or snack option. This post covered how to make delicious cranberry orange scones. We explored key ingredients like flour, cranberries, and orange zest. I provided step-by-step instructions for perfecting the dough and baking. You learned tips to enhance flavor and texture, plus variations to suit different diets. In conclusion, with these tips, you can create your perfect scone. Try different flavors and share with friends. Enjoy the warmth and joy these scones bring!

Cranberry Orange Scones

Indulge in the delightful flavors of Cranberry Orange Bliss Scones with this easy recipe! Perfect for breakfast or a cozy afternoon treat, these homemade scones combine tart cranberries and zesty orange for a burst of flavor. With simple ingredients and quick prep, you’ll have a batch ready to enjoy in just 35 minutes. Click through to discover how to make these scrumptious scones and elevate your baking game!
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Ingredients
  

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

1/2 cup dried cranberries

Zest of 1 large orange

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 large egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 cup orange juice

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.

      Add the cubed cold butter to the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or fork, mix until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

        Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest until evenly distributed.

          In a separate bowl, whisk together the heavy cream, egg, vanilla extract, and orange juice.

            Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, and gently combine until just moistened. Be careful not to overmix.

              Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a circle about 1-inch thick. Cut into 8 wedges or use a round cutter to create rounds.

                Place the scones on the prepared baking sheet and refrigerate for 15 minutes before baking.

                  Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the scones are golden brown on top.

                    Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on the baking sheet before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

                      Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 8

                        - Presentation Tips: Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar on top, and accompanied by a small bowl of cranberry-orange marmalade for spreading.